Lead Teacher in Special Preschool Class in Patterson, NY

WPTT•Town of Yorktown, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher leads a special education preschool classroom that provides individualized attention and structured support to help young learners thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. The role involves teaching preschool-aged children with special needs, managing a structured classroom, and guiding a team of teacher assistants. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with classroom hours from 8:15 to 2:15 and a half-hour lunch break. The center is located at 40 Jon Barrett Road, Patterson, NY.

Requirements

Proven experience teaching preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) with special needs, including children with autism, developmental delays, speech and language delays, and challenging behaviors.
Strong behavior management skills, including experience implementing behavior intervention plans, positive behavior supports, and de-escalation strategies.
Demonstrated command of a structured special education classroom, keeping students engaged, safe, and on task through routines, visual supports, and clear expectations.
Master's degree in Special Education or Early Childhood Education.
New York State teaching certification in Students with Disabilities (Birth–Grade 2).
Working knowledge of IEPs and data collection on student goals.
Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive in a fast-paced environment.
Must meet state background check and clearance requirements.
Confident and consistent classroom leadership, with clear expectations and follow-through.
Warm, nurturing, and positive attitude; strong organizational and planning skills; ability to direct a team and model best practices for assistants; flexibility and dependability; and commitment to supporting diverse learners.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising or directing classroom staff.

Responsibilities

Plan and lead developmentally appropriate daily lessons and activities aligned with each student's IEP goals.
Establish and manage classroom routines, transitions, and behavior support plans.
Individualize instruction based on each student's developmental and learning needs.
Collect data on IEP goals, assess student progress, and write progress reports.
Participate in CPSE meetings, annual reviews, and other planning meetings as needed.
Supervise, direct, and support classroom assistants, aides, and substitutes.
Collaborate with related service providers, including speech, occupational and physical therapy, and counseling, to incorporate therapy goals into daily routines.
Communicate regularly with families about their child's progress and needs.
Maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom that meets health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Keep accurate student records and classroom documentation.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development as needed.