Preschool Special Education Teacher

Racker • Town of Ithaca, NY

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs? Do you have experience or want to learn about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? Join our dynamic team as a Preschool Special Education Teacher in a strength-based integrated preschool 6.1.3 classroom! In this role, you’ll lead an interdisciplinary team within a supportive and compassionate environment that values innovation, collaboration, and a student-centered approach. Classroom uses strategies for autistic children based on the science of behavioral analysis. Special education services are at the heart of our Preschool. Help us create an inclusive educational experience that empowers all students to thrive!

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.
• State certification in early childhood special education (or eligibility to obtain certification).
• Demonstrated knowledge of IEP development and implementation processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with students, families, and colleagues.
• Graduates professionally certified after February 2004, must be New York State certified for students with disabilities birth to second grade.
• Ability to physically assist children to participate in the program; ability to lift up to forty (40) pounds; ability to engage in repetitive movements such as sitting/kneeling on floor, bending and stooping; ability to move quickly to attend to a running child.

Nice To Haves

• ABA experience desired but not required.
• Supervision may be available for candidates pursuing BCBA, or those with BCABA.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to each student’s unique needs.
• Utilize one-on-one intensive teaching/discrete trial instruction.
• Plan and provide a fun and engaging child centered classroom in partnership with a daycare teacher, including both individual and group instruction.
• Collaborate & co-teach with daycare teachers, including adapting curriculum and instructional methods.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports diversity and respect among staff, students, and families.
• Provide direct instruction in small group or one-on-one settings to support academic, social, and behavioral growth.
• Oversee daily responsibilities and training of paraprofessionals.
• Assess and track student progress through data collection, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet goals.
• Communicate effectively with parents, guardians, and stakeholders about student performance and needs.
• Lead daily debriefs with paraprofessionals in addition to weekly team meetings which include therapists.
• Draft, complete, and organize necessary paperwork.
• Demonstrate patience, creativity, and commitment to supporting diverse learning styles and needs.
• Bring your love for children, data, and learning!

Benefits

• Tuition assistance
• Health insurance
• 20% discount on childcare services for children and grandchildren of full-time staff
• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level