Special Education Teacher – Preschool

OBJECTIVES: Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Special Education Teacher - Preschool is responsible for designing and delivering individualized learning plans for students with special needs. This role involves collaborating with parents and fellow educators, offering ongoing support and guidance to ensure student success in the Early Childhood Program. This position requires strong communication skills, a solid understanding of special education laws and practices, and the ability to foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment for all students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to each student’s needs.
2. Deliver instruction in whole-class, small-group, and one-on-one settings.
3. Monitor and evaluate student progress, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
4. Maintain consistent communication with parents and professionals regarding student development.
5. Design and apply strategies to engage and motivate students toward achieving their goals.
6. Implement and support individualized behavior management plans.
7. Work collaboratively with teachers and school staff to create an optimal learning environment.
8. Communicate regularly with families and staff about students’ academic and social-emotional progress at home and in school.
9. Supervise, support, and train classroom assistants and aides through modeling and ongoing feedback.
10. Assist in researching and recommending appropriate transition programs for students leaving the school.
11. Ensure the classroom remains clean, organized, safe, and aligned with students’ needs.
12. Participate in student intake and classroom placement processes as required.
13. Always maintain confidentiality regarding student and family information.

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with parents, staff, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in developing and implementing IEPs, differentiated instruction, and data-driven progress monitoring.
• Solid knowledge of special education laws, compliance, and assessment practices.
• Effective classroom management and ability to implement behavior intervention plans.
• Ability to support and motivate students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and supervisory skills, with attention to confidentiality and detail.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values.
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• NYS Teacher Certification in Special Education
• Experience with children.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Salary: $55,000 - $80,000.

ABOUT NORTHSIDE

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, “Each Child…First Chance.”

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit www.northsidecenter.org.