Special Education Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $75,000 - $80,000

Position: Special Education Preschool Teacher

Status: Full-time, exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm with an hour lunch. Some evening hours on occasion for parent conferences, scheduled in advance

Reports to: Preschool Director

Compensation: $75,000-$80,000 annually, depending on experience.

ABOUT US

St. Marys Center has served seniors and young children in West Oakland since 1973.Startingas an outreach effort of St. Marys Church, the Center incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1992.St. Marys Center Preschool prepares 3- and 4-year-old children for success in kindergarten and lifelong learning.Our team of teachers have created an inviting, stimulating classroom where children learn, explore freely, and develop social skills and positive self-image.St. Marys Center Preschool is certified by the California Department of Education and is QRIS Five Star rated for quality.

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POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Preschool Director, the Special EducationPreschoolTeacher provides specialized instruction and support to preschool-aged children with developmental delays, disabilities, and special needs in an inclusive early childhood setting. The teacherestablishesand maintains a safe, healthy, nurturing, and developmentallyappropriate learningenvironment that supports childrens physical, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and adaptive development.

The Special EducationPreschoolTeacher collaborates closely with families, therapists, specialists, and preschool staff to implement individualizedsupportand ensure each child hasequitableaccess to learning opportunities. The teacher uses developmentallyappropriate practices, positive behavior support strategies, and individualized instruction to foster growth, independence, and inclusion.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments.

• Monitor and document student progress toward individualized goals.

• Maintainaccuraterecords, reports, and confidential documentation.

• Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and/or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).

• Collaborate with specialists and support staff to ensureappropriate accommodationsand services are provided.

Instruction & Client Development

• Develop and implement individualized learning experiences for children with special needs.

• Adapt curriculum, classroom activities, and teaching methods to meet individual developmental and learning needs.

• Support childrens communication, cognitive, motor, sensory, social-emotional, and adaptive skill development.

• Use developmentallyappropriate practicesand positive behavior support strategies.

• Encourage physical activities that strengthen social, cognitive, and physical development.

• Promote inclusion, peer interactions, independence, and positive self-esteem.

• Help children develop problem-solving and self-regulation skills.

• Modelappropriate behaviorand language throughout the day.

• Create a learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and engagement.
  

Family & Team Collaboration

• Maintain open, respectful, and supportive relationships with families.

• Communicate regularly with familiesregardingstudent progress, development, and concerns.

• Collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, behavioral specialists, and other service providers.

• Meet regularly with the Preschool Director and Preschool staff members.

• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.

• Maintain absolute confidentialityregardingchildren, families, and Preschool staff.

Classroom Environment & Supervision

• Prepare the classroom and yard before school begins.

• Clean up classroom and yard as needed at the end of the school day.

• Supervise all children at all timeswith the help of the Assistant Director, Head Teacher, Teachers, and support staff. No child may ever be left unsupervised.

• Maintain required teacher-to-child ratiosin accordance withCalifornia licensing regulations.

• Count children and know their whereabouts at all times.

• Maintain a safe, structured, inclusive, and developmentallyappropriate classroomenvironment.

• Keep the Preschool free of hazardous materials and dangerous substances.

• Be competent in the use of emergency procedures and equipment.

• Adhere to infection control guidelines and Preschool procedures for care of sick children.

• Maintain learning materials, adaptive equipment, and classroom supplies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development.

• Education Specialist Instruction Credential Early Childhood Special Educationor valid California Special Education Teaching CredentialwithEarly Childhood Special Education authorization.

• Experience working with preschool-aged children with developmental delays, disabilities, or special needs.

• Knowledge of child development, inclusion practices, IEPs/IFSPs, behavior support strategies, and differentiated instruction.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Patience, flexibility, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

• BilingualSpanish a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete 21 hours of professional growth training annually.

• Possession of current pediatric CPR and pediatric First Aid certification upon hire.

• Health screening with evidence of a negative TB test within one year prior toemployment, ormust obtain one within seven days of employment.

• Must obtain criminal record clearance from the Department of Justice.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In general, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Must be able to lift and carry a small child (up to 50 lbs.) as needed/in the event ofan emergency. Other physical demands include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting, grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, reaching, stooping, using smell and touch, working outside and vision and hearing.

St. Marys Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
St. Marys Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active Equal Employment Opportunity. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, geneticinformationor veteran status. In compliance with the California Fair Chance Act, St. Marys Center will consider qualified applicant with a criminal historypursuant tothe California Fair Chance Act. You do not need todiscloseyour criminal history orparticipatein a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if St. Marys Center is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the convection, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.