An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower!

Posting Information: We are currently hiring for an Early Learning Center Special Education (0-5 years old) Teacher at our Early Learning Center for the 2025-2026 school year. Open until filled.

Interview Process: Applicants are encouraged to apply by the deadline provided above. If selected for an interview, you will be invited to complete an Asynchronous Virtual Interview. Candidates chosen for a second round interview will participate in an in-person interviews at a date to be determined.

Start Date: January 5h, 2026

Schedule: 1.0 FTE; Special education teachers receive additional days for work required outside of the regular work day as negotiated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Location: Early Learning Center

Salary: $64,664 - $119,032 annually, depending on experience.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefits: 12 sick leave days of which 6 can be used for personal leave each school year; 5 days bereavement leave per school year; health insurance benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); other fringe benefits as allowed under the Shelton Education Association (SEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Overview

Early Learning Teachers support the Shelton School District's Strategic Plan by providing individualized educational services to young children and their families in Shelton and occasionally in surrounding cooperative districts. Key responsibilities include classroom instruction, home visits, parent training, student assessments, and collaboration with educational teams to develop and implement IEPs in compliance with special education regulations. The role also involves supporting staff and promoting best practices in early childhood special education.

Requirements

Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Special Education.
Knowledge in all phases of the early learning special education process, procedures and handicapping conditions. Some assignments may require special expertise in atypical handicapping conditions.
Ability to plan, organize and implement all phases of a developmental special education program.
Ability to use assessment tools for 0-5 years of age in diagnostic investigations.
Ability to pass a Federal Criminal Background check.
Demonstrated commitment to special needs students and their families.
Ability to maintain lightheadedness and incorporate humor into the workplace.
Ability to plan, organize and implement all phases of a special education program.
Ability to successfully integrate special needs students into appropriate classroom for peer interaction, socialization, and/or academics.
Ability to consult with regular education teachers on implementation of a transition plan for the education of students with special needs in their classroom.
Ability to monitor and adjust any educational intervention for the students they serve.
Ability to develop and implement a behavioral plan, coordinating it with the home, whenever possible.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to listen and professionally mediate toward solutions.
Ability to provide innovative and responsible problem solving in a team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of employment.
Ability to organize activities, written work, and Para Educators for teaching.
Ability to use assessment tools for students in diagnostic investigations.
Ability to collaborate with staff, students, and others in a professional , positive, and confident manner.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, students, families, and community members.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and students.
Ability to participate in conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations, including flexible work hours.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Essential Functions

Provides primary education for young students in the areas of social, emotional, cognitive, language, and motor development.
Conducts screening and, when appropriate, evaluation of all areas of normal growth and development of students referred for special education.
Designs and implements activities in the classroom, playground, home or other related areas for young students specific to their IEP/IFSP.
Develops an annual IEP and with the team, the assessment summation from individual assessment reports submitted through the MDT process.
Maintains compliance with state and federal guidelines for program delivery.
Keeps current in trends and practices for early intervention specific to the population of students.
Designs and implements behavioral improvement program, coordinating those programs with the home whenever possible.
Updates individual short-term objectives and long-term goals as indicated by formal and informal assessment.
Maintains good communication with individual staff members, parents, building administrators and agencies to develop programs, report progress and make changes in the student’s program as needed.
Maintains files and forms for special education compliance in a timely manner.
Records and submits timely signed and dated reports for each student assessed.
Provides consultative and advisory services to the family, educational staff, health care agencies and interested community organizations.
Works closely with all social agencies having contact with their students in the service area.
Familiarity with IEP programs that are online.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Early Learning Center Special Education Teacher