Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher provides developmentally appropriate, play-based, and individualized instruction for young children (ages 3–5) in an inclusive early childhood setting. The ECSE Teacher is responsible for managing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), conducting early childhood evaluations, delivering differentiated instruction, coordinating with multidisciplinary service providers, and supervising classroom support personnel to ensure full compliance with state special education regulations and early childhood licensing standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Instruction & Curriculum: Plans and implements developmentally appropriate, play-based learning opportunities and daily routines that align with Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines and district-adopted curricula, embedding accommodations and modifications to address IEP goals.
• IEP Management & Compliance: Coordinates and leads the IEP process for preschool-aged children, including conducting comprehensive evaluations, setting clear goals, collecting ongoing progress data, facilitating IEP meetings, and maintaining accurate legal records in compliance with CDE and district regulations.
• Assessment & Reporting: Uses ongoing assessment tools (e.g., TS Gold / Results Matter) and specialized diagnostic instruments to monitor academic, functional, and social-emotional growth, issuing progress reports to parents.
• Inclusive Environment & Classroom Management: Creates a safe, clean, structured, and nurturing environment; utilizes positive behavior guidance strategies and multi-sensory approaches tailored to young children with diverse developmental needs.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborates with child find coordinator, speech-language pathologists, occupational/physical therapists, school psychologists, general early childhood educators, and specialized service providers to integrate support services into daily classroom activities.
• Family Engagement: Maintains ongoing, open communication with families regarding classroom activities and IEP progress; conducts IEP meetings and supports families in navigating early childhood special education services.
• Supervision & Team Leadership: Guides, schedules, and directs paraeducators and other relevant school staff in implementing individualized learning activities, behavior plans, and safety protocols.
• Daily Care & Safety: Supports children's health and personal care needs, including assistance with toileting/diapering, mealtime support, mobility, and responding to medical or behavioral needs following safety and hygiene standards.
• Professional Responsibilities: Participates in staff meetings, district committees, and required professional development to maintain licensure and stay current on early childhood special education practices.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Valid Colorado Educator License issued by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) with an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education (or eligible for endorsement).
• State Requirements: Must meet or be eligible to fulfill Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) teacher qualification standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous teaching experience in an inclusive preschool or early childhood special education classroom setting;
• Supervisory experience preferred;
• Experience with TS Gold / Results Matter assessment tools, curriculum adaptation, and behavior interventions

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS & TRAININGS

• CPR and First Aid certifications (within 3 months of hire).
• Universal Precautions and Medication Administration training (within 3 months of hire).
• Crisis Prevention Institute: Nonviolent Intervention certification (within 3 months of hire). 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of early childhood development, play-based learning strategies, and special education laws/procedures (IDEA and ECEA guidelines).
• Ability to design and execute individualized learning plans, collect and analyze evaluation data, and differentiate instruction.

• Ability to work with a large population of children with diverse needs;
• Knowledge of child development, behavioral management, and age-appropriate instructional practices
• techniques;
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills;
• Oral and written English language skills;
• Customer service, public relations, and interpersonal relations skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions;
• Ability to use District computer systems for basic word processing, e-mail, and data entry, as well as record work hours and/or absences on District time management programs;
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with all District staff and community members, and be part of a team; 
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills;
• Ability to effectively communicate with parents, staff, and the community; 
• Ability to maintain honesty and integrity in all aspects of the job; 
• Ability and willingness to adhere to attendance requirements, including regular and punctual employee presence; 
• Ability to promote and follow Morgan County School District’s Board of Education policies, Superintendent policies, and building and department procedures; 
• Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds; 
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.

SALARY SCHEDULE & RANGE: 

Certified Teacher Salary Schedule is dependent on education level and number of years of experience

Differential Pay in addition to base salary: $3,000

Signing-On Bonus: $2,000