Developmental Preschool Teacher

Our Mission: The mission of the La Center School District is to create a supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their fullest potential.  We will do this in partnership with families, the community, staff and students to develop confident and self-reliant lifelong learners who can thrive in a rapidly changing, more technologically advanced and diverse society.

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Principal, the Developmental Preschool Teacher provides services to special education and general education students aged three to five years.   The Developmental Preschool teacher leads the IEP team to develop data-driven student learning and behavioral goals and is responsible for developing curriculum and program strategies consistent with the student\'s learning level and to continually assess student progress towards IEP goals.  

Terms of Employment:

• This is a 1.0 FTE continuing position.
• This position is covered by the LCEA Negotiated Agreement.
• The successful candidate for this position must be fingerprinted. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check and clearance by the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Essential Functions:

• Select teaching strategies to implement IEP goals for special education students
• Monitor and adjust teaching strategies to meet students\' needs
• Provide classroom, small group, and one-on-one instruction to special education and general education students
• Conduct student assessments to determine program eligibility and services
• Use computer technology and computer programs to document data collection
• Develop and write daily lesson plans; update assessment data via IEP online
• Develop and complete Individual Education Plans (IEP); organize, schedule, and facilitate IEP meetings with parents, general education staff, and specialist(s)
• Supervise the collection of performance data on student IEP goals and document progress
• Communicate with parents and students regarding transition goals
• Develop and adapt curriculum from general education curriculum
• Provide one-on-one assistance to students
• Supervise and train classified staff to support student learning
• Assist the Special Education Director or building Principal with writing and conducting performance evaluations for classified staff
• Consult and collaborate with professionals and parents regarding the needs of special education students for assuring appropriate learning experiences; participate in Building Assistance Team
• Inform principal/staff on the progress of assigned students
• Maintain a safe classroom environment conducive to learning; establish classroom management programs for students; monitor and adjust individual behavior management plans for individual students\' needs
• Contribute to the collaborative effort of all staff to meet individual student needs through participation in staff meetings, in-service programs, workshops, and seminars
• Participate in activities beyond the regularly scheduled workday, as needed
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and community partners
• Maintain a neat, clean personal appearance and traits of a good role model for students; work apparel should be appropriate for a safe and professional work environment
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Possess or immediately qualify for a Washington State teaching certificate with a Special Education endorsement (applicants who can qualify for a conditional certificate or pre-endorsement waiver may be considered)
• Previous experience teaching Special Education
• Must meet ESSA/IDEA teaching standards
• Demonstrated skill in working with individuals having a wide range of disabilities, including physical, social/emotional, or cognitive disabilities
• Demonstrated academic preparation and/or experience in special education instructional strategies and progress monitoring techniques
• Experience in developing, executing, and adjusting behavior management programs
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff
• Demonstrated ability to successfully employ effective teaching methods
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for, and enjoyment in, working with students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Early Childhood Special Education endorsement
• Early Childhood Education endorsement
• Extensive experience working with students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD), autism, or other high-incidence behavioral disabilities
• Demonstrated expertise in implementing Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)
• Experience in data collection and analysis to support behavior tracking and instructional decisions
• Training in or familiarity with Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI), Ukeru, or other de-escalation techniques and crisis response programs
• Knowledge of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and writing effective Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current trends in education, including curriculum and instructional practices, subject matter content, and the effective use of data to modify instruction and improve student learning
• Demonstrated ability to successfully employ effective teaching methods
• Willingness and ability to attend ongoing professional development activities
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a diverse population of staff, students, families, and community members while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor and supporting an atmosphere of warmth, cooperation and service to others
• Demonstrated ability to treat all staff, students, parents, and community members with dignity
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students and staff
• Strong self-initiative with an ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a flexible and cooperative manner in order to build and maintain effective teams and partnerships
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member and analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions, and determine resolutions and/or action plans
• Punctual, with the ability to meet deadlines, adapt quickly to change, and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all district matters
• Understand and implement district safety procedures
• Ability to incorporate working knowledge of Board Policies E-1 through E-4 into daily practice
• Ability to learn and follow school district policies and procedures

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to provide assistance and attend to the physical needs of students, including moving and positioning students and assisting with personal hygiene needs, including but not limited to, tube feeding, catheterization, changing diapers, and toileting
• Ability to sit, stand, and stoop to attend to students\' needs and to provide instruction
• May experience prolonged exposure to visual display terminals as required
• Possess the strength and agility to assist physically impaired students

Salary: Salary is based on documented education and experience, as per the LCEA Salary Schedule.

Benefits: This position is eligible for a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their qualified dependents.  Employer-paid basic life, long-term disability, and AD & D insurance are available to the employee only.  Additional benefits include retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement and optional supplemental benefits including supplemental life, employee-paid long-term disability, FSA, DCAP, and deferred compensation.  Paid leave benefits include two (2) days of personal leave and twelve (12) days of sick leave per school year.   Additional available paid leave benefits and terms of leave are governed by the LCEA Negotiated Agreement. 

La Center School District No. 101
725 Highland Road * PO Box 1840
La Center, WA  98629

La Center School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: 

Civil Rights Compliance and Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator 
 Matt Johnson
 Address: 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, WA 98629
 Telephone Number: 360-263-1700
 Email: matt.johnson@lacenterschools.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinator 
 Greg Hall
 Address: PO Box 1840 La Center, WA 98629
 Telephone Number: 360-263-2131
 Email: greg.hall@lacenterschools.org

Title IX Coordinator 
 Matt Cooke
 Address: 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, WA 98629
 Telephone Number: 360-263-1700
 Email: matt.cooke@lacenterschools.org