Abundant Life Family Services·Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Lead daily instruction in an inclusive Early Intervention classroom for children ages 3-5, aligning lessons with IEP goals and approved curricula. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and families to ensure developmental growth and regulatory compliance.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (EI Classroom) Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS) Department: Early Intervention / Education Services Reports To: Program Supervisor / Director of Early Childhood Services FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Philadelphia, PA, 19139
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher at Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS) provides instructional leadership within an inclusive Early Intervention classroom serving children ages 3–5. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and approved early childhood curricula.
The ECSE Teacher works in close partnership with an Assistant Teacher, related service providers, families, and external partners (including Elwyn) to create a structured, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment that promotes developmental growth across cognitive, social-emotional, communication, adaptive, and behavioral domains. This position plays a critical role in ensuring instructional quality, compliance, and positive child and family outcomes within ALFS’s Early Intervention education programs.
Lead daily classroom instruction aligned with Creative Curriculum and approved instructional frameworks Design and implement differentiated lesson plans responsive to developmental levels and IEP goals Model best practices in early childhood instruction and inclusive education Guide and support the Assistant Teacher in delivering small-group and individualized instruction
IEP Development & Implementation
Collaborate with the IEP team to support development of present levels, annual goals, and progress reporting Ensure IEPs are implemented with fidelity across all instructional and classroom routines Partner with related service providers to support integrated service delivery
Assessment, Data & Progress Monitoring
Collect, analyze, and report student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals Administer developmental assessments (e.g., DAYC-2) as part of initial and re-evaluation processes Use data to inform instructional planning and intervention adjustments
Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive classroom environment Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans and proactive behavior strategies Participate in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and team consultations as needed
Collaboration & Family Engagement
Build strong partnerships with families through consistent communication and collaboration Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and planning sessions Provide families with updates on progress toward developmental milestones and IEP goals
Compliance, Documentation & Training
Complete lesson plans, observations, assessments, and progress reports accurately and on time Ensure compliance with ALFS, Elwyn, and state regulatory requirements Maintain required certifications and complete ongoing professional development through Relias and continuing education
Authority & Accountability
Classroom instruction and daily educational programming Implementation of instructional strategies and behavior supports Direction and support of the Assistant Teacher
Instructional quality and classroom outcomes Fidelity of IEP implementation Classroom compliance and documentation accuracy Student progress and family engagement
Measures of Success
Consistent progress toward student IEP goals High-quality instructional delivery and classroom management Strong collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams Timely and compliant documentation Positive classroom culture and student engagement
Compensation & Benefits
$70,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience and certification Full-time, W-2, benefits-eligible position Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance Paid time off, paid holidays, and school-based breaks Ongoing professional development and training support
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or related field Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification (PreK–4, N–3, or Special Education K–12) Minimum 1–3 years of experience in inclusive early childhood or special education settings Experience with IEP development and documentation systems (e.g., IEPWriter) Required clearances: PA Child Abuse, Criminal History, FBI Fingerprints
Experience in Early Intervention or preschool special education classrooms Strong instructional leadership, organization, and collaboration skills
Requires a Master's degree in Early Childhood or Special Education and Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification. Candidates must have 1-3 years of experience in inclusive early childhood settings and valid PA clearances.
Market context
Teaching assistant openings in Pennsylvania are often driven by school staffing needs, especially in classrooms supporting students with special needs. These roles can be competitive because employers often prefer candidates with an associate degree or college credits, plus experience with children, crisis intervention training, and CPR. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then highlight any special education, behavior support, or safety training in your application.
