~~Safety Sensitive Position~~

Are you certified in Special Education and looking to grow in your career? Located in the North Valley, UCP’s Early Learning Center is a Quality First 5 Star and NAEYC accredited site that values not only the growth of children but their teachers too. As a lead teacher, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals such as therapists and Quality First coaches. Apply now and discover your potential!

A Special Education Preschool Teacher (SEPT) is responsible for the overall supervision and management of their assigned classroom using developmentally appropriate practices, and the supervision of Early Learning Center Teachers Assistants and Aides. A SEPT is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing educational programs designed to meet the individual needs of children with disabilities in a preschool setting. This role focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning, social interaction, and skill development. The SEPT may collaborate with staff to ensure that curriculum and classroom activities are properly delivered, and that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately.

UCP of Central Arizona's Early Learning Center (ELC) is a Quality First 5-Star and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited program that is looking for teachers who have a heart to help children with disabilities and without in an inclusive environment. The Laura Dozer campus has a beautiful playground and a garden for the older classrooms.

Essential Functions as Lead Teacher:

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans for each student with special needs. Tailor instructional strategies and curriculum to address the specific learning goals and challenges of each child.
Inclusive Teaching: Foster an inclusive classroom environment that promotes diversity and accommodates various learning styles and abilities. Adapt teaching methods, materials, and activities to meet the needs of all students.
Curriculum Development: Plan, organize and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with the state or local educational standards while addressing the unique requirements of children with special needs.
Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Regularly assess and track the progress of each student. Use assessment data to adjust teaching strategies and identify areas where additional support is needed.
Behavioral Support: Implement behavior management strategies to address challenging behaviors and promote positive social interactions. Collaborate with parents and support staff to ensure consistency in behavioral interventions.
Communication: Maintain open, effective, and regular communication with parents, guardians, and support staff. Provide feedback on a child's progress and share strategies that can be used at home
Resource Utilization: Make use of assistive technologies, adaptive equipment, and support services as needed to facilitate learning and skill development.
Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special education specialists, to ensure comprehensive support for each child.
Safety and Well-being: Ensure the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all students. Adhere to health and safety guidelines, and respond appropriately in case of emergencies or medical situations.

Other/Essential Center and Classroom Responsibilities:

· Supervise and train classroom teachers, assistants and aides.
· Develop and implement staffing schedules, including procedures for covering staff absences with the collaboration of other lead teachers.
· Assist Early Learning Center Director in the interviewing and selection of new employees.
· Provide clear, consistent feedback to classroom teachers and teacher’s aides regarding performance, rules and regulations.
· Assist Early Learning Center Director in completing and delivering performance appraisals.
· Recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary action.
· Act as designated person in charge in the absence of Early Learning Center Director.
· Interact with children at their level frequently and respectfully.
· Use appropriate guidance techniques with children, defining and maintaining, clear, consistent and fair limits for classroom behavior, using redirection and encouragement of appropriate behavior.
· Prepare and post weekly lesson plans and activities.
· Plan and implement daily classroom schedules and routines to meet the needs of the program and children.
· Evaluate the skills and progress of each child according to defined schedules.
· Maintain required staff-to-child ratios, supervising enrolled children using sight and sound.
· Responsible for the daily maintenance of children’s rosters, changing logs and daily reports.
· Responsible for maintaining current displays of children’s work and monthly bulletin boards with depictions that reflect an anti-bias curriculum and multi-cultural respect.
· Monitor and maintain classroom compliance with Arizona Department of Health, NAEYC and Quality First policies and standards.
· Participation in ELC Strategic planning process.
· Maintain toys, materials and equipment in clean and sanitary condition by following the posted disinfecting schedule.
· Serve meals in accordance with CACFP Guidelines

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Required Education & Experience
State teaching certification in Special Education or Early Special Education is required
Current proof of HS enrollment or HS diploma
1-year of supervisory experience (Preferred)
Must have 1-year experience working with children with special needs (Preschool aged preferred)
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field
Knowledge of various disabilities and developmental disorders
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in creating and implementing IEPs
Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card
Negative results of a Mantoux TB test
Maricopa County Food Handler Certification
Must be 18 years of age or older
Immunization verification

UCP of Central Arizona is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and UCP’s achievement as well. UCP of Central Arizona is a Equal Opportunity Employer.