At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.
Program and Role Summary:
Wayfinder’s Special Education School offers children and youth, ages 5 to 22, who are visually impaired or have moderate-to-severe disabilities a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In the least restrictive environment in our state-certified, non-public school, teachers develop students’ communication, mobility and functional skills to increase their independence.
The primary focus of the Special Education Teacher is to implement an individualized, comprehensive program for students who are blind and multi-handicapped. The program should be based on the Critical Skills Model while focusing on the student's development of compensatory skills and self-esteem. The teacher is expected to involve parents/significant others in the student's program and will work under the direct supervision of the Principal of the Special Education School..
Primary Responsibilities:
Develops students' Individualized Educational Programs with the assessment team, based on assessment findings and priorities identified by parents.
Provides instructional activities, which are age-appropriate, functional, motivating, and which reflect I.E.P. goals.
Provides diverse learning opportunities, such as, community-based instruction, daily living skills, arts and crafts, music and movement, vocational, social integration, swimming, and recreational activities.
Maintains an orderly classroom environment which encourages student participation and exploration; which has age-appropriate, tactually, and visually interesting room displays.
Provides lesson plans, data sheets, training, and supervision for instructional assistants and volunteers; assigns staff time effectively.
Keeps records and reports current, such as, class and individual schedules, lesson plans and data sheets, communication logs, and prepares progress reports on schedule.
Uses a variety of instructional strategies which are appropriate for students who are blind, such as appropriate mobility techniques, verbal description/discussion of the physical and social environment, encouraging tactile examination and discrimination techniques, and the use of sensory cues.
Provides opportunities for building students' self esteem by giving consistent positive reinforcement, by offering choices, by discussing and describing ongoing and upcoming events, by developing students' social/communication skills, and by providing opportunities for problem-solving and successful participation in activities.
Works with program specialists, DIS staff, residential staff, and the Principal of Special Education School to develop and implement coordinated instructional programs.
Assumes the responsibility for developing and coordinating a specific instructional area (recreational and physical education, kitchen skills and meal preparation, vocational skills) for the school.
Participates in all components of the students' programs, such as, swimming, meal times, daily living skills, physical education, yoga, music, computer programs, vocational training, and recreation.
Participates in at least two weekend family involvement events during the school year.
Participates in students' "out-of-school" routines (e.g., breakfast, after school recreation, dinner, bath time) in Daily Living Skills Center at least twice a year.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree required; Master degree preferred.
Must have or be able to qualify for a California Specialist Credential in the area of severely handicapped, visually handicapped or in a related area of special education.
Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:
Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.