Teacher - Early Childhood

Reports to: Director of Programs and Services
Employment Group: Faculty – TRS
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Year: 10 Months

The Early Childhood (EC) Teacher supports the True North mission and is committed to the possibilities in every learner, every day. This educator provides developmentally appropriate, research-based instruction to preschool‑aged children with and without disabilities, including students with moderate‑to‑severe disabilities, autism, at‑risk learners, and English language learners. The EC Teacher designs and implements differentiated instruction, behavior supports, and inclusive learning experiences aligned to the goals of the True North Early Childhood Program.

The EC Teacher collaborates with families, classroom teams, related service providers, and community partners to promote student growth across academic, social‑emotional, communication, and functional domains. This educator serves as a member of a transdisciplinary team, supports individualized programming, and ensures that each child’s learning environment is safe, engaging, and responsive to their developmental needs.

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS I and Early Childhood endorsement
• Recent experience working with preschool‑aged children with and without disabilities, including students with moderate‑to‑severe disabilities and/or autism
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, early childhood curriculum, and evidence‑based instructional strategies
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to travel between sites as needed

• Knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum, and developmentally appropriate practice
• Knowledge of instructional and behavioral strategies for students with disabilities, including autism and multiple disabilities
• Knowledge of early childhood curricula and assessment systems
• Knowledge of disability categories and their impact on learning, behavior, and development
• Knowledge of legal and ethical requirements governing early childhood special education

• Skill in designing and delivering specially designed instruction aligned to IEP goals and developmental needs
• Skill in implementing evidence‑based instructional and behavioral strategies
• Skill in designing and implementing behavior management strategies across environments
• Skill in facilitating collaborative team problem‑solving and supporting transdisciplinary planning
• Skill in maintaining accurate documentation, including IEP records and student portfolios
• Skill in using technology to collect data, communicate, and support instruction

• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, colleagues, and community partners
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats
• Ability to facilitate collaborative team problem solving
• Ability to create and maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning
• Ability to supervise and support teaching assistants in implementing instructional and behavioral strategies
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and adapt to varied student needs
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and model ethical practice

The following statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned that are reasonably related to the position.

• Design and implement specially designed instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including students with disabilities, at‑risk learners, English language learners, and typically developing preschoolers
• Create and maintain a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning
• Design and…