Special Educator

About the role

The Special Education Teacher will coordinate and provide developmentally appropriate educational services utilizing a written Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Services extend into Essex, Passaic, Sussex, Middlesex, and Union counties.

Responsibilities

• Direct, monitor, and teach using parent/caregiver-friendly strategies for children 0–3 years old with developmental disabilities.
• Perform reassessments, observations, and documentation to identify areas where children may need extra or modified educational services to meet developmental milestones.
• Assess children in cognitive, self-help, communication, fine motor, gross motor, and social-emotional areas.
• Identify child and family needs and develop strategies to help achieve outcomes and goals.
• Collaborate with a team of specialists (e.g., speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, social worker) to develop integrated plans and activities supporting developmental improvements.
• Develop individualized Family Service Plans, set learning goals, and adapt modifications as needed; ensure activities and strategies align with each child’s developmental abilities.
• Create and teach engaging, individualized lessons for each child and family.
• Complete progress summaries every six months, conduct ongoing assessments, track progress, and make modifications as necessary.
• Develop, complete, and maintain all required paperwork mandated by the Early Intervention System (EIS).
• Maintain knowledge of special education teaching methods, evidence-based practices, and best practices through professional development courses provided by EIS.
• Celebrate student achievements and successes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Appropriate state license or certification required.
• Two years of experience highly preferred.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with children ages 0–3.
• Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services.
• Ability to implement a variety of effective teaching methods.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to travel to each child’s home or daycare.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to drive to each family’s and child’s home or daycare within 10–15 minutes.
• Ability to assist students with physical difficulties.
• Ability to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
• Basic computer knowledge to complete necessary paperwork in the state database.