TKKindergarten Special Education Teacher
San Diego, CA - USA
Job Summary
We are currently seeking a dedicated compassionate and neuro-affirming Full-Time TK/Kinder Inclusion Specialist and Lead Teacher to join our team. This role is center-based at our TK/Kindergarten in Point Loma. MUST hold a special education credential OR a Masters in Special Education (or related field).
Our Mission and Vision:
At Includ(Ed) Our philosophy is simple: all children deserve access to community care and education. We are on a mission to increase access to quality inclusive early childhood education and childcare one classroom at a time.
Includ(Ed) provides early intervention-focused full-time inclusive preschool where all are welcome. Collectively our staff provides the support care and education that enable typically-developing children and children with disabilities to learn play and thrive together.
Our TK/Kindergarten program emphasizes early literacy language development and inclusive academic foundations ensuring that every child develops the skills needed to succeed in school while learning in a joyful and supportive community.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Early Childhood Special Education Teacher to lead our inclusive TK/Kindergarten classroom. This educator will be responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate standards-aligned program that reflects the California Kindergarten curriculum and California Department of Education standards while ensuring full access for students with diverse learning needs.
The teacher will create a literacy-rich and language-rich classroom environment and deliver instruction aligned with the California Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten in English Language Arts and Mathematics as well as the California Kindergarten standards in Science HistorySocial Science Visual and Performing Arts Physical Education and Health. Instruction should integrate play-based inquiry-driven and multisensory learning approaches appropriate for young children.
The educator will ensure students build strong foundations in early literacy phonological awareness print concepts letter-sound knowledge vocabulary oral language development emergent writing early mathematics scientific exploration and social-emotional learning while maintaining a joyful and inclusive classroom culture.
The ideal candidate will have experience in inclusive classrooms and demonstrated expertise in differentiated instruction Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and adapting the California Kindergarten curriculum to meet the needs of students with a wide range of developmental profiles and abilities.
This role requires close collaboration with our speech therapists occupational therapists physical therapists and families to integrate therapeutic supports into classroom instruction and ensure that every child can fully access both the academic and social components of the kindergarten curriculum.
Responsibilities
- Serve as lead teacher for our inclusive TK/Kindergarten classroom
- Create a literacy-rich classroom environment that fosters early reading writing and language development
Design and implement developmentally appropriate child-centered curricula focused on:
Early literacy and phonological awareness
Print concepts and letter recognition
Vocabulary and oral language development
Emergent writing and storytelling
Inclusive academic readiness
Social Emotional Learning
Differentiate instruction and modify curriculum to ensure all learners can access literacy and academic content
Use multisensory and play-based approaches to teach literacy and foundational academic skills
Support students using AAC devices visual supports and other communication tools
Collaborate closely with speech therapists to integrate language development throughout the school day
Create curricula that honor and respect each child with particular attention to inclusive and anti-bias practices
Cultivate a community of belonging where each child feels seen heard and valued
Create a nurturing and safe environment to meet the diverse needs of students
Develop differentiated methods of instruction to meet the needs of each student
Use ongoing observation and assessment to guide instruction and track student progress
Collaborate regularly with our therapy team and parents
Serve as an advocate for all students
Track goals update assessments and coordinate student success plans
Maintain a positive classroom culture rooted in respect celebration and shared joy
Qualifications
Applicants MUST hold a Bachelors degree in Special Education Child Development or a related field from an accredited program.
Applicants MUST have either:
A valid Special Education teaching credential OR
A Masters Degree in Special Education (or related field)
Preferred:
Experience teaching TK Kindergarten or early elementary students
Experience with early literacy instruction including phonological awareness print concepts emergent reading and early writing
Experience working in inclusive classrooms
Knowledge of AAC systems and communication supports
Knowledge and expertise in supporting developmental needs in areas including:
Cognition
Communication
Social-emotional development
Self-help skills
Fine and gross motor development
Basic knowledge of commonly used ASL words
Strong organizational and time management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with children families and professionals
Candidates should possess a deep understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity and demonstrate the ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of best practices in inclusive education and early childhood development and a genuine belief in the power of inclusion.
Ability to work effectively as part of a transdisciplinary team collaborating with teachers therapists and specialists.
Empathy patience and a genuine passion for working with children of all abilities.
Flexibility to adapt to the dynamic needs of a growing and innovative program.
Regular access to reliable transportation.
Commitment to continued professional development.
Conversational fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Additional Requirements
Livescan clearance and criminal record check required
Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required
Physical Requirements of the Job
Applicants should be comfortable:
Standing for 2 hours per day
Stooping bending climbing and walking frequently
Lifting up to 40 pounds
Using appropriate physical interventions when necessary to maintain a safe learning environment
Positioning students in specialized equipment and assisting with toileting or diapering when necessary
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.
Pay and Benefits
Pay scale: $65360 $84000 nonexempt depending on education and experience
Comprehensive health insurance coverage
Competitive PTO
11 Month Work Schedule
Supportive and inclusive work environment committed to the growth and well-being of all staff members
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a letter of intent in your own authentic words (please no AI!) outlining your relevant experience and interest in working at Includ(Ed) to:
Subject line: TK / Kindergarten Special Education Teacher
Join our dedicated team at Includ(Ed) and help us create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Your expertise and passion will make a lasting impact on the children and families we serve.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Learn more at
Equal Opportunity Statement
Includ(Ed) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
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