Early Childhood Special Education

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Essential Functions

• Counsels students and parents to lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• 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 differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Knowledge of Communication and behavior support strategies.
• Knowledge of research based interventions for reading and math.
• Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
• Knowledge of behavior support strategies.
• 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.
• Ability to work in an economically, culturally and racially diverse environment.

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment), taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate.
• The mental functions required by this job include comparing, analyzing, communicating both orally and in writing, copying, coordinating, instructing, computing, synthesizing, evaluating, using interpersonal skills, compiling and negotiating.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certification with a ZA or ZS in early childhoodSpecial Education endorsement.
• Must meet State of Michigan Professional Development requirements.
• Previous experience teaching these programs.
• An understanding of a "learning styles" approach to instruction and a respect for students' multiple intelligences.

Application Information

Submit an application, individual cover letter and resume through the online applitrack applicant center, no hard copy applications will be accepted via mail or hand delivery. All application materials must be uploaded and submitted no later than 5:00 PM on the specified posting deadline. Visit the district website: Click here. Kentwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in its employment decisions or the provision of services.