Early Childhood Special Education/Inclusion Teacher 26

The Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School of the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC seeks an Early Childhood Special Education/ Inclusion Teacher to work in our year-round (June-May) progressive inclusion program. Our school employs a dynamic team of special education professionals to create interventions and curriculum to support the optimal development for Preschool children with disabilities and developmental delays. We have a welcoming culture founded on the ethics and values of Judaism. You are joining a team dedicated to building an exemplary inclusive preschool that is a leader in the Houston community.

In this Early Childhood Special Educator/ Inclusion Teacher position, you:

• Will work 8 am- 4 pm daily, with a half hour lunch;
• Will work in an inclusive early childhood classroom (Toddlers-PreK);

• Cultivate warm, professional partnerships with families, colleagues, and therapists;
• Adopt and adapt interventions designed by therapists;
• Engage in solutions-oriented problem-solving with peers and administration;
• Embody and implement the DEC Recommended Practices; and
• Elevate the school's inclusive philosophy so ALL children thrive through hands-on experiential learning.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment

1. Design appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the classroom.
2. Promote healthy eating practices.
3. Maintain a safe environment.
4. Post necessary information to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.
5. Implement classroom management strategies to maintain an orderly learning environment.
6. Create and implement IEP for children in the STARS program.

To advance physical and intellectual competence

1. Provide a balance between child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities.
2. Provides balance between quiet and active learning activities.
3. Use equipment and materials for indoor and outdoor play that promote children’s physical development.
4. Provide an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children.
5. Plan and implement experiences that support a child’s intellectual development.

To support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance

1. Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem and self-image.
2. Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop social skills and encourage peer interactions.
3. Plan and implement culturally diverse experiences.
4. Use and promote positive guidance techniques.
5. Provide a wide variety of creative and expressive activities.
6. Establish routines with smooth transition periods.
7. Communicate with children at their developmental level.

To establish positive and productive relationships with families

1. Engage in daily communication with families about their child’s day and care events, through verbal communication, daily written communication, and our online communication platform.
2. Relate assessment information to parents and offers support for dealing with children at different developmental stages.
3. Promote communication with parents through weekly progress notes, a weekly newsletter, and at three parent conferences a year.
4. Provide a variety of ways that families can participate in the program.

To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs

1. Assess program supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities.
2. Coordinate and help supervise aides, assistants, and volunteers working in the classroom.
3. Maintain written plans on a weekly basis.
4. Assess children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis.

To maintain a commitment to professionalism

1. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., ability to stand for long intervals, ability to engage with children at their level, which can include sitting on the floor.
2. Promote the center’s philosophy and educational objectives.
3. Maintain a high level of professionalism daily.
4. Ability to respectfully and professionally communicate and interact with colleagues and supervisors.
5. Communicate directly with colleagues and therapists about adaptions and modifications for each individual child.
6. Maintain consistent attendance and tracking of personal time off.
7. Engage in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills.
8. Support the professional growth and development of colleagues by sharing materials and information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement.
9. Attend staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training provided by the center.
10. Ensure that annual requirements for state licensing hours are met.

Why Choose Us?  

Our full‑time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well‑being and long‑term success. This includes competitive pay, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and ongoing opportunities for training and professional development. Team members also receive a free membership along with significant discounts on our programs, adding even more value to being part of our community. 

• A bachelor's or master's degree in special education or a complimentary field;
• Experience writing IEPs, designing interventions, and modifying/adapting curriculum and routines for young children;
• 3 years classroom special education experience;
• Proficiency utilizing technology in support of education;
• An engaging, hands-on approach to working with teams of professionals;
• Preferred: A valid teaching certification or license;
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., ability to stand for long intervals, ability to engage with children at their level, which can include sitting on the floor.
• Upon hire, complete First Aid and CPR Certification (or recertification upon expiration).