ECSE-1st Special Education Teacher

Position Title: ECSE1st Grade Special Education Teacher
Reports To: Campus Director
Location: Foundation School of Autism Plano (Responsive Education Solutions Network)

About Responsive Education Solutions & the Foundation School of Autism

ResponsiveEd is one of the largest charter networks in Texas dedicated to providing innovative student-centered learning environments that meet the diverse needs of learners. Within this network the Foundation School of Autism (FSA) provides a highly specialized early childhood program serving students with autism in grades ECSE through 1st. FSA emphasizes structured nurturing and inclusive classrooms that equip students with the academic communication social and functional skills needed for lifelong success.

Position Summary

The ECSE1st Grade Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality instruction and individualized supports to young students with autism and other developmental disabilities. This role blends evidence-based special education practices with a strong focus on early intervention social-emotional learning and functional communication. Teachers at FSA collaborate closely with families related service providers and campus leadership to create a safe engaging and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.

Responsibilities

Instruction & Classroom Practice

• Deliver daily instruction aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and individualized IEP goals.

• Implement evidence-based practices (e.g. ABA structured teaching AAC integration visual supports discrete trial training naturalistic teaching strategies).

• Provide explicit instruction in communication social skills early literacy numeracy adaptive behavior and functional living skills.

• Use progress monitoring data collection and assessment tools (e.g. Brigance VB-MAPP SameGoal PowerSchool) to drive instructional decisions.

Individualized Support & Compliance

• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with IDEA and Texas Education Agency requirements.

• Differentiate instruction to support a wide range of student abilities including non-verbal learners students with complex communication needs and those requiring significant behavior support.

• Participate in ARD meetings Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work as part of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to ensure consistency and equity across ECSE and primary classrooms.

• Collaborate daily with paraprofessionals BCBAs Speech/OT providers and families to support whole-child development.

• Foster strong family partnerships through ongoing communication progress updates and parent training opportunities.

School Culture & Safety

• Establish and maintain a structured predictable and nurturing classroom environment.

• Support student independence self-advocacy and self-regulation through positive behavior interventions.

• Contribute to a school culture that values equity inclusion accountability and innovation.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited university.

• Valid Texas teaching certificate in Special Education (EC12 or EC6/1st grade range).

• Knowledge of special education law ARD/IEP processes and compliance requirements.

Preferred:

• Experience teaching students with autism or in an ECSE/self-contained special education setting.

• Familiarity with structured teaching frameworks (TEACCH SCERTS ABA principles AAC devices).

• Strong skills in data collection instructional technology and collaborative teaching.

Competencies & Beliefs

• Belief that all students can learn and succeed with the right supports.

• Commitment to equity and inclusive practices for students with disabilities.

• Ability to maintain professionalism flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational communication and problem-solving skills.

Why Join FSA & ResponsiveEd

• Be part of a mission-driven network serving diverse learners across Texas.

• Join a specialized autism program that provides small class sizes structured supports and collaborative teams.

• Access ongoing professional development and coaching tailored to special education and autism intervention.

• Make a lasting impact on students and families by building skills that foster independence and lifelong success.

Required Experience:

IC