Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher

Position Purpose
The Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher will provide weekly educational experiences to preschool children based on the IEP goals and objectives in the home or community-based preschool. This position involves traveling throughout Mecklenburg County to community daycares, Head Start programs, and all elementary schools within the district. The teacher will complete referrals from parents, doctors, community-based preschool programs, and the Infant and Toddler program.

Essential Functions

• Consultant: Partner with parents, teachers, and other members of the education team to identify goals and help children achieve them. Collect accurate information on both the child and classroom environment, supporting general educators in meeting their assessment responsibilities. Train staff and ECSE teachers on Indicator 7s to ensure the accurate tracking of data each school year.
• Coach: Empower general educators/ECSE teachers by actively assisting them in developing the skills and knowledge needed to work with young children with disabilities.
• Service Coordinator: Ensure the smooth delivery of IEP services, stay informed about community resources that support children and families, and assist with transitions to other programs. Provide appropriate professional development as needed. Complete Comprehensive Study paperwork for referrals of children ages 2 to 4 years old. Guide the complex IEP process, manage and resolve conflicts, and effectively persuade others to adopt changes and innovations that will benefit the child.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Virginia Department of Education Early Learning Standards, FERPA and HIPAA.
• Knowledge of current educational issues and preschool curriculum programs and developmentally appropriate best practices in early childhood education
• Knowledge of effective intervention strategies and mandated assessment tools.
• Knowledge of community agencies that can support students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of classroom management techniques, problem-solving processes and creative thinking skills.
• Ability to use technology as both a productivity tool and communication method; proficient in computer applications.
• Ability to identify children’s strengths and areas of weakness and implement programs to enhance their development.
• Ability to maintain accurate student records and confidentiality.
• Ability to observe and assess skills in all areas of development.
• Ability to analyze and interpret assessment data.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with parents, students, co-workers, administrators, and the public.
• Ability to work with teachers to demonstrate ways of supporting students in the regular classroom.
• Skills in effective group and individual counseling, family intervention, crisis intervention, and the development of home/school collaboration.
• Ability to work with teams to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate program progress and implement changes

Educational Requirements and Certifications

• Certification/License: Must hold or be eligible for a valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education. Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in education, liberal arts or sciences or the subject relevant field. A Master's Degree is preferred.
• Experience: Prior teaching experience is preferred but not required.

Physical and Mental Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, talk, hear, and operate a computer and other technology devices.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty pounds (e.g., notebooks, reports). The employee may occasionally have to lift a small child.
• The noise level in the work environment is relatively quiet but may escalate in group or event settings.
• The work environment may include exposure to disease and infections.
• The employee may be required to deal with students with behavioral risks.
• This position requires local travel to Elementary schools, community daycares, and homes of students.

FLSA Status: Exempt