Elwyn·Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Establish and maintain a developmentally appropriate preschool classroom for children with autism spectrum disorder. Responsibilities include preparing lesson plans, integrating IEP goals into routines, and collaborating with parents and educational teams.
$57,000 to $84,000 based on years of experience
Schedule: M-F 8am to 4pm; Summer ESY is Optional and paid extra. Join a Team That Changes Lives For more than 170 years, Elwyn has been leading the way in supporting children, teens, and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health challenges. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we’re here to create real change – helping people lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. Now, we’re looking for passionate team members to join us. Here, your work will change lives – including your own. You’ll make an impact every day, find purpose in what you do, and grow in a career that truly matters. At Elwyn, we take care of you while you care for others.
We offer: Generous Paid Time Off Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit Packages Earned Wage Access/On-Demand Pay Paid On-the-Job Training Tuition Reimbursement Career Advancement Opportunities and Growth Flexible Schedules Retirement Savings Plan Join us and be a part of something bigger. Apply today.
Elwyn is seeking a Preschool Teacher who will establish and maintain a developmentally appropriate preschool classroom that fosters a supportive learning environment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The teacher provides consultation services to the education team, and assists with the supervision of the educational staff as delegated by the Center Director.
Prepare lesson plans, activities, and therapeutic strategies for use in the classroom as well as follow-up activities parents/caregivers may do to support the child's learning at home Supervise children at all times ensuring that their health and safety needs are met consistently, as guided by best practices and center policies Integrate each child's goals and objectives, as stated in their IEP, into classroom routines and activities Maintain and evaluate students through progress monitoring including, but not limited to, classroom observations, data collection, curriculum assessment, and portfolio assessment Consult and collaborate with parents, team members, school faculty, and other school/funding agencies regarding goal-related actions to support the child Develop and implement curriculum that fosters independence, self-concept, personality, character, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development of each child Maintain rapport and communication with parents on a regular basis through parent newsletters, communication logs, and progress reports Delegate staff to participate in inclusion activities Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols Perform other duties as assigned EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Special Education; Master's preferred PA School Certification in Early Childhood/Special Education Three (3) years' experience working with young children with autism spectrum disorder Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities Demonstrated strong attention to detail Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions Must be able to perform CPR and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; Access, Publisher and report-writer experience preferred Must possess a current, valid driver's license in state of residence, have a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record 2026-5775
Elwyn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elwyn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, pregnancy status, medical condition, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, handicap status, marital or family status, mental or physical disability, perceived disability, military or veteran status, political activities or affiliations, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ADArequest@elwyn.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Special Education and PA School Certification, with a Master's preferred. Candidates must have at least three years of experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder.
Market context
Center-based preschool roles in Pennsylvania are often competitive because employers look for both early childhood credentials and direct experience supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. This position stands out for requiring a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Special Education, Pennsylvania school certification, and at least three years of relevant experience, with a master’s preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification status and highlight autism-specific classroom experience in your application.