Position Purpose:

Under the general supervision of the building principal, to facilitate student success and growth in academic and interpersonal skills by implementing the district’s approved preschool curriculum.  Special education preschool teachers document teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes, address specific educational needs of individual students, create a flexible, safe, and optional learning environment, and provide feedback regarding student progress, expectations, and goals for students as required by the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Essential Functions:

The following description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities associated with this position.  It is not meant to be an inclusive list of every task or responsibility.

• Develops and administers the district’s preschool curriculum consistent with district goals and objectives.
• Plans individual and group activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills such as learning to listen to instructions, playing with others, and using play equipment.
• Provides accommodations to students with special needs based on their current IEP goals for the purpose of allowing them access to the core curriculum.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to meet the individual student’s needs and to familiarize stakeholders with student services.
• Provides individual and group instruction designed to meet the individual needs of students in communication skills, health habits, physical skills, and development of self-concepts.
• Encourages creative student expression in art, music, and dramatic play.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Maintains a positive learning environment through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of pupils’ work.
• Provides an appropriate climate to establish and reinforce acceptable student behavior, attitudes, and social skills.
• Coordinates with other elementary professional staff members assigned to the classroom.
• Participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Maintains a regular and predictable attendance history while employed by the district
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses standard school equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephones.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and education pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based on student learning styles.
• Knowledge of early childhood school curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of special education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc… as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard school building environment.
• For a complete list of the physical and mental demands needed to perform the essential functions for this position, please see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements.

Qualification Profile:

• Certification:  Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in early childhood inclusive or early childhood with special education.
• Education:  Bachelors degree in education from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:  Successful prior teaching experience (preferred).

FLSA Status:  Exempt