QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in special education; Early Childhood Special Education Birth–Grade 3 endorsement
Valid South Dakota teaching certificate
Knowledge of IEP development and special education compliance
Prefer at least three (3) years of successful teaching experience in special education

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Early Childhood Special Education Teacher provides specially designed instruction, assessment support, family collaboration, and case management services for young children with disabilities, developmental delays, and diverse learning needs from birth to age 5, with primary responsibility for children ages 3–5 and collaboration with early intervention partners serving birth to age 3. The teacher develops and implements individualized services supporting children’s cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and motor development.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide developmentally appropriate, specially designed instruction for children with disabilities ages birth to 5, with emphasis on preschool-aged children ages 3–5 that addresses areas of qualification such as, communication, cognitive, motor, social-emotional, adaptive, and pre-academic development
Develop, adapt, and implement lesson plans and intervention activities aligned to IEP goals, short-term objectives, and student needs
Create a structured, supportive, safe, and nurturing learning environment and use positive behavior supports to promote engagement and social-emotional growth
Participate in screening, referral, evaluation, reevaluation, and eligibility processes for young children suspected of having disabilities or developmental delays
Service the IEP and maintain accurate and timely records related to referrals, evaluations, eligibility, IEPs, progress reports, and service documentation in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements
Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and involve parents as full team members in educational planning
Collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, paraprofessionals, service coordinators, general classroom teacher (s), others, and administrators to support student access and participation in early childhood environments
Provide coaching, modeling, and consultation to staff regarding accommodations, behavior supports, instructional strategies, and disability awareness
Participate in transition planning conferences and contribute to evaluation, service, and placement planning for children approaching age 3
Participate in professional development and continuous improvement efforts
Demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and good attendance
Follow the mission, vision, policies, and goals of the Lennox School District
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Student Services, Building Principal, and/or Superintendent

Position Open Until Filled

Lennox Elementary Early Childhood Special Education Teacher $5,000 sign on bonus