Teacher- Special Education- Autism / ABA PK

Holyoke Public Schools • Holyoke, MA

9d

About The Position

Holyoke Public School District is seeking a highly qualified full time Preschool ABA teacher to teach children, ages 3-5, with autism spectrum disorder and/or other neurodiverse disabilities, Candidate will work 5 days per week, teaching two half day sessions daily. This program emphasizes pre-academic skills, instructional readiness, daily living skills, play and social development, communication skills, independence skills, behavioral support, and inclusion readiness through use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) instructional methodologies. The teacher collaborates with general education staff, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), ABA paraeducators, behavioral technicians, related service providers, and families to ensure students receive comprehensive support and access to inclusive learning opportunities as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Massachusetts Educator Licensure in MOD DIS PK-2, PK-8, SEVERE DIS PK-2, PK-8

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of two years of experience in an ABA setting and/or working with autistic and/or neurodiverse students, preferred.
• Minimum of one year working in an early childhood setting, preferred.
• Proficiency in implementing ABA strategies and inclusionary practices.
• Familiarity with research-based assessments and curriculum tools (e.g., Three Cheers, SEEDS, Pyramid Model, ABLLS-R, AFLS, VB-MAPP, Teachtown, STAR Program) preferred.
• At least one year of experience supervising classroom staff, preferred
• Strong skills in data-driven instruction and curriculum planning.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, diverse student populations, and urban school settings preferred.
• Proficiency in integrating technology and media into instruction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual applicants (Spanish) strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Implement district-approved curriculum and ABA instructional strategies, including discrete trial instruction (DTI), functional communication training (FCT), pivotal response training (PRT), incidental teaching, and generalization training.
• Develop and deliver individualized and center-based learning based on student needs.
• Conduct skills-based and academic assessments to determine goals and appropriate programming.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with IDEA and FAPE regulations.
• Maintain accurate records, document student progress, and ensure confidentiality of special education files.
• Implement behavior management strategies or formal behavior support plans (BSP) to support skill development and reduce challenging behaviors.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including inclusion preschool staff, BCBA, OT, PT, Speech/Language Pathologists, and other specialists.
• Train, supervise, and provide guidance to classroom-based support staff.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance specialized instructional skills.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees, and other school-based initiatives as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by building and district administration and coaches.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time