Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Job Description
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Sibley East Public Schools
Early Childhood Special Education

Reports to: Building Principal    |    Position: 1.0 FTE
Duty Days: As established by the teacher contract

Purpose of the Position

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teacher provides specialized instruction and support for children with disabilities or special needs from three through age seven, as assigned. The teacher plans and delivers services that address each child’s developmental, physical, social, emotional, communication, and learning needs in collaboration with families and the educational team.

The teacher serves as a case manager, completes evaluations, develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and maintains required due process documentation. Services are provided in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements, district policies, and Minnesota’s Teacher Code of Ethics.

Responsibilities

• Participate and lead child find work for Early Childhood 
• Conduct intake and developmental history on new referrals to determine next steps. 
• Coordinate and conduct screenings and Part C and/or Part B evaluations; select and use appropriate assessment instruments and interpret results with the multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in assessments of the child and, working with school staff and family to identify needs and develop integrated  IEP goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor  IEPs; coordinate evaluations and team meetings and complete required due process paperwork within applicable timelines.
• Provide individualized, developmentally appropriate instruction through play, routines, peer interactions, and a variety of materials and teaching techniques.
• Adapt equipment, materials, activities, and learning environments to support participation and access for children with disabilities.
• Observe and document student performance, continuously evaluate progress, and use results to adjust instruction and report progress to families and team members.
• Collaborate with fellow ECSE staff, classroom teachers, related service providers, and community agencies to ensure timely, coordinated services and maximize learning opportunities.
• Provide service coordination as assigned; connect families with community early childhood resources and make appropriate referrals to professionals and agencies.
• Consult with parents and caregivers, explain services, model developmental skills, and coach families in strategies that support their child in natural settings.
• Facilitate or participate in IEP meetings, transition conferences, staff meetings, and professional learning; provide disability-related guidance and training to staff and families.
• Maintain accurate evaluations, observations, service records, and progress reports; protect confidentiality and follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Maintain a safe, respectful learning environment; participate in student activities, pursue professional development, and perform other related duties assigned by the Building Principal.

Qualifications

• Current Minnesota teaching license in Early Childhood Special Education or another special education license appropriate to the assigned duties and age range.
• Training and/or Experience with due process procedures, including screenings, evaluations and assessments, IEP development, progress monitoring, service coordination, and meeting facilitation.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of child development, early childhood special education practices, assessment instruments, and their appropriate applications.
• Knowledge of special education due process requirements and the ability to implement IEPs accurately and consistently.
• Knowledge of service coordination and community early childhood resources.
• Strong listening, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, staff, professionals, and the public and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varied physical, psychological, cognitive, and sensory abilities.
• Flexibility in responding to program and student needs; sound judgment and the ability to mediate concerns and solve problems in a positive, supportive manner.
• Ability to adapt equipment and instructional materials to meet individual needs.
• Proficiency with Google Docs, Microsoft Office, electronic documentation systems, and standard office equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Services may be delivered in classrooms, community locations, and other natural settings. The position requires travel between assigned locations and regular sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, and using stairs. Duties include participating physically in instructional activities, occasional lifting, and assisting students with physical needs. Any physical intervention must follow district procedures and required training.

The position requires the ability to use computers, prepare documentation, handle materials, and communicate effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Professional Expectations

Sibley East Public Schools expects employees to support district goals, work collaboratively, and keep the needs of the learner at the center of their work. The ECSE teacher must demonstrate respect, cultural awareness, compassion, and understanding while helping children build confidence and participate safely in meaningful learning activities.

Employees are expected to maintain confidentiality, promote a safe and secure environment, communicate in a welcoming manner, adapt to change, pursue continuous improvement, and be dependable and accountable. This description identifies the primary responsibilities of the position and is not all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned to meet district and program needs.