Early Childhood Special Education Resource Educator (SY26/27)

About the role

This position provides services to students with identified educational disabilities, managing a caseload and developing and monitoring Individual Education Plan (IEP) progress. The role involves adapting curriculum to meet student needs, utilizing current instructional technology and adaptive equipment, and aligning with Common Core Standards. Experience with co-teaching in core academic subjects and participating in a collaborative team approach is essential. This position reports to the Principal.

Responsibilities

• Administers developmental testing programs and/or subject-specific assessments to assess student competency levels and develop individual learning plans.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress, communicating expectations, achievements, and methods for improvement.
• Advocates for student needs and ensures timely implementation of IEP components, including Behavior Intervention and Health Care Plans.
• Assesses student progress toward objectives, expectations, and goals, providing feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Collaborates with parents, administrators, related services providers, and other professionals to develop IEPs, including Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Commits to equity and eliminating systemic obstacles for students of color to provide access to interventions and opportunities.
• Communicates consistently with administration, parents, and outside providers to fulfill professional responsibilities and share information.
• Completes Medicaid logging to document personal care and transportation services provided.
• Counsels students to improve performance, health status, problem-solving techniques, and address personal issues.
• Creates, writes, monitors, and facilitates IEPs for students on caseload to address individualized academic and social-emotional needs.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the physical, medical, and learning styles of students with identified disabilities.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject-specific assignments, providing an effective program addressing individual student requirements.
• Develops plans for effective communication, monitoring progress, and collaborating with and supporting general education teachers in inclusive settings.
• Develops safety, evacuation, and behavioral plans, overseeing their implementation to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Directs assistant teachers, student teachers, instructional assistants, volunteers, and/or student workers to provide an effective special education program.
• Establishes and posts a schedule of daily and weekly service times with students to ensure compliance with IEP minutes and communicate with stakeholders.
• Establishes reasonable expectations, keeps detailed records of oral and written work, and explains grading procedures to monitor student progress.
• Facilitates student learning to achieve success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through defined lesson plans.
• Instructs students in academic subjects using techniques such as multisensory teaching and repetition to reinforce learning and meet varying needs.
• Maintains desirable discipline standards in the classroom and assists with student disciplinary management to ensure a safe environment.
• Maintains positive professional relations with colleagues to support the needs of students as a team.
• Manages and teaches socially appropriate behavior to promote self-regulation and safety.
• Models conversation, manners, clean-up activities, and listening skills to demonstrate appropriate social and interpersonal behavior.
• Monitors students in various educational environments (e.g., classroom, playground, field trips) to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Oversees the scheduling of IEP meetings and the IEP process for students assigned to the caseload to ensure compliance.
• Participates in meetings (e.g., professional development, IEP, team) to convey and gather information required to perform functions and support student needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient functioning of the work unit.
• Prepares written materials (e.g., IEP progress reports, grades, attendance, anecdotal records) to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.
• Prepares materials and plans daily instruction appropriate to each assigned class, providing clear objectives for all lessons and communicating these to students.
• Promotes student respect for the rights of others in the classroom to create and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Recognizes safety and health hazards to eliminate them.
• Reports incidents (e.g., fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse) to maintain personal safety of students and adhere to policies.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns and/or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquiries from teachers, parents, administrators, and others to resolve issues, provide information, and/or direction.
• Sets high expectations for all students, demonstrating a belief that all students can learn and succeed.
• Supervises and includes paraprofessionals to support the academic, functional, and social-emotional needs of students.
• Operates copier, computer, standard office equipment, routine desk supplies, classroom materials, and playground equipment to provide an effective education program.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Illinois Professional Educator License or License with Stipulations.
• Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBSI) endorsement PK-2 or PK-22 or Early Childhood Special Education certification.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with students with emotional, behavioral, and academic needs (preferred).
• Experience developing and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Knowledgeable about IDEA and the laws governing students with disabilities.

Pay

Minimum starting salary for the 2026-2027 school year:

• With Bachelor’s degree: $56,920 (includes District-paid TRS pension), pro-rated to start date.
• With Master’s degree: $62,042 (includes District-paid TRS pension), pro-rated to start date.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Teachers Retirement System (TRS) pension plan.
• Flexible Benefits Plan.
• Tax-deferred annuities.
• 13 sick days.
• 2 personal days.
• Employee Assistance Program.