Special Education Teacher - Montessori

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Special Education Teacher is to identify the individual needs of each child and create a healthy, inspiring and supportive learning environment.

They work with many different types of children, from those who are physically disabled or sensory impaired to those with speech difficulties or autism, though they typically have the following daily responsibilities :

• Teaching a small group of students and individuals inside and outside of the classroom
• Preparing and executing lessons and resources
• Assessing students’ development and work done in the classroom
• Developing and adapting individualized teaching methods that are suitable for each of their students, using the Montessori Method as a basis
• Using special tools and equipment provided to stimulate an interesting learning environment
• Using special skills to teach children, such as Braille, sign language or lip reading
• Collaborating with the Class Teacher and Lead Teacher to build a better learning environment for the children
• Updating parents on their kids’ progress and giving recommendations to promote a better learning environment at home

Collaborate with local resource and referral agencies to provide access to resources to enhance the child’s health, development and overall learning experience

Learn the Montessori Method, including Creative Curriculum and Regio principles, and adapt teaching strategies in line with these methodologies

Use the Desired Results set of tools to observe, document and track progress of children

Education and training requirements

Special Education Teachers need to earn a state-approved bachelor’s degree in special education in order to be hired. They are also required to take and provide evidence of California special education test, such as the Praxis Special Education : Core Knowledge and Applications exam, and become licensed in the State of California.

Special Education Teaching experience requirements

Minimum 3-5 years’ experience as Special Education Teacher in a preschool and kindergarten classroom setting with children identified as special needs .

Minimum 2-3 years’ experience work experience in a regular preschool / kindergarten classroom as a teacher before moving into special education.

Experience as Student Teacher or internships after college to gain experience is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate excellent planning and organizational skills consistently to successfully deliver all monthly and annually planned events, activities, reporting deadlines and program deadlines, including those required by law (Title V & Title 22)
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times.

Develop age and developmentally appropriate lesson plans, and implement age-appropriate curriculum (lesson plan) to nurture and stimulate all domains of a child’s development

• Daily prepare materials and classrooms for class activities
• Provide a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children’s learning and growth
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question and investigate
• Provide a variety of materials and an environment rich in subject and experiences, cultural diversity, opportunity for exploration and manipulation both in learning activities and imaginative play for all children, both special needs and non-special needs
• Perform on-going developmental evaluations of children as required by funding sources and develop lesson plans and follow curriculum implementation that addresses the individual needs of each child
• Daily / weekly plan, evaluate, arrange and improve the physical environment in the classroom and outdoors to create opportunities for exploration, develop cognitive and motor skills and meet the changing needs of children
• Prepare developmental progress reports as needed
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for the child's background by incorporating the cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans

EDUCATION

• BA in Special Education or as required by the State of California
• 12-24 units, minimum, in Child Development or Early Childhood Education including core courses in Child / Human Growth and Development;

Child, Family and Community and Program / Curriculum.

• Child Development Permit (must keep valid and updated at all times) or ability to apply within 3-6 months of employment
• 2-3 years, minimum, teaching experience minimum as a lead teacher supervising other adults in classroom.
• Montessori Training Diploma a plus.

CREDENTIALS

Proof of California special education certification

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Dedication and enthusiasm for working as a special education teacher with children identified as having special needs in a child development setting
• Thorough experience, knowledge and skill set working with children with special needs
• Early Child Development knowledge and experience

Knowledge of Desired Results and skill in using DR tools a plus

• Knowledge of State Subsidized Program, CSPP, and requirements for Center Programs a plus
• Good communication, problem solving, and priority setting skills as well as maintaining an overall positive and professional attitude / disposition.
• Ability to use the digital tools, such as PC’s, iPads, smart phones, etc, to input developmental data
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and implement educational activities.
• Ability to make decisions on behalf of children to protect their safety and well-being and

abide by Title 22 & 5 regulations

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to :

• Frequently walk, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and talks or hears.
• Often required to stand and sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat or crawl.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound child.

ATTENDANCE IS AN ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF THIS JOB

Our programs are open year-round, 12 months / year. Daily attendance is essential

REPORTS TO : Program Director & Administrator

LOCATION : Various (San Gabriel Valley areas, greater Los Angeles, Compton)

SALARY : ($26 - $33 / hr) Depending on experience and qualifications

SCHEDULE : Year-round. Full-Time, Mon-Fri, 8 hrs / day, 40 hrs / wk, or as required to complete prescribed work. Part-time work also available.

BENEFITS : Full-time 40hr / wk staff only

• Paid Holidays
• Paid vacation & sick leave
• Health / Dental / Vision plans
• Life insurance coverage
• Paid staff training and development opportunities
• 401k

Company Description

We are a Montessori agency that provides Infant through Kindergarten educational and child care services to children and families through the Montessori method of teaching in the San Gabriel Valley since 1982.

We have preschool sites in Pomona, Hacienda Heights, Azusa, Baldwin Park and El Monte. We are also hiring for new sites being developed in greater Los Angeles areas, Compton and Van Nuys.

We provide private (fee-paying) and subsidized programs funded by the Department of Education / Child Development Division via State Preschool.

We have a combined government grant which offers subsidized preschool program services to families in the communities we serve that qualify for the program.

This funding required Title V regulations to be followed when enrolling families. Our preschool program follows the Montessori Philosophy and Reggio approach to education which offers classrooms that are rich in diversity, materials and experiences.

Company Description

We are a Montessori agency that provides Infant through Kindergarten educational and child care services to children and families through the Montessori method of teaching in the San Gabriel Valley since 1982.

We have preschool sites in Pomona, Hacienda Heights, Azusa, Baldwin Park and El Monte. We are also hiring for new sites being developed in greater Los Angeles areas, Compton and Van Nuys.

We provide private (fee-paying) and subsidized programs funded by the Department of Education / Child Development Division via State Preschool.

We have a combined government grant which offers subsidized preschool program services to families in the communities we serve that qualify for the program.

This funding required Title V regulations to be followed when enrolling families. Our preschool program follows the Montessori Philosophy and Reggio approach to education which offers classrooms that are rich in diversity, materials and experiences.