Preschool Teacher, Spec Ed (25375)

Northern Rivers Family of Services; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 58,000 - 68,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention bonus: $5,000 paid in two 0%

Health insurance (BENEFITS)

Job summary

Northern Rivers Family of Services in Schenectady, NY is seeking a Preschool Special Education Teacher for the Neil Hellman Preschool. This full‑time, on‑site role offers a salary of $58,000 to $68,250 per year and reports to the Preschool Supervising Teacher.

You will develop and implement IEPs, align instruction with the Creative Curriculum, lead classroom teams, monitor progress, and coordinate supports with staff and families.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related subject area.
• Requires NYS certification in Early Childhood Special Education Birth – 2nd grade.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students in the classroom.
• Create and modify instructional materials to match student abilities.
• Deliver specially designed instruction and monitor progress toward academic and behavioral goals.
• Lead and participate in classroom team meetings and professional development sessions.
• Coordinate safety and well‑being of students using schoolwide procedures.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related subject area

NYS certification in Early Childhood Special Education Birth – 2nd grade

Job description

Overview

Preschool Special Education Teacher needed at the Neil Hellman Preschool in Schenectady, NY. Full-time position with a salary range of $58,000.00 – $68,250.00 per year. Shift: Monday – Friday, no weekends. Reports to the Preschool Supervising Teacher and works on site. Retention bonus: $5,000 (paid in two parts: 50% at 90 days and 50% at one year).

Responsibilities

• Follow all agency policies and procedures, along with state and federal regulations about our school and students.
• Develop and implement a classroom instructional plan based on a student’s IEP and Creative Curriculum Objectives for Development and Learning, creating lessons that are differentiated to meet the needs of all students.
• Develop and implement Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students in the classroom. Ensure accommodations and modifications are provided. Deliver specially designed instruction and monitor student progress toward academic and behavioral goals. Complete progress reports and IEP updates, and participate in CPSE meetings as scheduled.
• Coordinate the creation of special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on understanding of individual students’ needs, interests, and abilities; create and modify materials to match student abilities.
• Develop and coordinate the implementation of individual and classroom behavior plans to manage student behavior, maintain discipline, collect behavior data, and assist staff with intervention and de‑escalation techniques; reteach appropriate behavior strategies as needed.
• Model and supervise the implementation of Pyramid Model principles to build social and emotional competence and support children through nurturing, responsive relationships and a high‑quality environment.
• Coordinate safety and well‑being of students using schoolwide procedures; supervise staff in implementing these practices across the building.
• Follow school and agency procedures for reporting incidents (e.g., behavior incident reports and incidents of child/sexual abuse, substance abuse, harassment, bullying, and violence).
• Establish relationships with parents and family members to partner on student treatment, behavior, and academic progress.
• Schedule, supervise, and monitor teacher assistants as they support students in non‑instructional environments (e.g., bus loading/unloading, playground, classroom, washroom, field trips, transportation).
• Lead and attend classroom team meetings, behavior/treatment meetings, and professional development sessions as needed (e.g., Pyramid, CPR, emergency procedures, and other agency requirements).
• Provide leadership to assigned teacher aides and assistants in clerical and non‑instructional duties as needed for the classroom.
• Collaborate with other teachers, clinicians, administrators, medical staff, and school staff to provide integrated support and treatment to students.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to actively supervise young children with developmental and behavioral needs in classroom, therapeutic, and playground settings. Daily duties include frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and floor‑based activities. Ability to respond quickly to behavioral, medical, and safety emergencies; assist with mobility, positioning, toileting, and transfers; implement approved behavioral intervention strategies; and lift and carry children, equipment, and materials up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements and Education

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related subject area, and ability to work with students who demonstrate serious emotional and behavioral challenges, ages 3–5.
• Requires NYS certification in Early Childhood Special Education Birth – 2nd grade, or enrollment in a program that leads to NYS teacher certification.

Benefits

• Health care package: medical, dental, and vision
• Tution reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) plan
• Life Insurance
• Loan repayment assistance
• Free training/CEU opportunities
• Free continuing education through the Sidney Albert Training Institute (SATRI) program, a CTLE provider

About Northern Rivers

At Northern Rivers Family of Services, we work to make a difference in clients’ lives. We empower children, adults, and families to build stronger communities. Northern Rivers Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire from diverse backgrounds and consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.