Director of Student Support

Director Of Student Support

Temple Isaiah of Contra Costa County is a vibrant, dynamic Reform synagogue of over 1000 families, offering many youth & education programs for children. We are dedicated to inclusion and aim to support all our students to enable them to thrive in our educational settings. Our ideal candidate is an experienced educator with expertise in special needs education, who is knowledgeable about childhood development and can help support all students in our youth and education programs.

Warmth and compassion for children, families, and teachers is a critically important asset, and strong communication skills are required.

• Read through school/camp forms before school/camp begins and contact families who have shared information regarding learning, developmental, or physical disabilities, or life-threatening allergies.
• Write individual needs reports for each child with special needs and share those reports with directors of each program.
• Create and update the individual needs sections of Teacher Manuals, if applicable.
• Make a list of children with allergies — details of the allergy, treatment, and severity.
• Conduct observations of students with specific needs and connect with teachers regarding accommodations
• Conduct end-of-year meetings with teachers and parents to assess the year.
• Consult with directors regarding updates or recommended changes for registration forms for the next year, as needed.
• Meet with teachers at the beginning of the year to share information from the individual needs reports and discuss accommodations.
• Attend the Gan Ilan Preschool Staff Week and the JQuest Staff Retreat.
• Serve as a resource for teachers: develop materials for student success (e.g. visual stories) and help teachers create adaptive lesson plans as needed.
• Work with and provide guidance for the JQuest Special Needs Aide and Special Needs Avodah TAs.
• Act as a consultant for teacher teams / working groups.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and outside support specialists such as speech therapists and/or occupational therapists.
• When appropriate, work with directors, teachers and families to develop prosocial behavior plans
• Attend JQuest when it is in session to connect with parents and teachers and to provide additional support for students with special needs.
• Attend Gan Ilan as much as possible to provide support for students with special needs, and to provide guidance and support for teachers.
• Develop appropriate alternative learning activities for students with special needs when necessary.
• Spend time with students 1-on-1 when they need a break from the group.
• Conduct inventory of special needs materials (such as fidgets and timers) and/or recommend items to be ordered.
• Maintain special needs materials and provide instructions for use.
• Serve as a resource for parents to help them locate special needs services / supports / diagnostic pathways.
• Provide support for developmental screenings and interpreting results.
• Participate in IEP meetings when requested by families.
• Assess the needs of Temple Isaiah's education programs with regard to Special Needs Inclusion and make recommendations for the future.
• Attend all teacher staff meetings and gatherings (including celebratory meals), as is possible given the schedule.

• Benefits package including healthcare, dental, and vision
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and/or study
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• An exciting and innovative place to work among a warm and supportive community and with a dynamic and collaborative staff team

• Bachelor's and/or Masters Degree in Education or a related field preferred
• Background in special needs education required.
• 3 or more years of experience in the field of education, preferably in the field of early childhood education (ages 1–6).
• A proven record of working effectively and positively with children and families to meet the needs of children, families, and the school.
• Strong interpersonal skills with adults and children of diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and delegate in a fast-paced school environment.
• Experience working collaboratively and respectfully in an inclusive community of families and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds and spend up to 30 minutes sitting on the floor.