Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Job Posting: Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Company: Happy Dragon

Locations: Brooklyn & Queens, NY (center based teachers), All 5 Boroughs (in home teachers)

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time

About Happy Dragon

Happy Dragon is committed to fostering the optimal development of every child. From our enriching daycare environments and foundational 3K and Pre-K education to our specialized early interventions for developmental delays, our caring, skilled, and dedicated professionals provide a seamless continuum of support for children to thrive.

Position Overview

Happy Dragon is seeking a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. We're looking for an enthusiastic educator who is committed to creating engaging, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive learning experiences for young children with diverse needs. As an ECE Special Education Teacher, you will play a vital role in shaping the foundational years of our students, fostering their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Expected Responsibilities

• Individualized Support & Intervention:
  • Design, implement, and rigorously monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) tailored to the unique needs and goals of each child with developmental delays or disabilities.
  • Conduct formal and informal assessments (e.g., developmental screenings, functional behavior assessments) to accurately identify children's strengths, challenges, and developmental progress.
  • Utilize evidence-based instructional strategies, adaptive techniques, and assistive technology to effectively support learning and address specific learning or developmental challenges.
• Team Collaboration & Case Management:
  • Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including general education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, and families.
  • Serve as a case manager for students with IEPs/IFSPs, ensuring all services are delivered and documented appropriately and in compliance with regulations.
  • Facilitate IEP/IFSP meetings, ensuring meaningful parent involvement and adherence to legal requirements.
• Behavior Management & Inclusion:
  • Develop and implement positive behavior support plans and strategies to proactively address challenging behaviors and promote pro-social skills.
  • Champion the inclusion of children with special needs in general education settings, adapting materials and strategies as needed for their success.
• Family Partnership & Advocacy:
  • Communicate effectively and empathetically with parents/caregivers, providing resources, support, and guidance on nurturing their child's developmental progress at home.
  • Act as a steadfast advocate for students with special needs, ensuring their rights and educational needs are consistently met.
• Child Development & Nurturing:
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and equitable classroom environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of all children and families.
  • Nurture children's social-emotional skills, including self-regulation, empathy, and cooperation.
  • Prioritize child safety and well-being at all times.
• Adherence to Standards:
  • Adhere to all Happy Dragon school policies, safety procedures, and relevant local, state, and federal regulations governing early childhood and special education.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
  • Master's degree in Special Education or a related field focusing on early childhood is strongly preferred.
• Certification/Licensure:
  • Valid New York State Teaching Certification in Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) OR a dual certification in Early Childhood and Special Education.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of [e.g., 1-2] years of direct experience working with young children (Birth-5 years old) with developmental delays or disabilities in an educational setting.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing IEPs/IFSPs, conducting assessments, and working with diverse disabilities in an early childhood setting.
• Background Checks:
  • Successful completion of all required background checks, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearances, and criminal history checks, in accordance with New York State regulations.

Specific Skills We're Looking For

• Instructional & Curricular Skills:
  • IEP/IFSP Development & Implementation
  • Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
  • Data Collection & Analysis for student progress
  • Adaptive Technology Integration
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles (familiarity)
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
• Child Development & Assessment Skills:
  • Deep understanding of Child Development theories and milestones (Birth-5), especially for children with special needs.
  • Observation & Assessment Techniques (formal and informal) for developmental delays
  • Developmental Screening
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
  • Strong Verbal & Written Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
  • Parent/Family Engagement & Communication (especially for children with special needs)
  • Conflict Resolution (with children and adults)
• Professional & Personal Qualities:
  • Patience, Empathy, and Compassion
  • Adaptability & Flexibility
  • Creativity & Innovation in problem-solving
  • Classroom Management & Organization (especially in inclusive settings)
  • Cultural Sensitivity & Inclusivity
  • Commitment to Lifelong Learning & Professional Growth in special education
  • Physical stamina (ability to lift up to 25-50 lbs, sit on the floor, move quickly with children).

Salary & Benefits

• Starting Salary Range: $55,000 - $85,000 annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan [e.g., 403(b) with employer match].
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
• Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application through Handshake. Please include:

• A compelling cover letter outlining your interest in this Early Childhood Special Education Teacher position and relevant experience.
• Your comprehensive resume.

We look forward to reviewing your application and learning how you can contribute to our vibrant early childhood community!

Happy Dragon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.