Special Education Preschool Teacher

St Mary's Center•Oakland, CA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Preschool Director, the Special Education Preschool Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to preschool-aged children with developmental delays, disabilities, and special needs in an inclusive early childhood setting. The teacher establishes and maintains a safe, healthy, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports children’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and adaptive development. The Special Education Preschool Teacher collaborates closely with families, therapists, specialists, and preschool staff to implement individualized support and ensure each child has equitable access to learning opportunities. The teacher uses developmentally appropriate practices, positive behavior support strategies, and individualized instruction to foster growth, independence, and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development.
Education Specialist Instruction Credential – Early Childhood Special Education or valid California Special Education Teaching Credential with Early Childhood Special Education authorization.
Experience working with preschool-aged children with developmental delays, disabilities, or special needs.
Knowledge of child development, inclusion practices, IEPs/IFSPs, behavior support strategies, and differentiated instruction.
Ability to collaborate effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Patience, flexibility, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
Must complete 21 hours of professional growth training annually.
Possession of current pediatric CPR and pediatric First Aid certification upon hire.
Health screening with evidence of a negative TB test within one year prior to employment, or must obtain one within seven days of employment.
Must obtain criminal record clearance from the Department of Justice.
Must be at least 18 years of age.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments.
Monitor and document student progress toward individualized goals.
Maintain accurate records, reports, and confidential documentation.
Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and/or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
Collaborate with specialists and support staff to ensure appropriate accommodations and services are provided.
Develop and implement individualized learning experiences for children with special needs.
Adapt curriculum, classroom activities, and teaching methods to meet individual developmental and learning needs.
Support children’s communication, cognitive, motor, sensory, social-emotional, and adaptive skill development.
Use developmentally appropriate practices and positive behavior support strategies.
Encourage physical activities that strengthen social, cognitive, and physical development.
Promote inclusion, peer interactions, independence, and positive self-esteem.
Help children develop problem-solving and self-regulation skills.
Model appropriate behavior and language throughout the day.
Create a learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and engagement.
Maintain open, respectful, and supportive relationships with families.
Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, development, and concerns.
Collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, behavioral specialists, and other service providers.
Meet regularly with the Preschool Director and Preschool staff members.
Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding children, families, and Preschool staff.
Prepare the classroom and yard before school begins.
Clean up classroom and yard as needed at the end of the school day.
Supervise all children at all times with the help of the Assistant Director, Head Teacher, Teachers, and support staff. No child may ever be left unsupervised.
Maintain required teacher-to-child ratios in accordance with California licensing regulations.
Count children and know their whereabouts at all times.
Maintain a safe, structured, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
Keep the Preschool free of hazardous materials and dangerous substances.
Be competent in the use of emergency procedures and equipment.
Adhere to infection control guidelines and Preschool procedures for care of sick children.
Maintain learning materials, adaptive equipment, and classroom supplies.