Job Purpose Statement(s): The job of "Teacher – Preschool Special Education" is done for the purpose/s of facilitating student success in academic and interpersonal skills through implementing District approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific needs of students; providing a safe and optimal learning environment and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

Required attachments:

Cover Letter
Resume
3 Reference Letters
Valid Washington State Certification

This 1.0 FTE continuing position works Monday - Friday, 180 days per year.

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits, as administered by the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Final benefit eligibility to be determined at time of hire. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TRS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program. Employees will receive vacation leave, paid holidays and additional compensation beyond their base salary as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Essential Job Functions:

Adapts lessons for the purpose of implementing the IEP goals of students with special needs.
Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of supporting teacher’s expectations, developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
Assesses student for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding students’ progress, expectations, goals, etc.
Collaborates with school personnel, parents and various community agencies for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions and planning curriculum.
Develops IEPs, as a member of the multidisciplinary team, with specific input from the child’s family.
Directs instructional assistants, volunteers and/or student aides for the purpose of providing an effective school program and addressing the needs of individual students.
Implements appropriate instructional programming for children 3 – 6 with a wide range of skills and abilities, using District-adopted curriculum.
Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment
Maintains records as required by district, state and federal regulations.
Prepares teaching materials and reports (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing lesson plans and providing documentation of teacher and student progress.
Provides support to families in connecting / communicating with other services / agencies in the community.
Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code, district and/or school policies.

Other Job Functions:

Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
Participates in various meetings (e.g. parent conferences, in-service training, site meetings, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information and/or meeting credential requirements.

Job Requirements - Qualifications:

Certifications and Testing Required: Valid Washington State certification with special education endorsement. Early childhood special education endorsement preferred.
Experience: Previous experience with young children with special needs and their families is required.
Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required: Skills to motivate students, communicate with individuals from varied educational and cultural backgrounds, direct support personnel, evaluate performance. Knowledge of age-appropriate teaching methods, state curriculum framework, and education code. Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks, maintain records, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents, other school personnel, meet schedules and deadlines. Significant physical abilities may include lifting/carrying, reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity/depth perception/ accommodation/color vision/field of vision, and standing/walking for varying periods of time.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Olympia School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer - James Whitehead, (360) 596-8545, jwhitehead@osd.wednet.edu; Executive Director of Elementary Education - Autumn Lara, (360) 596-8534, alara@osd.wednet.edu; Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students) - Ken Turcotte, (360) 596-7530, klturcotte@osd.wednet.edu; ADA Coordinator (Staff) - Starla Hoff, (360) 596-6185, shoff@osd.wednet.edu; Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator - Scott Niemann, (360) 596-6185, sniemann@osd.wednet.edu. Address: Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

The Olympia School District will provide reasonable Accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or are in need of translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed. Human Resources Officer: Voice: (360) 596-6185 or TDD: (360) 596-7537 or FAX: 360-596-6181.

Teacher - Special Education Preschool