Special Education Teacher - Early Childhood - Vancouver Public Schools

For the 2024-25 school year

Full time position

Posting period: open until filled

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS).  All applications are considered and reviewed.  The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process.  As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation.  Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications:

• Valid Washington State certificate with a Special Education endorsement
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, Master’s Degree in related field preferred
• Training in Early Childhood Special Education evaluation and services
• Three years of successful experience working in ECSE
• Extensive knowledge of Special Education law, specifically ECSE
• Understanding and experience with effective professional development design and facilitation
• Personal vehicle for travel throughout Vancouver School District
• Successful experience facilitating team decision-making and problem-solving processes
• Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning and instructional tool
• Ability to share knowledge with real-life applications
• Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse 

Essential Functions:

• Provide support to families and children 3-5 years old and suspect of disability or eligible for Special Education
• Provide consultation and training for ECSE and transition to school age
• Provide support to teachers, related service providers, classroom support staff, and building administrators specific to the needs of students in ECSE
• Provide expertise to support the identification and maintenance of educational eligibility of students who are ECSE eligible
• Coordinate ECSE evaluation team, placements and child find activities
• Assist in the coordination of initial eligibility and Early Intervention (EI) to ECSE for those students who are made eligible for special education services in this disability category
• Coordinate the ECSE evaluation process of for students entering into Special Education
• Maintain records and reports
• Provide group or individual training on assessment tools and evaluation procedures
• Model appropriate techniques as necessary until staff are able to implement them independently.
• Coordinate child find screenings
• Monitor timelines for referral, evaluation, eligibility and placement
• Coordinate and monitor placement for all ECSE students
• Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and consult regarding key intervention strategies with a broad-based range of individuals including parents, teachers, classroom staff, related service providers and supervisory team
• Assistance to school staff working with students in ECSE to determine appropriate goals and objectives for IEP’s and appropriate data collection systems to track student progress
• Application of a variety of strategies that facilitate team effectiveness (e.g. collaboration, problem solving, leadership, meeting management, conflict resolution)
• Evaluate and maintain information regarding “best practices” in the field EI/ECSE
• Provide information to staff and parents about resources they may utilize for support.
• Participate in meetings with parents that pertain to the student’s eligibility, instructional, or behavioral needs as they relate to ECSE services
• Communicate and cooperate with the Special Services administration team
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by coordinator, administrator, and/or supervisor
• Set an agenda for and participate in weekly staff meetings and monthly PLCs
• Continuation of professional growth, especially in regard to current issues related to ECSE
• Knowledge of the existing statutes and regulations regarding Special Education as it applies to students in ECSE
• Ability to organize and present information effectively in a variety of contexts ranging from large heterogeneous groups to one-on-one tutorials
• Ability to use the computer effectively for word-processing, IEP and triennial processes, internet searches, email communication and presentations
• Exemplary communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically with a broad range of individuals including parents, teachers, classroom staff, and supervisory team
• Supervision of students
• Other duties as assigned

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.

Benefits/Compensation:

• Salary range: $62,925 - $118,608 (includes Base & TRI enrichment; commensurate upon FTE, degree, credits and experience). Salary schedules can be accessed here.
• Additional Compensation: Certificated positions may have additional pay provisions above what is represented on the salary range such as, but not limited to TRI professional learning, extended year days, extra appendix E supplemental days and professional development reimbursement. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria, can be found in the VEA CPA. Salary schedules can be accessed here.
• Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here.
• Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here.
• Time Off: Includes paid time off, sick, personal, religious, military and bereavement leave.
  • Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
  • Personal Leave: 3 days per school year
  • Detailed information, including accrual criteria can be found in the VEA CPA.