Lead Four-Year-Old Preschool Teacher – Special Needs Experience

About Space Coast Discovery School

Space Coast Discovery School is committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Preschool Teacher to lead our four-year-old classroom, with a focus on supporting children with diverse developmental, behavioral, and learning needs.

Position Summary

The Four-Year-Old Preschool Teacher will be responsible for creating a structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that supports children's academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and physical development.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with children with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speech and language delays, and other developmental differences. The teacher must be patient, flexible, nurturing, and comfortable supporting children at different developmental levels, including assisting with potty training, diapering, and personal care routines.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with families, classroom staff, and school leadership to provide individualized support and promote positive outcomes for every child.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction and Curriculum

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate lessons and activities that promote early literacy, mathematics, language development, creativity, and school readiness.
• Establish consistent classroom routines, expectations, and transitions.
• Adapt lessons and learning materials to accommodate individual developmental abilities and learning styles.
• Encourage independence, positive social interactions, problem-solving, and emotional development.
• Maintain an organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom.

Special Needs Support and Inclusion

• Demonstrate experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, speech and language delays, developmental delays, and other special needs.
• Use positive behavior guidance, visual schedules, structured routines, and individualized strategies to support children's participation and learning.
• Help children develop communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and independence.
• Recognize individual strengths, needs, and behavioral triggers and respond with patience and appropriate support.
• Follow individualized accommodations and support plans in accordance with school procedures and applicable requirements.
• Collaborate with families, administrators, and outside professionals, as appropriate, to support children's developmental progress.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and family information.

Potty Training, Diapering, and Personal Care

• Assist children with potty training using patient, positive, and developmentally appropriate techniques.
• Support children with varying levels of toileting independence, including children with developmental delays or other special needs.
• Change diapers and assist with toileting, hygiene, and personal care as needed.
• Follow proper diaper-changing procedures, handwashing practices, sanitation requirements, and school health and safety policies.
• Maintain each child's dignity, privacy, comfort, and safety during diaper changes and toileting.
• Follow established toileting routines and individualized toileting plans when applicable.
• Communicate with families and classroom staff regarding toileting progress, accidents, and individual care needs.
• Complete required documentation related to personal care and incidents according to school procedures.

Child Supervision and Safety

• Maintain active supervision of children throughout the school day, including classroom activities, playground time, meals, transitions, and field trips.
• Follow classroom ratios, school policies, emergency procedures, and applicable Florida child care regulations.
• Ensure children are treated with respect and that their physical and emotional safety remains a priority.
• Document incidents, behavioral concerns, and relevant developmental observations as required.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe classroom environment.

Family and Staff Communication

• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families regarding classroom activities, children's progress, and concerns.
• Work collaboratively with assistant teachers, administrators, and other classroom support staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, professional development, and scheduled school events.
• Maintain accurate attendance, classroom records, and other required documentation.
• Follow school policies, the employee handbook, and established classroom procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) required.
• Completion of all 45 required DCF training hours required.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Demonstrated experience working with children with special needs, including ASD, ADHD, developmental delays, or communication and behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Ability and willingness to assist with potty training, diapering, and personal care.
• Strong classroom management, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, colleagues, and school leadership.
• Ability to meet applicable Florida child care personnel requirements, including required background screening and clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in an inclusive preschool, special education, or early intervention setting.
• Experience using visual schedules, sensory supports, and positive behavior support strategies.
• Experience collaborating with speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, or other support professionals.
• Current pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification if required.

Skills and Competencies

• Patient, compassionate, and nurturing approach to early childhood education.
• Strong understanding of the needs of children with diverse developmental abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when addressing challenging behaviors.
• Commitment to inclusion, individualized learning, and positive behavior guidance.
• Dependability, flexibility, teamwork, and effective communication.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position involves working in an active preschool classroom with children approximately four years of age. The teacher must be able to supervise children, participate in classroom and playground activities, assist with toileting and diapering, and perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person