Teacher of the Visually Impaired - Infants & Toddlers

About the role

Provides comprehensive early intervention services to visually impaired children (birth – 36 months) and their families under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct relationship-based support, modeling, and coaching for families utilizing evidence-based as well as developmentally appropriate early intervention strategies.
• Participates in the development, review, and evaluation of individualized family service plans (IFSP).
• Conducts evaluations and assessment procedures to determine child's developmental status, functional vision, learning media, and continuing eligibility.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members (service coordinators, service providers) on family-centered strategies to address the IFSP, including outcomes.
• Conducts services in natural environments, including home-based, center-based, and community settings.
• Provides special instruction focused on promoting caregiver-child interactions within the context of everyday activities and routines.
• Provides families with information on current trends and practices related to the needs of their child.
• Plans materials and resources to achieve outcomes on IFSP.
• Travels daily throughout the state for extended periods of time.
• Provides training and/or support to others on an individual and group basis.
• Makes referrals to other professionals and agencies, as needed, on behalf of the child and family.
• Adheres to the policies and procedures of the local jurisdiction, including established timelines.
• Systematically tracks progress towards IFSP outcomes.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of special education principles, practices, and procedures, including developing and writing IFSP's and performing appropriate teaching techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of infant and early child development with specific emphasis on normal and abnormal development.
• Minimum of Bachelor's degree and qualifies for MSDE TVI certification with ability to obtain certification in special education required.
• Ability to obtain "suitable qualifications" (Maryland's Personnel Standards for Early Intervention Service Providers) in the competency areas of: Infant & Toddler development and assessment, family assessment, family systems issues, early intervention service options and strategies, team process and service coordinating.
• General knowledge of visual impairment, including causes, manifestations and adaptations.
• Some knowledge of medical disorders such as seizures or restrictions; adaptive technology, alternate modes of communication; and/or orthopedic impairment/handling and position preferred.
• General knowledge of core and expanded core curriculum, program development, classroom resource management, and student/personnel scheduling.
• Requires a Class "C" driver's license with a driving record compatible with School standards.
• General knowledge of adult learning strategies to use with parents/caregivers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Schedule

• 35 hours per week with a 30-minute unpaid lunch period.
• Travel throughout state to provide services in multiple counties is a regular part of the schedule.
• Flextime within the work day and work week is frequently required.
• This position follows a 12 month school schedule.

Eligible for a $2500 retention bonus!