Teacher - Early Childhood Special Education Lead Teacher PT/FT

About our agency:

The Arc of South Florida Inc. is a nonprofit private agency serving the community since 1953. Our mission is to ensure the rights of all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities through effective advocacy and to provide specialized programs and services to help clients lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. We believe in the potential of each individual's ability to live, work, learn and play in their communities. Are you looking for a job where what you do makes an impact in your community? Are you seeking a position that makes you feel good about the work you do every day and where you know you are making a difference, even behind the scenes? Working at The Arc is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, passion, and commitment to helping people with disabilities, families, and the community, you might be what we are looking for.

General Statement of Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Director of the Children & Youth Department and the Site Director at each Birth Through Two (B-2) location, the Lead Teacher is responsible for the overall supervision of the (B-2) classrooms and assuring the health and safety of the children in attendance. The Lead Teacher is actively involved in all aspects of the program including but not limited to direct interaction with the children, families, and staff of the Children & Youth Department and its programs, compliance with all contract and supervising agencies (Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services, United Way, grants, etc.) and completion of all required record keeping. In summer programming this position is titled Education Specialist for the Early Education Intervention (EEI) In addition, the Supervisor Teacher is responsible for the following:

Minimum Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Education, or Early Childhood Education or related field.
2. Florida Department of Education Certified teacher (permanent or temporary) or eligible for certification with a clear plan for certification.
3. Experience with Special Education required.
4. Early Steps Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist credential attained within 90 days

Specific Duties of the Lead Teacher:

1. Provide direction and guidance for classroom and center management.
2. Schedule and implementing teachers’ meetings and sharing outcomes with the Site Director.
3. Work with the Site Director on NAEYC accreditation requirements, United Way projects and data reporting, and other special projects
4. Supervise B-2 classroom arrangements.

Supervise child assessments and ensure staff are trained in administering assessments

1. Ensure staff:child ratios are maintained on a daily basis and move staff between classrooms accordingly.
2. Act as the educational representative in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings.
3. Coordinate the development and implementation of Positive Behavior Plans.
4. Schedule use of playground, field trips, and special events.
5. Facilitate plans for holiday celebrations, parent meetings and open house dates with the assistance of other staff.
6. Provide direction to teachers and paraprofessionals to ensure program quality.
7. Provide curriculum resources and assistance.
8. Assist with written evaluations of other teachers and paraprofessionals.
9. Assist with orientation of new teachers and paraprofessionals and facilitate their learning.
10. Provide assistance with IFSPs, lesson plans, and written and oral parent communication.
11. Effectively convey information to Site Director and Program Director regarding the program as part of the administrative team.
12. Maintain compliance with requirements for DCF, The Children’s Trust, Early Steps, Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

A. Interaction with children

1. Participate in all aspects of care of the children including diapering, feeding, and positioning.
2. Coordinate inclusion of therapy recommendations into daily routine.
3. Use developmentally appropriate practices (NAEYC).
4. Implement High/Scope curriculum and philosophy.
5. Formulate and implement the Individual Family Support Plan.

B. Interaction with families

1. Serve as a resource to families in the development of the IFSP.
2. Provide communication with families regarding children’s development as needed.
3. Attend occasional parent education and support activities.

C. Interaction with staff

1. Supervise teachers and paraprofessionals and serve as a role model to them in implementing new ideas, curriculum and interactions with children and families.
2. Cooperate with support staff including Service Coordinators and therapists
3. Follow therapists’ recommendations for best practices in positioning and implementation of the therapeutic activities in the classroom.
4. Comply with supervisors’ requests and suggestions for improvements.

D. Interactions with contract agencies

1. Maintain health and safety standards as outlined in the Health Department Guidelines.
2. Maintain all paperwork required by all funding sources such as Miami-Dade County Public Schools including but not limited to: Individual Family Support Plan and six month updates; quarterly reports; daily attendance; monthly attendance; incident reports; annual reports; and, developmental screenings.
3. Maintain professional appearance and demeanor in all interactions with outside agencies and organizations.

E. Training

1. Participate in on-going in-service trainings.
2. Implement new training information into classroom routine.

F. Other

1. Perform other related and additional duties as needed.

Minimum Physical Requirements:

1. Must have TB Tine test.
2. Must be able to bend, squat and sit on the floor.
3. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs with assistance.
4. Must be able to stay alert and focused at all times to ensure the safety of the children.

What we offer:

• Professional Training Opportunities
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick, and Bereavement
• Life Insurance
• Several Supplemental Insurance Policies
• Retirement Plan
• Family-friendly environment
• The Opportunity to Make a Difference in the Community and the Organization

Job Type: Full-time

COVID-19 considerations:
The Arc of South Florida, Inc. follows all DCF and CDC guidelines for COVID safety.

EEOC:

The Arc of South Florida Inc. 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, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.