Special Education Preschool Teacher

• Instruction & Client Development 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.

• Family & Team Collaboration 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.

• Classroom Environment & Supervision 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.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications 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.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus.

• Additional Requirements 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.

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• In general, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Must be able to lift and carry a small child (up to 50 lbs.) as needed/in the event of an emergency.
• Other physical demands include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting, grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, reaching, stooping, using smell and touch, working outside and vision and hearing.

• St.
• Mary’s Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer St.
• Mary’s Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active Equal Employment Opportunity.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.
• In compliance with the California Fair Chance Act, St.
• Mary’s Center will consider qualified applicant with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.
• You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you.
• After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if St.
• Mary’s Center is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the convection, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.