Job Information
Vancouver Public Schools Special Education Teacher - Early Childhood in Vancouver, Washington
For the 2024-25 school year
Full time position
Posting period: open until filled
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.
All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.
Qualifications:
Valid Washington State certificate with a Special Education endorsement
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, Master’s Degree in related field preferred
Training in Early Childhood Special Education evaluation and services
Three years of successful experience working in ECSE
Extensive knowledge of Special Education law, specifically ECSE
Understanding and experience with effective professional development design and facilitation
Personal vehicle for travel throughout Vancouver School District
Successful experience facilitating team decision-making and problem-solving processes
Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning and instructional tool
Ability to share knowledge with real-life applications
Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
Essential Functions:
Provide support to families and children 3-5 years old and suspect of disability or eligible for Special Education
Provide consultation and training for ECSE and transition to school age
Provide support to teachers, related service providers, classroom support staff, and building administrators specific to the needs of students in ECSE
Provide expertise to support the identification and maintenance of educational eligibility of students who are ECSE eligible
Coordinate ECSE evaluation team, placements and child find activities
Assist in the coordination of initial eligibility and Early Intervention (EI) to ECSE for those students who are made eligible for special education services in this disability category
Coordinate the ECSE evaluation process of for students entering into Special Education
Maintain records and reports
Provide group or individual training on assessment tools and evaluation procedures
Model appropriate techniques as necessary until staff are able to implement them independently.
Coordinate child find screenings
Monitor timelines for referral, evaluation, eligibility and placement
Coordinate and monitor placement for all ECSE students
Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and consult regarding key intervention strategies with a broad-based range of individuals including parents, teachers, classroom staff, related service providers and supervisory team
Assistance to school staff working with students in ECSE to determine appropriate goals and objectives for IEP’s and appropriate data collection systems to track student progress
Application of a variety of strategies that facilitate team effectiveness (e.g. collaboration, problem solving, leadership, meeting management, conflict resolution)
Evaluate and maintain information regarding “best practices” in the field EI/ECSE
Provide information to staff and parents about resources they may utilize for support.
Participate in meetings with parents that pertain to the student’s eligibility, instructional, or behavioral needs as they relate to ECSE services
Communicate and cooperate with the Special Services administration team
Perform additional related duties as assigned by coordinator, administrator, and/or supervisor
Set an agenda for and participate in weekly staff meetings and monthly PLCs
Continuation of professional growth, especially in regard to current issues related to ECSE
Knowledge of the existing statutes and regulations regarding Special Education as it applies to students in ECSE
Ability to organize and present information effectively in a variety of contexts ranging from large heterogeneous groups to one-on-one tutorials
Ability to use the computer effectively for word-processing, IEP and triennial processes, internet searches, email communication and presentations
Exemplary communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically with a broad range of individuals including parents, teachers, classroom staff, and supervisory team
Supervision of students
Other duties as assigned
Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.
Benefits/Compensation:
Salary range: $62,925 - $118,608 (includes Base & TRI enrichment; commensurate upon FTE, degree, credits and experience). Salary schedules can be accessed here (https://vansd.org/salary-schedules/) .
Additional Compensation: Certificated positions may have additional pay provisions above what is represented on the salary range such as, but not limited to TRI professional learning, extended year days, extra appendix E supplemental days and professional development reimbursement. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria, can be found in the VEA CPA (https://vansd.org/human-resources/collective-bargaining-agreements/) . Salary schedules can be accessed here (https://vansd.org/salary-schedules/) .
Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here (https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees) .
Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here (https://www.drs.wa.gov/) .
Time Off: Includes paid time off, sick, personal, religious, military and bereavement leave.
Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part-time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
Personal Leave: 3 days per school year
Detailed information, including accrual criteria can be found in the VEA CPA (https://vansd.org/human-resources/collective-bargaining-agreements/) .