Early Childhood Special Educator - District

Burlington School District•Burlington, VT

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Burlington Early Education program is seeking a full time Early Childhood Special Educator for the SY26/27 school year. This role supports preschool students and families in the Burlington community, collaborating closely with families, caregivers, and children. The program values child-centered, inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive education. The special educator will work closely with a large team to meet the needs of the Early Education program. This dynamic role may involve operating inclusive preschool classrooms, providing direct special education services within district classrooms, collaborating with community agencies, supporting the transition from Part C to Part B, and adhering to Vermont State Special Education regulations. The Early Education program is an integral part of the Burlington School District, and team members support district priorities and engage with the larger school community.

Requirements

Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related field.
Licensed or eligible for Vermont Educators License.
Endorsement in Early Childhood Education (36), Special Education (82) or eligible for Vermont Provisional License.
Documented or eligible for NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher status.
Experience running an inclusive preschool classroom.
Experience in closely working with, providing instruction to, and case-managing special-education students.
Experience implementing Early Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (e-MTSS) and trauma informed practices.
Experience supporting students with social cognition, behavioral, and social emotional needs.
Experience training and supervising para-educators providing support services to special needs students.
Experience in planning, leading, and managing large and potentially complex IEP meetings with students, parents, teachers, outside agencies, community mentors, and other support people.
Understanding of Cultural Competency.
Knowledge of best practices regarding frameworks of student behavioral support.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education.
Training and/or experience with English Language Learners.
Experience Navigating Part C to Part B transitions and teaming.
Experience with case management of multidisciplinary teams.
Experience in a professional/teaching learning community; experience in co-teaching/collaborating with other educators.
Evidence of student-centered learning approaches including personalizing instruction and supporting students meeting core proficiencies.
Evidence of implementing inclusive practices for students with special needs.
Ongoing educational post graduate coursework in education or subject area, including diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Operate an inclusive preschool classroom including curriculum planning, data collection, child assessment and family communication, in accordance with Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Supervise paraeducators working in the classroom and collaborate with community agencies.
Provide direct service, develop IEP goals and monitor progress for special education students in preschool settings.
Follow Vermont Special Education Rules, including rules around Transition from Part C to Part B services and Transition to Kindergarten.
Use the Vermont Early Learning Standards, Early Multitiered Systems of Support and Teaching Strategies Gold Data to recognize, model and/or implement curriculum that is universally designed and appropriate for students.
Conduct and report on early childhood special education screenings and evaluations.
Mentor and potentially supervise other program staff.
Support student behavior and de-escalation strategies for staff.
Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences or meetings with caregivers, teachers, and/or administration.