Preschool Special Education Teacher New Windsor

Who We Are

For over 60 years Abilities First Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant independent lives. From early education to adulthood our wide range of servicesincluding preschool and school programs day and residential habilitation community connections and employment servicesare designed to uplift every individuals unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of peopleof every background identity and abilityto create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities races ethnicities religions socio-economic status gender and gender identities. At Abilities First youll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration celebrates individuality and is dedicated to meaningful work. If youre ready to turn your passion into purpose wed love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

Abilities First is seeking Classroom Teachers for our Preschool program located in New Windsor NY. This position is responsible through the use of the integrated services model for the assessment of each students individual needs curriculum planning and development carryover of therapy goals into the classroom setting and coordination of the classroom support staff.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-3:30pm 35 hours per week 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program)

Pay Range:

$52000- $53000 with a Bachelors Degree

$57000-$58000 with a Masters Degree

Responsibilities:

• Where appropriate assesses the developmental level of students using a standardized assessment tool as well as conduct on-going assessment.
• Plans and implements an instructional program which meets the individual age appropriate educational needs of each child and is based on the designated curriculum of the program. Writes IEP (for special needs children) progress notes and weekly lesson plans. Maintains portfolio of student work.
• Organizes and maintains an environment which facilitates childrens learning including use of space selection of materials scheduling and behavior management.
• Directs classroom support staff in the assessment planning and carrying out of the educational program; including usage of classroom computers.
• Confers with related service staff where appropriate to ensure the implementation of therapy goals (OT PT and speech) in the classroom.
• Develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals maintains positive social-emotional climate which enhances the performance of staff and self-concept of children.
• Works with parents/guardians through informal communications a daily log conferences newsletters Open House volunteer opportunities and annual review (for classified students) to share knowledge of children and achieve common goals.
• Attends professional/general staff meetings and in-service training within the agency district and community. Shares knowledge with other teaching staff . (Minimum of 30 hours every 2 years.)
• Participates as an active member of the Advisory Board.
• Shares knowledge of children with other professionals in order to meet childs educational needs at team meetings and School District CPSE/CSE meetings.
• Provides an adequate and safe level of supervision to students and where a question rises as to the level of adequacy seeks guidance from Preschool Director.
• Attends all curriculum training sessions and implements the program fully within the classroom including utilization of assessment tools.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior which require all employees consultants board members volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty integrity fairness good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA as well as all federal state local and municipal laws and regulations.
• Will incorporate core concepts of CQL philosophy into day-to-day operation and support methods.
• Supports agency vision and mission.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and safety to others.
• Performs other appropriate job related activities as required by immediate supervisor program director or as circumstances warrant.
• Will hold employees under their supervision accountable for position standards in their job descriptions
• Will complete performance evaluations for all staff under supervision at least annually
• Will regularly evaluate internal systems and make recommendations for improvements in efficiency productivity and accountability.

Perks & Benefits:

• Time to Recharge Personal sick and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness Medical dental and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan for The Future 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras Employee discounts with Verizon AT&T Royal Carting and more

• Masters Degree in Special Education with appropriate NYS Teaching Certification or Bachelors Degree in Special Education or a related field with graduate level coursework in Special Education with NYS Provisional Certification or Certificate of Qualification.
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs lift bend squat turn in the knees pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid behavior intervention techniques and lifting and carrying techniques) with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Valid NYS drivers license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.