Special Education Teacher - Early Learner Intensive Program - 2026-2027 School Year

LEARN Regional Educational Service Center; Old Lyme (CT); On-site; USD 49,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

LEARN Regional Educational Service Center in Connecticut is seeking an Early Childhood Special Education professional to make a lasting impact from the very beginning. You will support children ages 3–6 with developmentally appropriate, inclusive instruction that builds confidence, communication, independence, and belonging.

Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and families to design engaging, play-based lessons, monitor progress, and celebrate each child's growth across school,

Qualifications

• Connecticut Teacher certification (i.e.165, 065, or 113) or eligible for certification.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience working with children in school or educational settings.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, families, and support staff to design individualized learning experiences for children ages 3–6.
• Create engaging, evidence-based, play-centered lessons that support communication, social-emotional development, early academics, motor skills, and independence.
• Partner with families and caregivers to celebrate growth, share strategies, and support each child's success across school, home, and community routines.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Connecticut teacher certification / eligible

Job description

Make a Lasting Impact from the Very Beginning: Early Childhood Special Education Opportunity

Do you believe the earliest years can shape a child's confidence, communication, independence, and sense of belonging? Join a team committed to helping young learners thrive through high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction, inclusive early learning environments, and evidence-based practices that make a meaningful difference every day.

We're looking for energetic, creative, and compassionate professionals who are excited to spark curiosity, celebrate progress, and build strong foundations for children ages 3–6. If you are ready to bring play, purpose, and possibility into the classroom, this is a place where your work will matter.

Why join us?

• Meaningful Impact: Help young learners build skills, confidence, independence, and joy while celebrating real progress along the way.

• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a multidisciplinary team that values creativity, shared problem-solving, and the expertise each person brings.

• High-Quality Early Learning: Deliver purposeful, play-based instruction aligned to strong early learning standards, evidence-based practices, and ongoing progress monitoring.

• Supportive Leadership: Be part of a school community where leaders listen, remove barriers, and provide the tools and encouragement you need to do your best work.

• Student-Centered Focus: Ground every decision in each child's safety, dignity, communication, relationships, and happiness.

• Inclusive Community: Join a setting that celebrates differences, honors every child's strengths, and cultivates belonging for students, families, and staff.

What you'll do each day:

• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, families, and support staff to design individualized learning experiences for children ages 3–6.

• Create engaging, evidence-based, play-centered lessons that support communication, social-emotional development, early academics, motor skills, and independence.

• Partner with families and caregivers to celebrate growth, share strategies, and support each child's success across school, home, and community routines.

Who thrives in this role?

• A warm, flexible educator who sees every child's strengths and believes progress looks different for every learner.

• Someone who brings creativity, patience, and joy to play-based learning while staying grounded in individualized goals and evidence-based practices.

• A strong communicator who values partnership with families, colleagues, and related service providers.

• A reflective team member who is open to feedback, eager to learn, and committed to building inclusive early learning experiences where children feel safe, connected, and capable.

Qualifications:

• Connecticut Teacher certification (i.e.165, 065, or 113) or eligible for certification.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven experience working with children in school or educational settings.

• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to a school community where every day offers the chance to help young children feel seen, supported, and ready to grow. If you are ready to make a real impact in early childhood special education, we would love to meet you.

Salary Range

• $49,292 to $102,010 annually.

LEARN Regional Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer.