Job Description

The (ECSE) early childhood special education teacher of learners with ASD provides an optimal learning environment for preschool aged learners (3-5 years old) who require the specialized teaching and supports designed for autism spectrum disorders in order to increase the school readiness, behavioral, communication and social skills of the learners on their caseload. ECSE Autism teachers in this position develop and implement district approved curriculum, document student progress through daily and weekly data collection in order to make data-based decisions about the effectiveness of teaching and behavioral strategies. ECSE Autism teachers address students’ specific needs through multiple and diverse academic and behavioral supports or strategies and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. 

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in job related area. Masters preferred.

Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education License or ability to obtain one, with an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education

Other Qualifications

• Early Childhood Special Education teaching certification (Provisional or Professional)
• Position requires experience and/or additional certification or training in the direct instruction of students with autism spectrum disorders.
• Skill and ability to incorporate recommendations from division specialists for individual student needs in the classroom.
• Knowledge of child development, the impact of characteristics of ASD on development and learning with special emphasis on language, communication and cognitive development.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized instructional and behavior plans and behavioral management techniques.
• Ability to effectively facilitate support staff with the implementation of individualized student goals in the classroom
• Ability to work with other professionals in a collaborative manner.
• Formal training or certification in ABA is highly desired (BCBA supervision may be provided)

Statement of Specialized Experience

Specialized experience for this position includes experience working with learners with autism spectrum disorders in an educational environment; conducting formal and informal assessments using curriculum-based tools or progress monitoring measures; collecting data for pre-academic, behavioral, communication and social skills and graphically displaying data; developing individualized reinforcement systems for a variety of learners and supporting learners in inclusive educational environments for the purpose of generalizing skills across settings.

Essential Functions

• Adapt early childhood curriculum or implements behaviorally based interventions for the purpose of providing students with instructional activities to meet their educational needs.
• Instruct students for the purpose of improving their success in school readiness, communication, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.  
• Collaborate with instructional staff, related service providers, other school personnel, families and a variety of community agencies for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives and IEP goals.
• Assess student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, social, motor development and communication skills, etc.) using consistent data collection for the purpose of providing feedback to students, families and administration.    
• Implement instruction in communication and social skill development at the instructional level of the students for the purpose of enhancing peer relationships and collaborative participation in the general education classroom.
• Manage student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment using the principles of positive reinforcement and consistent implementation of behavioral techniques.
• Instruct students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of enhancing skill development across a variety of settings.
• Supervise and instruct Instructional Assistants in the instructional and data collection methods required and to provide the materials to complete the tasks assigned to Instructional Assistants.
• Participate in a variety of meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform expected job duties.  
• Prepare a variety of written materials (e.g. Individual Education Programs, progress reports, attendance, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.  
• Support general education teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the planning and implementation of accommodations or modifications in order to meet mandates of individual education programs.   
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the educational environment.   
• May perform additional duties or tasks as designated by supervisor.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP