Teacher - Special Education Preschool

School Year:
2026 - 2027

Working Calendar Days:
189 Days

Salary Range:
See Certified Placement Schedule

Benefited Status:
Benefited Position - Tier 1

Purpose Statement

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

Essential Functions

• 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, attendance, anecdotal records, IEP goals and objectives, student records, intervention and treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements and timelines.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquires from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, therapists, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records; managing student behavior; planning individualized instruction.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies; IDEA regulations, IEP procedures and special education delivery models.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours; work effectively with students with diverse needs; collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; tracking budget expenditures. utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 30% walking, and 40% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

ExperienceJob related experience is required.

EducationBachelors degree in job-related area.

Equivalency

FLSA Status                                                       Approval Date                                                                    Salary Range

Exempt                                                                                                                                                         Certified Placement Schedule