Prekindergarten

Position Function: The Prekindergarten Teacher provides instruction and support to promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child through developmentally appropriate practices. This position plans, leads, facilitates, and delivers standards-based instruction in alignment with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensuring students learn and grow in their least restrictive environment.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Plans, prepares, and delivers instruction aligned to the Kansas Early Learning Standards and individual student IEP goals.
• Designs developmentally appropriate learning experiences that foster growth in students' cognitive, social, emotional, communication, and self‑help skills.
• Provides differentiated instruction based on each student's individual learning style, level of functioning, and preferred modalities.
• Integrates a variety of instructional methods and tools, including multi‑media, assistive technology, and alternative communication systems.
• Maintains a structured, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning and exploration.
• Monitors and documents student progress using data‑driven methods.
• Collects data and participates in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Initiates, schedules, and facilitates IEP meetings, contributing to the development and implementation of each student's program in accordance with due dates.
• Implements proactive behavior management strategies that promote self‑regulation, independence, and positive interactions.
• Establishes clear routines, expectations, and reinforcement systems to support student success.
• Maintains a safe, organized, and inviting classroom environment.
• Collaborates with parents, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and administrators, and district staff to ensure cohesive support for each child.
• Communicates regularly with families to share progress, address concerns, and celebrate achievements.
• Attends and contributes to staff meetings, professional learning sessions, and parent engagement events.
• Assures that substitute teachers have adequate plans and directions for continuity of instruction.
• Maintains accurate records of attendance, grades, behavior, communication, and other data required to meet students' IEPs.
• Complies with district, state, and federal policies, including confidentiality and child protection regulations.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse or neglect as required by law.

Additional Duties: Performs other duties as assigned by building administration and the early childhood department.

Equipment: May require use of Clear Touch interactive displays, SMART Boards, iPads, and other instructional technology in addition to standard office equipment (computers, copiers, scanners). Must always comply with WPS technology use guidelines.

Travel: Limited travel between school sites or district offices may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Ability to implement behavioral and physical supports, including lifting, dressing, and positioning students for self‑care and safety.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Work occurs in standard school environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of early childhood development, instructional strategies, and special education.
• Skill in organization, time management, and communication.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.

Interrelations:

• Works cooperatively with district personnel, students, families, and community members.
• Functions under the direct supervision of the building administrator.
• Must demonstrate diplomacy, tact, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Expected to provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive attitude.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Deviations from scheduled hours require prior approval from a supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position.

Qualification Profile:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Current Kansas teaching license in Early Childhood Unified (ECU), Adaptive Special Education (PreK‑12), or Functional Special Education (PreK‑12) required.