Special Education Preschool Teacher

Salary Range:$66,373.00 To $84,869.00 AnnuallyIs your CV ready If so, and you are confident this is the role for you, make sure to apply asap.About AppleTreeAppleTree's mission is to close the achievement gap before students get to kindergarten. To accomplish this mission, we focus exclusively on preschool and pre-K education. We provide free, full-day public charter school programming for three- and four-year-olds in 12 locations across Washington, DC, employing our innovative and award winning instructional model, Every Child Ready (ECR). This instructional model provides educators with tools and resources for "What to Teach," "How to Teach," and "How to Measure Success." Our instructional model is also used by partners across the nation. We continuously test and improve this model through feedback from AppleTree educators, partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that children are learning and exploring through play and appropriate instruction.Position SummaryThe Self-Contained Special Education Teacher ensures that all children and families with special needs receive optimal, developmentally-appropriate educational experiences. Under the primary direction of the Special Education Manager and secondary direction of the Principal, the Special Education Teacher will implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in inclusion, push-in and/or pull-out settings. The Special Education Teacher will work with general education teachers in a consultative manner to integrate research-based interventions into their practice applying the Response to Intervention model.This position will support the Self-Contained Special Education Manager with administrative tasks including IDEA compliance activities and comprehensive case management of students participating in the special education program. The Self-Contained Special Education Teacher reports to the Special Education Manager, with input from the school Principal.This is an on-site position based in Washington, DC.What you'll do…Support the development and achievement of young and diverse learnersImplement developmentally-appropriate instructional activities that encourage the child with special needs abilities to analyze, conceptualize, synthesize and evaluateDemonstrate competency and expertise with the implementation of AppleTree's instructional programImplement the Response to Intervention (RTI) instructional model to maximize student achievement, especially for those students identified for special education and students in need of interventionPlan and provide differentiated and individualized instruction that supports students' social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in alignment with AELPCS' standards and/or the IEPConsult with general education teachers to support the implementation of the RTI modelSupport assessment activities related to the special education program including identification and eligibility in accordance with IDEA, and aligned with RTI and AELPCS standardsProvide specialized instruction during Extended School Year (ESY) to eligible students. Provide case management for special education and related servicesDevelop annual IEPs in collaboration with the instructional team and the Special Education Coordinator that include developmentally-appropriate student goalsDocument student data and progress through the Special Education Data System (SEDS)Adhere to all aspects of the IDEA compliance processCollaborate with general education teachers and related service providers, such as therapists and social workers, to assess and ensure: 1) students' progress toward IEP goals, 2) successful access to the general curriculum through Specialized Support Plans (SSP)Establish and maintain cooperative partnerships with parentsCollaborate with families and other school personnel to develop effective and viable transition plans to a Kindergarten Program for students with IEPsRegularly communicate the school's and individual students; educational goals and progress to familiesEnsure compliance with federal and local regulations. Support the full continuum of services for children transitioning from Tier 2 to Tier 3 of the RTI processUtilize the OSSE approved special education data system (SEDS) including SEDS, Easy IEP, and other mandated systems to track and document student progressAssist with the development of the AELPCS Special Education Program for the purposes of ensuring program quality and continued compliance with all state and federal lawsMaintain accurate special education records, to include documentation of service delivery and monitors the documentation of special education services provided as required by IDEA, state regulations, and AELPCS policiesUphold professional responsibilitiesMaintain strict confidentiality of student informationMaintain necessary ongoing licensure/certification requirements within specified timelinesDemonstrate professionalism in all interactions with staff, students, and familiesAllocate time and resources effectivelyActively participate in professional development opportunities provided and seeks out additional professional development opportunitiesFulfill the standards of professionalism in dress, attendance and timelinessPlan collaboratively and share ideas and resources with the AppleTree school communityNoteThe preceding description is not designed to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of the Self-Contained Special Education Teacher. xhyhwjd All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.What we're looking for…Candidates must have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree in elementary or early childhood special education and a passing score on the Praxis 5025 examA master's degree in early childhood special education or a certified speech language pathologist are preferredTwo or more years of professional teaching of young children with special needsAbility to deliver virtual instruction using modern technology and video conferencing softwaresAbility to travel to multiple AppleTree locations if neededDemonstrated teacher leadership experience is preferredStrong organizational skills and communication abilitiesAbility to work collaboratively and well within a teamCandidates must also receive a passing score on the Special Education and Elementary Education Content Knowledge (PK-3) Praxis within 60 days of hireWhat's in it for you . . .Competitive salaryEmployee Health Benefits in the 95th percentile of other schools in the DC Metro AreaFully covered DentalBenefits for you and all eligible dependentsFully covered Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Life Insurance with buy-up optionsFree Online Wellness Platform for you and up to four eligible dependentsCompetitive Paid Time Off, including early-close Mental Health Days5% Employer Contribution to your Retirement Account (whether you contribute or not)AppleTree Scholarship to pay for continued educationNetwork Professional Development Opportunities