Special Education Teacher - Early Childhood (Preschool)

JOB INFORMATION

JobID: 12754 Position Type: Certificated/ Special Education – PreK through High School Date Posted: 4/2/2026 Location: To be determined Date Available: 09/01/2026

POSITION SUMMARY

An early childhood special education preschool teacher works with students who receive special education services and their developmental peers in an inclusive environment. The classroom setting will meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities such as autism, developmental delays, and health impairments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and maintain compliant individual education plans (IEPs) and other compliance documents. Develop, implement, and adjust appropriate programming to provide access to a student's least restrictive environment (LRE). Provide interventions and systematic purposeful instruction at students' instructional levels, linking district initiatives and grade level expectations to IEPs. Coordinate with general education teachers to address students' instructional needs in order to support further involvement in core instruction. Design and implement intervention based on student assessment and evaluation. Collect and utilize data and frequent ongoing progress monitoring systems to inform instructional decisions or revisions. Design and implement appropriate accommodations and modifications. Train and supervise paraeducators.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A current Washington state teaching certificate with an early childhood special education endorsement

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Provide medical or health services such as catheterization, diapering, toileting, feeding, tube feeding, and assisting students with other activities involving self‑care, as required. Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Training or experience in serving students with moderate to severe disabilities. Proficiency in conducting functional behavior assessments and developing behavior intervention plans. Bilingual.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Criminal background clearance. Washington state driver's license and proof of insurance. Possess and maintain a current district-approved CPR/First Aid card within 90 days of employment. District approved courses must include hands‑on and written exam. Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Special education laws. School board policies and procedures. Computer systems and various software programs. Evidence‑based classroom and behavior management practices.

ABILITY TO

Plan, implement, and evaluate individualized programs for students. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff, parents, and community members. Skill in operating a computer and ability to learn and use various software programs. Work effectively under varying levels of pressure. Intervene in situations of imminent likelihood of serious harm using district approved Right Response techniques, including de‑escalation strategies and restraint when needed. Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures. Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and able to pay strict attention to detail. Communicate effectively through spoken and written word; read and follow written or verbal communications. Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines. Develop and maintain positive relationships with staff and service providers. Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co‑workers. Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality. Relate effectively with parents, staff, students and community members in a multicultural and multiracial community. Perform job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others. Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District. Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future." Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be required to reach, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, handle/grasp, talk, and hear. The employee will occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, lift and reach overhead, twist torso and neck, and fine motor manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to lift/carry a maximum of 50 pounds. The employee will occasionally be required to push/pull a maximum weight of 100 pounds. Anything over the weight limits will be performed as a two‑person lift or with a mechanical lift.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position has a school year schedule.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Position reports to, and is evaluated by, a building administrator, department director, or designee.

REPRESENTATION

Federal Way Education Association (FWEA)

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION

Federal Way Education Association (FWEA) Salary Schedule. This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE – Medical, dental vision, wellness leave, life insurance, retirement, professional development dollars.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

EEO STATEMENT

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Federal Way Public Schools