Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Position Summary

The Rise School of Dallas provides high-quality early childhood education for children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, as well as children without disabilities, in an inclusive classroom setting.

The Lead Teacher serves as the instructional leader of the classroom, creating a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment that supports the growth and learning of every child ages 6 months through 6 years.

The Lead Teacher works collaboratively with teacher assistants, therapists, families, and school leadership to implement individualized instruction, support inclusion, and ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students.

Teachers are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and provide direct care and instruction to students from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The remainder of the workday, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., is dedicated to lesson planning, classroom preparation, documentation, family communication, assessment, and collaboration with teaching teams, therapists, and school leadership.

The Rise School of Dallas operates on a year-round schedule with approximately 10 weeks of scheduled breaks throughout the year.

Qualifications

Lead Teachers report directly to the Rise Director.

Candidates must

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, child development, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in early childhood education, special education, or a related field is preferred.
• Have a minimum of one (1) year of experience or practicum working with young children, preferably children with special needs.
• Meet YMCA and licensing requirements, including required health documentation and background checks.
• Maintain current CPR, First Aid, AED, Bloodborne Pathogen, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment certifications.
• Complete a minimum of 24 hours of professional development annually.
• Be physically able to lift and move up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

The Lead Teacher responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Treat all children with dignity and respect while promoting language development, independence, and positive social-emotional growth.
• Plan and implement engaging classroom activities aligned with the Rise curriculum and student Individual Intervention Plans (IIPs).
• Conduct educational assessments and collaborate with the therapy team on the development and implementation of IIPs.
• Facilitate inclusion of children with and without disabilities through individualized and group instruction.
• Utilize technology, adaptive equipment, and classroom supports as appropriate.
• Provide leadership and guidance to teacher assistants in planning and implementing classroom activities.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment that meets Texas Minimum Standards, NAEYC criteria, and YMCA policies.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, therapists, and community professionals.
• Conduct parent conferences and participate as an active member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Understand the educational implications of various disabilities and support individualized student needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, conferences, and school events.
• Maintain professionalism and commitment to the mission and values of Rise.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Rise Director.

Compensation

based on education, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, long- and short-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, retirement benefits upon eligibility, and PTO.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Education

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience

• working with children with disabilities: 1 year (Preferred)
• Childcare: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate

• Dallas, TX 75205: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person