Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (Education)

POSITION TITLE: Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Education SUPERVISOR: Early Childhood Program Manager
GRADE: E3

Position Summary:
Under direct supervision of the Early Childhood Program Manager, the incumbent ensures the children in the Tamaya Learning Center receive appropriate physical, nutritional, social- emotional and developmental learning in accordance with established rules and regulations. Also, design and implement an appropriate instructional program to meet the individual needs of children and the families of children with developmental delays and/or disabilities both identified through the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP) process or those identified by TLC Staff or TLC Families. This position is assigned to the birth to enrollment in Kindergarten age children.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Knowledge and expertise with child development, family-centered services, diagnostic services, early interventions, and diverse populations.
Ability to develop, modify and implement lesson plans for all age groups (3 months to 5 yrs.).
Ability to provide mentoring strategies and guidance to co-workers on lesson plans,
teaching strategies and learning styles.
Training certifications and/or experience in administering tools such as the Infant-Toddler and Preschool Developmental Assessment.
Qualified by training and/or experience to provide service coordination, diagnostic and direct services to children and families age 0-5.
Take the initiative and work independently when given a variety of responsibilities and assigned tasks.
Ability to make decisions and problem solve collaboratively with a team of service providers in partnership with the family and the Tamaya Learning Center Team.
Provide a minimum of monthly updates to families, classroom teachers and the Early Childhood Program Manager.
Ability to interact in sensitive and/or complex situations and to make effective presentations to groups.
Effective planning and organizational abilities.
Demonstrated knowledge of the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders and effective instructional practices.
Ability to provide positive behavioral support to students in a group and in an individual setting.
Demonstrated understanding of the federal, state, and local mandates governing the determination and delivery of special education services.
Guides children in exploring their interests, building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Maintains daily health and safety routines and standards according to established policies and procedures.
Records each childs progress and growth; confers with parents as needed.
Maintains daily progress reports activity logs, and accident reports; maintains educational and activity calendars.
Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in education or related field plus five years work experience in education programs and administration; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be a New Mexico Certified Special Education Teacher and meet all requirements of the New Mexico Public Education Department Rules for Special Education in any of the following ways:
An endorsement in Special Education
A major or minor in Early Childhood Growth Education or child growth and development preferred.

Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico drivers license and be insurable under the Pueblos insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Certifications:
Knowledge of Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Development.
Knowledge of Santa Ana Pueblo traditions, language, history and culture.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner, building respect and
confidence.
Ability to maintain a State of New Mexico Special Education Teaching License (Pre K-12)
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything and continually seek improvement in results.
Ability to obtain a Food Handlers certification.
Ability to become certified in CDA, First Aid and CPR.

Physical Demands:
Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), climbing stairs, reaching, squatting, kneeling, having full mobility of fingers/hands, talking and hearing, and moving light furniture may be required, unless ADA accommodations have been mutually agreed on and does not create an undue hardship upon the Pueblo. The employee frequently is required to walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Safety and Health:
Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions (blood borne pathogens, body fluids, etc.)

Equipment/Material Handled:
Must know how to properly operate, or be willing to learn to operate, multi-media
equipment including current technology as needed.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in a classroom setting with moderate to loud noise levels and where employees may be exposed to unpleasant odors, hazardous material and infectious disease. There is frequent interaction with children, the public, and Pueblo of Santa Ana Employees.