Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Animas Valley Elementary School, .FTE

Durango School District is accepting applications for a part-time Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at Animas Valley Elementary School. Must meet Colorado Department of Education's ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher in Early Childhood Special Education prior to starting in the position. Position begins August 17, 2026.

Job Title: Licensed Early Childhood Education Special Educator Teacher

Job Family: Licensed Staff

Pay Grade: Licensed Salary Schedule

Department: Student Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Typical Work Year: 10 months

Prepared Date: December 16, 2016;
July 18, 2023

Provide intervention services to identified students ages three (3) to five (5) who qualify for special education. Services are provided at a variety of locations including community preschools, head start classrooms and district preschool programs. Work with general education staff to provide direct and indirect support and adapt instruction to meet the individual learning needs of all students resulting in an increased probability of advancing their achievement.

Maintain positive interpersonal relationships with students, parents, families, staff and community members.

Effectively use case management strategies to support student outcomes based on the identified intervention services needed for students ages three (3) to five (5) who exhibit special needs. Collaborate with general education teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum as necessary to address individual student differences, learning styles, functional educational levels, and student abilities. Strong knowledge of child development, literacy and numeracy development, teaching methods, learning styles, and educational research related to learners with all types of special needs.

Utilize formative and standardized assessments to assess the learning, achievement, and performance of each child. Implement both formal and informal diagnostic special education assessments for early childhood education including play based and curriculum based assessments.

Work with the IEP Team to develop and implement students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Train and support general education teachers and paraprofessionals who work directly with children on your caseload to implement the individualized plan. Monitor the goals and outcomes of the IEP and maintain communication with families and the rest of the IEP Team regarding the progress of the IEP.

Complete necessary paperwork and assure compliance with IDEA.

Facilitate strong home-to-school connections. Work with parents/guardians to assist them in understanding how to support child development needs in the home.

Maintain an orderly, safe, positive learning environment to support child development and community connections.

Be familiar with and abide by all applicable Federal and Colorado laws and regulations;
Board of Education policies and District Regulations, as amended from time to time; school procedures that relate to employment with the District.

Perform other duties as assigned.

• Assure the safety and welfare of students including necessary actions to insure that students are supervised at all times.
• Demonstrate faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work.
• Submit required reports promptly at the times specified.
• Demonstrate care of and protection of School District property
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
• Use the District’s internet and E-mail system as specified in Policy.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent or their designees.

Minimum:
Bachelor’s degree of related subject from accredited university.

Experience providing special education services to early childhood students preferred.

Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas teaching. Meet Colorado Department of Education's and ESSA requirements for In-Field Teacher. May be required to complete CPI training depending on assignment.

• Excellent interpersonal relations and oral and written communication skills.
• Effective understanding of the IEP writing process including standards alignment of the IEP
• Ability to develop and implement appropriate progress monitoring tools to assess student progress toward goals.
• Strong decision making, analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Ability to develop and implement accommodations and modifications that facilitate student mastery of the Colorado Academic Standards
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to promote and follow Board and District policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively in a team setting
• Ability to…