Special Ed Teacher

JOB SUMMARY: To teach pre-school children requiring special education; to carry out evaluations and prepare curricula and other teaching strategies.Essential ElementsPlans and writes a full curriculum appropriate for individual children and group based on a wide range of information developed from Creative Curriculum, consumer files, observations during classroom activities, previous lesson plans, review of individual educational programs and evaluations, and the individual goals targeted for each child during daily activities. Innovates or develops new material tailored to specific children. Reviews plans with staff in order to ensure the carrying out of curriculum during the school day or while teacher is working individually with a child for testing, special projects, etc.Performs a variety of tests on children on a continuing basis including individualized testing of basic skills requiring a comprehensive understanding of tests and materials available and their application. Prepares reports of evaluations and finding for submission to appropriate school districts for follow through and use.Participates in CPSE and CSE meetings, preparing and presenting information on each child. Prepares and writes new IEPs for each child, covering a variety of protocols; updates previous IEPs, determining goals to be achieved or changes that may be appropriate. Prepares a variety of reports and other written information received from therapists, social workers, and others involved with the child. Oversees the preparation of a total package for forwarding to school districts.Monitors, screens and facilitates each child’s physical presence in the classroom including positioning in sitting, prone position, supported standing, etc. which is appropriate to each child’s needs. Monitors physical and equipment needs to ensure all orthotics and seating systems fit and function properly.Participates in team conferences with supervisor, therapists, classroom team, and other agency professionals to gain and share knowledge of individual children in a variety of situations and to better understand and meet their needs in the classroom. Confers with parents to discuss child in a supportive manner, and to educate parents as to how they can be supportive and carry out other activities to support the overall program. Trains or works with staff to meet with and confer with parents and to carry out other parent guidance activities.Oversees the work of Assistant Teacher and Teacher’s Aide, assigning groups of children to each staff member, providing instruction and guidance in working with individual children in a variety of ways. Develops schedule for Assistants and Aides, assigning classroom duties for daily lessons providing guidance in the details of their work including the use of materials and equipment, assisting of children with any appliances or physical aids, etc. Completes annual performance appraisal for TAs.Assists children with daily living activities such as diapering, toileting, dressing and feeding.Keeps abreast of best practices in fields of special education and early childhood education and incorporates new strategies, materials and programs as appropriate.Oversees or guides volunteers or graduate students as may be assigned.For Integrated Classrooms Only:Works collaboratively with General Education/Daycare Teacher to plan curriculum and lessons and to share instruction of small group and whole group. Shares responsibility for supervising TAs, assessing children, routine paperwork, conferring with parents and overall daily functioning of the classroom. Ensures complete integration of general education/daycare and special education children.Nonessential ElementMaintain safe, orderly and professional work area and work practices.Performs other duties as necessary.BACKGROUND/FORMAL EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: NYS certification in Early Childhood and Special Education, Master’s degree in special education and/or early childhood plus one year experience. Experience with children with moderate to severe disabilities preferred.MINIMUM LEARNING TIME: 1 yearINTERRELATIONSHIPS: Continual close contact with consumers, frequent contact with professionals throughout the agency; frequent contact with parents and other outside professionals, as well as school district personnel.WORK ENVIRONMENT: On feet most of day, lifting, pushing and helping children up to approximately 50 lbs. May spend part of day outside, weather permitting.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Permanent/Professional certification by the NYS Education Department as a Special Education Teacher. Must complete 30 hours of OCFS training every 2 years, with 15 hours completed during first 6 months of employment. Will be observed in work environment and evaluated at least annually by supervisor. #J-18808-Ljbffr