Position Title: Preschool Special Education Teacher – Self-Contained Classroom (Moderate Intellectual Disabilities)

Position Summary: The Preschool Special Education Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children with moderate intellectual disabilities. The teacher will implement individualized instruction to support developmental milestones, early communication skills, social-emotional growth, and functional learning. This role requires close collaboration with families and support staff to meet the unique needs of each student and foster early learning success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that align with IEP goals and support emerging language, cognitive, social, and motor skills.

• Utilize adaptive tools, visual supports, and alternative communication methods (e.g., picture schedules and simple sign language) to support student communication and independence.

• Establish a structured, safe, and welcoming classroom environment that fosters positive interactions and accommodates a range of sensory and behavioral needs.

• Develop and implement individualized behavior support plans using positive reinforcement strategies to promote appropriate social behaviors as needed

• Work closely with families to establish a collaborative relationship that supports student growth and home-to-school consistency.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members (e.g., speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists) to support each child’s goals and ensure integrated service delivery.

• Communicate regularly with families about their child’s progress, strengths, and strategies for reinforcing learning at home.

• Serve as case manager in IEP meetings, sharing observations, progress data, and recommendations for each student’s educational and developmental needs. Work with the team to develop an IEP that address all areas of need.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of student progress, aligning with district and state requirements.

• Participate in ongoing professional development focused on early childhood special education, sensory-based instruction, and early intervention techniques.

• Stay current with best practices in special education and collaborate with colleagues to enhance program effectiveness.

Qulaifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education or related field (Master’s degree preferred).

• Licensure: Valid [State] Teaching License with Early Childhood Special Education endorsement.

• Experience: Experience working with young children with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays is preferred.

• Skills: Strong foundation in child development, play-based learning, adaptive communication, and sensory-based strategies. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Requirements: Ability to engage in floor play, move with children, and assist with physical activities and self-care tasks as needed.
• Environment: The position involves creating a child-centered, sensory-rich classroom, with regular use of adaptive equipment and close work with related services.

Please submit the following information to the District office once you have completed the application via www.spartanburg7.org. Also, your application will be processed when we are in receipt of the items listed below:

1. Completed Application via Spartanburg School District 7 website at www.spartanburg7.org.

2. A 2-Step Tuberculin skin test that has been completed within the last year.
3. Copies of transcripts verifying your educational background.
4. Two (2)references that are familiar with your work performance (at least one professional). You MUST provide emails for your references via the application process.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OVER 60 DAYS WILL BE DELETED.

Spartanburg County School District No. 7 does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in the provision of educational opportunities and benefits, in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the employment provision (Title I) of the American With Disabilities Act of 1990. EOE Spartanburg School District 7 does not tolerate acts of sexual or gender-based harassment. Any sexual or gender based harassment is encouraged to be reported to Spartanburg District 7, specifically to the District Title IX Administrator: Dr. Kira L. Reaves, 864-594-4400, klreaves@spart7.org.