Special Education Teacher - ESN - Transition Program - Starting School Year 2024-25

West Contra Costa Unified School District - Richmond, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Richmond, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education Teacher for the ESN Transition Program is responsible for providing an age-appropriate functional educational program tailored for students with severe handicaps. This role encompasses a comprehensive approach that includes various curricular domains such as domestic skills, vocational training, recreation and leisure activities, and community integration. The teacher will work within the natural environment to ensure that students receive the most relevant and practical education possible, fostering independence and life skills that are essential for their future success. A key aspect of this position involves conducting annual interviews with parents or caregivers to gather insights about each student's needs and progress. The teacher will perform both formal and informal assessments to evaluate the functional levels of students in critical activities and basic skill areas. Collaboration is crucial in this role, as the teacher will coordinate the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with parents, Designated Instructional Services (DIS), and agency representatives. This collaborative effort ensures that each student's educational plan is tailored to their unique needs and abilities. The teacher will also be responsible for developing systematic instructional programs that utilize natural stimuli and consequences, adapting curriculum materials and environments as necessary. Establishing domestic and community sites for teaching independent living and vocational skills is another critical responsibility. The teacher will document student performance and communicate effectively with parents, co-workers, and administrators to keep all stakeholders informed of progress and challenges. Fostering a transdisciplinary team approach is essential, involving various professionals such as instructional aides, therapists, nurses, psychologists, and vocational specialists. The teacher will advocate for quality educational services for all students with exceptional needs and promote age-appropriate social integration both at the school site and in the surrounding community. Additionally, the teacher will provide training and information on the Special Education curriculum to parents, encouraging their involvement and maximizing the carryover of instruction into the home environment. Annual IEP meetings will be scheduled and conducted in coordination with the Regional Center's Individualized Program Plan (IPP) development, ensuring a comprehensive support system for each student.

Responsibilities

• Completes a parent/careprovider interview for each student annually.
• Conducts formal and informal assessments of student's functional level within critical activities and basic skill area.
• Coordinates development of an individualized education program (IEP) with parents, Designated Instructional Services (DIS) and agency representatives.
• Develops systematic instructional programs which utilize natural stimuli and consequences.
• Develops adaptations to curriculum materials and/or environment.
• Establishes domestic and other community sites for teaching independent living and vocational skills.
• Documents student performance and conveys information to parents, co-workers and administrators.
• Fosters the development of a transdisciplinary team including instructional aides, therapists, and other specialists.
• Promotes optimal age-appropriate social integration at school site and in surrounding community.
• Advocates for quality educational service for all students with exceptional needs.
• Provides training and information on SH curriculum to parents to foster their involvement and maximize carryover of instruction.
• Schedules and conducts annual IEP meetings coordinated with Regional Center Individualized Program Plan (IPP) development.
• Plans and supervises the work of the assigned instructional aide(s); participates in his/her evaluations.
• Works with Special Services personnel and/or school site Student Study Team in the evaluation and placement of students with severe handicaps.
• Maintains professional competencies through participation in self-selected professional growth activities.

Requirements

• Severely Handicapped Specialist Credential or Ed. Specialist Moderate to Severe Credential.
• Eligibility to enter or currently in an Intern Program for Severely Handicapped credentialing.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from an accredited institution.
• Clear or Preliminary (Level 1 or Level 2) Moderate/Severe credential or equivalent.
• English Learner Authorization (CLAD or equivalent).
• Passing scores on CBEST and CSET.