Start Program Kindergarten Teacher 2026-2027

Kanawha County School District; Dunbar (WV); On-site; USD 43,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kanawha County Public Schools in Dunbar, West Virginia is seeking a START Kindergarten Teacher for the 2026-2027 year. The role focuses on developmentally appropriate instruction and strong behavioral supports for students in a therapeutic kindergarten program.

Collaboration with general and special education staff, ECCATs, and mental health partners is essential to student readiness and success. The position requires a WV teaching certificate, background check, and experience in elementary

Qualifications

• Valid WV teaching certificate for elementary education and appropriate grade levels per WV Code §18A-3-2.
• Criminal background check as per WV Code §18-5-15c and/or §18A-3-10.
• Meet qualifications per WV Code §18A-3-2a.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement Kanawha County Schools' standards-based kindergarten curriculum based on WV Content Standards and Objectives.
• Implement adopted and supplemental programs aligned with START Program goals.
• Create and maintain a highly structured, supportive classroom for students with behavioral, emotional, social, and readiness needs.
• Provide instruction and support to promote emotional regulation, coping, communication, social interaction, and school readiness.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Behavior management

Education

West Virginia elementary teaching certificate

Job description

Start Program Kindergarten Teacher 2026-2027

Kanawha County Public Schools Dunbar Primary - Dunbar, West Virginia Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5968822
Application Deadline: Oct 28, 2026 11:59 PM (UTC)
Posted: Oct 22, 2026 7:01 PM (UTC)

Job Description

POSITION: START Kindergarten Teacher

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:Principal

FLSA STATUS:Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TERM:Minimum 200 days annually.

SALARY:Pursuant to WV Code §18A-4-8a, in accordance with Kanawha County Teacher Salary Schedule, commensurate with experience and education level.

EVALUATION:Performance in this position will be evaluated by the building principal/immediate supervisor and in accordance with WV State Code §18A-2-12, WV State Board Policy 5310, and KCS G48A.

JOB SUMMARY:

The KCS START Kindergarten Teacher provides developmentally appropriate instruction and behavioral support to kindergarten students enrolled in the START Program, a supportive, therapeutic kindergarten option designed for students who need intensive assistance with emotional regulation, behavior, school readiness, and transition to the school setting. The teacher is responsible for delivering standards-based kindergarten instruction while creating a structured, nurturing, and highly supportive classroom environment that promotes students' emotional, behavioral, social, and academic growth. The teacher will work collaboratively with school staff, special education staff, related service providers, and community mental health partners to help students build the confidence and readiness needed for success in school.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

An employee working for Kanawha County Schools is expected to comply with all the Kanawha County Schools Policies and Procedures, including maintaining regular attendance and completing all required training. Employees are required to follow all safety rules to maintain a safe workplace.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:Essential Job Duties.

• Responsible for planning and implementing Kanawha County Schools' standards-based kindergarten curriculum based on WV Content Standards and Objectives.
• Responsible for implementing adopted and supplemental academic programs aligned with the goals of the START Program.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining a highly structured, supportive, and therapeutic classroom environment for students with significant behavioral, emotional, social, and readiness needs.
• Responsible for providing instruction and support that promotes growth in emotional regulation, coping skills, communication, social interaction, and school readiness.
• Responsible for using developmentally appropriate practices to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of young learners.
• Responsible for planning and implementing personalized learning for all students based on individual strengths and needs.
• Responsible for monitoring student progress and using data to inform instruction, behavioral supports, and intervention planning.
• Responsible for collaborating closely with general education teachers, special education teachers, ECCATs, related service providers, behavior support staff, and mental health providers to support student success.
• Responsible for supporting gradual transition of students into general education classroom activities with appropriate scaffolds and fading adult support, as appropriate for each child.
• Responsible for co-planning and co-teaching with the special education teacher to deliver IEP services and supports, including specially designed instruction, accommodations, modifications, and behavioral interventions to meet individual student needs.
• Responsible for implementing effective classroom management, behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and safe response practices to address the needs of students with documented severe behavior, trauma histories, and significant mental or emotional concerns.
• Responsible for integrating 21st Century technology skills into instruction as appropriate for kindergarten learners.
• Responsible for maintaining strong working relationships and communication with students, families, staff, and outside support providers.
• Responsible for participating in problem-solving meetings, multidisciplinary collaboration, and family communication to ensure continuity of support for students.
• May be responsible for planning and implementing designated co-curricular activities and/or programs at the school such as curricular fairs, awards programs, and field trips, as appropriate.
• Be accountable for individual student achievement and growth in academic, social, emotional, and behavioral domains.
• Willing to implement any other programs or initiatives designated by the principal for school improvement and student support.
• Includes supervisory and/or other duties as assigned by the Principal.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. However, accommodations as provided below may be provided to help you perform essential job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid West Virginia teaching certificate licensing the individual to teach elementary education and the appropriate grade levels, pursuant to WV Code §18A-3-2.
• Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c and/or §18A-3-10, as appropriate.
• Meet the qualifications outlined in WV Code §18A-3-2a.
• Minimum of three (3) years of elementary teaching experience required.
• Experience in early childhood education preferred.
• Experience working with students with special needs, significant behavioral challenges, trauma histories, and/or social-emotional needs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a safe, supportive, and structured classroom environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, teachers, support staff, families, and outside agencies.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

P PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computers and multimedia equipment and use repetitive motions. While performing duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or m move at least 10 pounds of materials. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff members.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Most commonly, the educational setting is indoors with outdoor setting for recess and field trip activities.

17APRIL2026

Position Type: Full-time

Contact Information

• Carol Hamric
• 200 Elizabeth Street
• Charleston, West Virginia 25311
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]