JOB SUMMARY:

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for the planning and implementation of all educational goals and objectives of the children assigned and for overall classroom management and safety. 

IMPORTANT: This position is 100% on-site and candidates MUST live in the NYC area. All candidates MUST be fully vaccinated before application is submitted. Kennedy Children's Center is a year-round school and only works with children ages 3-5 years.

Kennedy Children's Center is hiring a Special Education Teachers for our Bronx location. Recent, upcoming college graduates, and those who are close to earning their New York State Certification in (or related to) Special Education are HIGHLY encouraged to apply! Existing certifications will be verified.

RESPONSIBILITES AND DUTIES:

Formulates and implements the goals of the I.E.P. for each child by planning and providing instruction on developmentally appropriate activities aligned with identified curriculum.

• Responsible for the classroom management and implementation of Positive Behavior Support plans that clearly identify Tier 1 and Tier 2 strategies.
• Ensure a safe and appropriate classroom environment for the health and safety of each child assigned.
• Responsible for the supervision and direction of the teacher assistants and one-to-one paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom.  This includes performing annual evaluations of the teacher assistants and paraprofessionals assigned and notifying the appropriate personnel of potential problems or conflicts.
• Actively participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team to ensure the IEP goals and objectives are articulated and understood in context of instruction and family dynamics. 
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date attendance records 
• Communicates effectively and positively with the parents/guardians of the children assigned and other team members.
• Maintains an orderly and attractive classroom setting, including keeping equipment and materials in good condition and requesting repair or replacement when necessary.
• Responsible for the timely submission of all written assignments (Quarterly and Annual Reviews) as designated by the Education/Curriculum Director.
• Seek professional growth by maintaining current knowledge and skills pertinent to the performance of job responsibilities.
• Perform other assigned duties as defined and directed by the Education Director and/or Education Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in Special Education or equivalent degree preferred. New York State Certification in Special Education or Students with Disabilities Birth-2 (or related) required.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Skilled in evaluation and assessing students’ needs.
• Good teaching skills, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Creative ability.
• Good written and verbal communication skills. 
• Supportive, positive and patient attitude.
• Ability to follow methodologies of teaching approved by the Director or Assistant Director.
• Good computer skills including Word and Excel
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish an added advantage
• Consistently able to supervise children outside while exposed to the sun, rain, and/or weather and temperature changes adhering to the playground and gym play zones.
• Able to stand for extended periods.
• Consistently able to lift children up to 50 pounds from floor to waist height.
• Consistently able to observe and respond to children’s needs, emergencies, and/or conflicts that might occur in the classroom, playground, and in common areas.
• Consistently able to deal effectively with working closely with children, parents, co-workers, and administration.