Lead Classroom Teacher - Special Education Center Based

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Classroom Teacher – Special Education Center Based

Woodside, Queens, NY

$70,000 – $80,000 per year

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Lead Classroom Teacher to join our special education preschool program in Woodside, Queens. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children with developmental delays and disabilities while working alongside a supportive interdisciplinary team.

Please note: Due to an immediate hiring need, only candidates who currently hold one of the New York State teaching certifications listed below will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a team of professionals, including related services providers, staff, and parents, to ensure a holistic and individualized approach to education. 
• Lead engaging and interactive group activities that promote active learning and foster social interaction among students. 
• Conduct assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique needs and abilities.
• Develop and implement individualized educational programs that address each student's goals and challenges.
• Lead engaging classroom activities that promote learning, communication, social-emotional growth, and school readiness.
• Create and maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Collaborate with related service providers, support staff, and families to support student success.
• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Complete all required reports and documentation in compliance with program and regulatory requirements.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to teaching assistants and support staff, fostering a collaborative and cohesive team environment. 
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents, keeping them informed about their child's progress and involving them in the educational process. 
• Participate in team meetings and professional development opportunities.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must hold one of the following active New York State certifications:

• Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Birth–Grade 2)
• Special Education Teachers
• Teacher of the blind and partially sighted
• Teacher of the blind and visually handicapped
• Teacher of the blind visually impaired
• Teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing
• Teacher of the deaf and hearing impaired
• Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped (TSHH)
• Teacher of students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD)
• Speech Language Pathologist with TSHH or TSSLD
• Candidates who do not currently hold one of the certifications listed above will not be considered.

Session Note Documentation Requirement  

The Lead Special Instructor is responsible for completing all required service documentation, including session notes, on the same day services are delivered

Responsibilities include: 

• Document interventions provided, child response, progress toward IFSP outcomes, caregiver participation (when applicable), and recommendations for continued intervention. 

• Complete documentation for missed, cancelled, and make-up sessions in accordance with agency procedures. 

• Submit all session notes through the ProviderSoft documentation system by the established same-day deadline. 

• Ensure documentation is sufficiently detailed to support billing, quality assurance review, and regulatory compliance. 

• Maintain documentation that meets New York State Early Intervention Program, Medicaid, and agency requirements. 

• Participate in documentation audits and promptly correct any deficiencies identified by supervisors or quality assurance staff. 

Essential Job Function  

• Timely completion of session notes on the date of service is an essential function of the Lead Special Instructor position. Failure to complete documentation by the required deadline may result in delayed billing, compliance concerns, and corrective action in accordance with agency policy.

Additional Requirements

• Experience working with preschool-aged children with developmental delays and disabilities
• Experience developing and implementing individualized educational programs
• Strong classroom management and instructional skills
• Knowledge of evidence-based teaching strategies and behavior supports
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, related service providers, and support staff
• Commitment to supporting the growth, development, and success of children with special needs

Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday through Friday
• 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 annually
• Health insurance reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location

• This position is in person and based in Woodside, Queens, NY.

If you are passionate about helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.