Adapted Physical Education Teacher - Special Education Preschool - Manhattan

About the role

We are currently seeking a full-time Adapted Physical Education teacher for our Manhattan Children's Program supported pre-school aged students with developmental disabilities. This is a Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and implements instructional activities tailored to meet each student’s individual educational goals and developmental needs.
• Affirms student physical abilities, motor skills, and functional mobility.
• Prepares and delivers lesson plans that promote physical development and participation.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates short- and long-term educational objectives and progress for assigned students.
• Designs and adapts lesson plans, instructional materials, classroom layout, and environmental modifications to promote accessibility and engagement.
• Maintains the confidentiality and dignity of all students, ensuring privacy and respect in all interactions and documentation.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, parent conferences, annual reviews, and staff meetings to ensure coordinated service delivery and collaborative decision-making.
• Supports curriculum development and contributes to program enhancement initiatives.
• Provides mentorship and training to student teachers and new instructional staff as assigned.
• Assists students with daily living skills as needed, including toileting, feeding, dressing, and mobility support.
• Implements universal precautions and safety protocols at all times.
• Participates in extracurricular activities, field trips, and community-based instruction to promote student learning and socialization.
• Ensures classroom materials, supplies, and equipment are appropriately requested, maintained, and utilized.
• Communicates regularly with parents and guardians to discuss student progress, classroom activities, and strategies for home support.
• Collaborates with program leadership and agency personnel to address programmatic needs, challenges, and improvements.
• Participates in professional development and in-service training to remain current on best practices in special education and instructional strategies.
• Keeps abreast of changes in the field and integrates new evidence-based practices into the classroom.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• New York State certification in Physical Education required; certification in Adapted Physical Education preferred.
• Must meet all current New York State Education Department certification and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, educational software, and related technology tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, families, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to analyze and problem-solve effectively within an educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Passion for ADAPT's mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non-profit disability sector.