Teacher - Special Education Preschool

• Position Type:
  Special Education (Instruction)/ Pre-School
• Date Posted: 2/2/2026
• Location:
  
  O.C. Johnson Elementary

School Year: 2026 - 2027

Working Calendar Days: 189 Days

Salary Range: See Certified Placement Schedule

Benefited Status: Benefited Position - Tier 1

The job of Preschool Special Education Teacher is done for the purpose of providing individualized instruction and support to preschool-aged students with disabilities in a self-contained special education setting. The teacher is responsible for fostering academic, behavioral, interpersonal, communication, and daily living skills in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Responsibilities include developing and implementing lesson plans aligned with curriculum and IEP goals, conducting developmental assessments, collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

This job reports to Principal

• Develops and implements developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with Arizona Early Learning Standards, curriculum frameworks, ECERS, CLASS, evidence-based assessment tools including Teaching Strategies Gold, and individual IEP goals.
• Adapts classroom work and materials to address students' individualized learning plans and developmental needs.
• Administers and interprets developmental assessments and diagnostic tools (e.g., Teaching Strategies Gold, etc.) to evaluate progress and determine educational needs.
• Provides direct instruction in cognitive, language, motor, self-help, and interpersonal domains.
• Facilitates learning experiences including art, music, movement, story time, and sensory play that support both academic and developmental growth.
• Implements specialized programs and supports for students with moderate to severe disabilities, including communication devices, visual supports, and behavior intervention plans.
• Administers basic first aid and assists with medical needs, including toileting, diapering, feeding (e.g., G-tube feeding), and hygiene for medically fragile students.
• Collaborates with related service providers (e.g., speech/language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists) to integrate therapeutic strategies into daily routines.
• Collaborates with parents, guardians, and community resources to support student progress and family engagement.
• Participates in IEP meetings, writes IEPs, tracks progress toward goals, and ensures compliance with timelines and documentation.
• Directs and trains paraprofessionals and classroom support staff in instructional and behavioral strategies.
• Monitors and manages student behavior using positive behavior support strategies in various settings (e.g., classroom, playground, cafeteria).
• Models age-appropriate behavior, conversation, and social skills.
• Maintains accurate records including attendance, IEP data, progress monitoring, and anecdotal notes.
• Organizes safe and structured indoor/outdoor activities that promote participation and development.
• Responds to emergencies and student incidents following safety protocols and reporting requirements.
• Participates in professional development, staff meetings, and training relevant to early childhood special education.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress (e.g. IEP updates, progress reports, report cards, behavioral plans, etc.) for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improving and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of ensuring the provision of special education services in accordance with students' IEP in the LRE and in accordance with school district, state and federal requirements.
• Prepares a variety of written and electronic materials (e.g. grades,…