Early Intervention Special Ed Teacher

JOB SUMMARY: To evaluate, assess and develop educational treatment strategies to be implemented for infants and toddlers in a family focused approach.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

            Essential Elements

1. Plans and writes a full curriculum appropriate for infant consumers based on a wide range of information developed from consumer files, observations, previous lesson plans, review of individual educational and therapeutic programs and evaluations, and the individual goals targeted for each child during daily activities. Innovates or develops new material tailored to specific children.
2. Conducts home visits as appropriate for each consumer. Monitors progress and response to stimuli in the home environment. Assists parents in learning daily skills to maintain and enhance therapeutic and educational goals.
3. Performs a variety of tests on children on a continuing basis including individualized testing of basic skills requiring a comprehensive understanding o tests and materials available and their application. Prepares reports of evaluations and findings for submission to appropriate school districts, physicians, etc., for follow through and use.
4. Participates in IFSP meetings, preparing and presenting information on each child. Prepares and writes new IFSPs for each child, covering a variety of protocols; updates previous documentation, determining goals to be achieved or changes that may be appropriate. Prepares a variety of reports and other written information for annual reviews including review of evaluations and preparation of cover letter, synthesized from information received from therapists, social workers, and others involved with the child. Oversees the preparation of a total package for forwarding to appropriate institutions.
5. Monitors, screens, and facilitates each child’s physical presence in the classroom including position which is appropriate to each child’s needs. Develops curricula and works on a consumer’s cognitive and sensory motor development.
6. Participates in team conferences with supervisor, social workers, 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 supportive manner. Facilitates the ability of parents to set goals and empower them to participate in all program activities. Trains or works with staff to meet and confer with parents and to carry out other parenting activities.
7. Provides assistance with daily living activities such as diapering, toileting, dressing, and feeding.
8. Maintains equipment and supplies, reordering as necessary or required.
9. Oversees the work of IDP aides assigned to classroom, giving guidance and leadership for work assignments, input into performance evaluations, etc. May direct concerns or issues to supervisor regarding aide performance.

   10.  Oversees or guides volunteers or graduate students as may be assigned.

Nonessential Elements

• Maintain safe, orderly work area and work practices.

BACKGROUND/FORMAL EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:  Master’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Development plus one year experience.

QUALIFICATION (only ONE of the following):

• Special Education Teacher (permanent), Special Educator: Students with Disabilities (Birth-2), Permanent Special Education Certificate

Or Certificate or License in ONE of the following professions:

• Special Education (Permanent Certification)
• Social Work
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech & Language Pathology

Preferred (not required)

• Early Intervention (birth to 3 years) or early childhood education experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Permanent certification by the NYS Education Department as a Special Education Teacher.