Teacher, Preschool Specialist (SY 25-26)

Cambridge Public Schools; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Cambridge Public Schools as a Teacher, Preschool Specialist, where you'll apply your expertise in Special Education to support diverse learners. You will adapt curriculum frameworks, collaborate with staff, and ensure equitable access to education for students with disabilities. This role emphasizes inclusive education practices and the development of individualized educational programs, fostering a positive environment for all students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Special Education is required.
• Required MA Certification: Moderate/Severe Disabilities.
• Experience in early childhood and knowledge in IEP processes.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for students with disabilities.
• Facilitate EI transition meetings and maintain student files.
• Consult with general education staff regarding differentiated instruction.

Skills

Child development

Collaboration

Communication skills

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Special Education

MA Certification in Moderate/Severe Disabilities or School Psychologist

Job description

Position:

Teacher, Preschool Specialist

Office of Student Services

Cambridge is a vibrant, diverse city and a central hub and driver of the nation’s innovation economy. Home of the renowned educational institutions of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is also the center of an impressive array of biotechnology, science, and information technology companies.

Educating about 7,000 students JK-12, the Cambridge Public Schools includes award-winning faculty, cutting edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of our public schools is unique, they are joined in a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning plus personalized support for every student. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home, and over 90 languages are spoken by our families. Among the most common are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Portuguese. Our schools proudly embrace this diversity.

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of supports and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs. The Office of Student Services is comprised of special education, 504 services and the office of advanced learning.

The Role:

• Demonstrate knowledge of researched based strategies and methodologies to address students with mild to intensive cognitive delays and/or deficits in communication, social pragmatics, emotional/social, and behavioral areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant subject matter in the Massachusetts Frameworks for Preschool Curriculum.
• Facilitate EI transition meetings and complete necessary documentation for evaluation when appropriate
• Adapt the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks to individual student needs and become familiar with district preschool curriculum.
• Provide professional development to CPSD preschool program staff
• Maintain easily accessible and accurate student files.
• Safeguard confidentiality of student records.
• Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal regulations governing Special Education.
• Consult and collaborate with general education staff, related service providers, and specialists around differentiated instruction, curricula and environmental modifications.
• Foster and support the inclusion of students into general education classrooms
• Demonstrate ability to consult, collaborate and work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Support with team meetings, develop and write Individual Education Programs (IEPs), write measurable goals and objectives, and complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
• Actively involve parents in all areas of planning for their child’s education and provide family support throughout the evaluation process.
• Administer and interpret formal and informal education assessments and prepare a comprehensive written report which reflects student’s academic strengths and weaknesses.
• Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.
• Participate in collection of data for sate indicators
• Facilitate kindergarten transition meetings
• Collaborate with the Office of Early Childhood
• Toileting of students is a duty that an individual may be expected and required to perform.
• Participate in weekly teacher meetings for ELC
• Submit consents a in timely manner and adhere to state compliance regulations
• Carry out other related duties as may be designated by OSE Administrators

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Teacher Preschool Specialistyou will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Special Education required.
• Required MA Certification: Moderate/Severe Disabilities or School Psychologist
• Willingness to be trained and certified in (CPI) Crisis Prevention.
• Proven experience in early childhood
• Excellent understanding of the principles of child development and preschool educational methods, including supporting students with significant disabilities.
• Knowledge and/or experience with (AAC) Augmentative & Alternative Communication (moderate to high technology).
• Fully Knowledgeable in the IEP process.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with families, staff, and administrators.
• Experience in facilitating professional development and providing feedback to staff.
• Ability to lead and work within a multidisciplinary team.

How to Join Our Team :

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.