ECSE Teacher - Special Education

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION:
Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

Teacher - Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Department:
Special Education

Bargaining Unit:
Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)

Salary:
Determined by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package

JOB SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Special Education Teacher is responsible for ensuring kindergarten readiness for students by working as an instructional team leader to create world-class learning experiences that are aligned to the curriculum, are rich with engaging activities and support to meet ALL preschooler's academic and social emotional learning needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

* Work as an instructional team leader to create world-class learning experiences that are aligned to the curriculum, are rich with engaging activities and support to meet ALL preschooler's academic and social emotional learning needs.

* Work cooperatively and collaboratively with building staff to ensure that Early Childhood programs and services are integrated in the assigned building (inclusion focused).

* Create an environment that assures learning using Positive Behavioral Supports.

* Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other Early Childhood staff to ensure that Early Childhood instructional model is carried out uniformly throughout classroom.

* Recognize unique developmental needs and differences of students of preschool age.

* Ability to develop, collect and analyze instructional data for the purpose of advancing student learning.

* Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely records in accordance with Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), Child Licensing and Great Start Readiness Program Implementation, and Grand Rapids Public Schools

* Demonstrate leadership skills by partnering with assigned paraprofessional creating an instructional team to achieve classroom curriculum development and delivery while supporting every child's academic and social emotional growth.

* Participate in collaborative planning with peers, Communities of Practice meetings, and Early Childhood MTSS team as needed.

* Provide educational opportunities monthly for parents of Early Childhood students to engage in with their child.

* Accept and accomplish other duties as assigned from the Special Education Department and/or the Early Childhood Department

* Display physical, social, mental, and emotional soundness to execute the duties of job.

* Serve as a role model for staff and students and within school community.

* Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents, and the community in positive, supportive, and cooperative ways.

* Encourage team spirit and contribute as a team member in the decision-making processes of the school as facilitated by administration.

* Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.

* Contribute to extra-curricular activities such as clubs and academic competitions and school programs as appropriate.

* Always maintain and promote school district goals and objectives.

* Comply with state, federal and District laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, practices, and the contract.

* Regular and on-time attendance is required.

* Other duties as assigned.

Parent and community engagement

* Make and maintain regular, positive contact with parents.

* Establish and maintain effective written and oral communication and rapport with students, parents, colleagues, and leadership.

* Participate in parent meetings, including IEPs and Parent/Teacher Conferences.

* Contribute to the development of a positive attitude between the school and the wider community through cooperative relations, publications, community functions, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

* An endorsement in both early childhood and special education.

* An endorsement with a designation of ZS (early childhood general and special education).

* Valid CPR and First Aid certification or be willing to acquire.

Preferred…