Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Summary: Responsible for ensuring quality developmental and educational programming for children six (6) weeks to six (6) years. Defines and oversees implementation of curricula and best practices to achieve the highest standards and outcomes in early childhood education. Ensures classroom environment supports learning and individualized student needs. Supports classroom staff in carrying out programming through coaching, training, and hands-on modeling. Responsible for developmental therapy evaluations of children ages birth to six (6) years.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Curriculum / Instruction

• Provide hands-on coaching and in-class modeling to strengthen classroom structure, instructional techniques, and fidelity to evidence-based practices.
• Identify professional development needs and offer real-time, constructive feedback to enhance teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Mentor staff in the implementation of special education best practices and standards outlined in ECERS, ITERS, Better Beginnings, Childcare Licensing, and EIDT regulations.
• Support teachers in developing inclusive, developmentally appropriate classroom environments using strategic layouts, visual aids, and adaptive equipment to meet individual student needs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of lesson plans aligned with curriculum and individualized goals, ensuring clear delineation of roles for teachers and support staff.
• Ensure lesson plans include structured use of centers, circle time, and differentiated activities tailored to the unique needs of each student.
• Facilitate coordination between instructional and therapeutic services to ensure continuity of care and goal alignment.
• Support classroom staff in acquiring necessary instructional resources and materials.
• Implement and maintain systems for accurate and timely data collection and progress documentation, including daily notes, ITP data, and semi-annual reports.
• Guide teachers in using data to inform instruction and track student progress, including behavioral data and the development of behavior support plans.
• Communicate updates to documentation procedures, goal setting, and program-related changes to ensure compliance and consistency across classrooms.

Evaluations / Assessments

• Administer standardized and criterion-referenced assessments in alignment with EIDT guidelines and established testing protocols.
• Score assessments and prepare comprehensive evaluation reports with recommendations within ten (10) business days of administration.
• Regularly monitor child and classroom progress using teacher-administered assessments, daily data, and developmental evaluations; collaborate with teachers to adjust programming and individual goals as needed to support optimal development.
• Ensure timely completion of the Kindergarten Readiness Indicators Checklist (KRIC) and utilize results to inform instruction and drive program improvements.
• Participate in kindergarten transition and school district conferences to support effective planning and family collaboration.

Programming / Operations

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Arkansas DHS Early Intervention Day Treatment (EIDT) regulations and Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Special Education standards to ensure compliance across developmental, educational, and related service programs.
• Plan and facilitate regular teacher Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings to support collaboration, professional growth, and data-driven instructional practices.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring quality assurance and improvement initiatives to enhance program effectiveness.
• Promote collaboration among classroom staff, therapists (OT, PT, ST, ABA), and nursing staff to individualize lesson plans and ensure alignment with each child’s goals, objectives, and developmental needs.
• Serve as a liaison to families to support effective communication, engagement, and continuity of care.
• Participate in the enrollment process and ensure classroom teams receive timely, relevant information regarding each new student’s academic, medical, and behavioral background.
• Lead or support parent orientations at the beginning of the school year and as new students enroll mid-year.
• Provide daily staffing support and classroom coverage as needed to maintain consistency in instruction and supervision.
• Assumes responsibility for conducting staff performance reviews as delegated by the Director.
• Assist in hiring and recruiting efforts to attract and retain qualified preschool staff.
• Maintain, update, and distribute the school-wide newsletter monthly to keep staff, families, and stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Contribute to social media efforts and assist in planning and coordinating school events to promote community engagement and program visibility.

Professional Development

• Collaborate with the Director to plan and facilitate the preschool staff training program.
• Develop and deliver training sessions for teachers, teaching assistants, and other school staff.
• Assist classroom teachers and the Director in creating individual professional development plans and identifying relevant training opportunities.
• Ensure training and professional development align with overall program goals.
• Conduct peer and classroom observations to support staff growth and effectiveness.

Compliance / HIPAA:

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas. Employee has access to all client protected health information within his/her program. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

In collaboration with the Director, this position directly supervises Teacher 1, Teacher 2, and Special Education teachers. Supervisory duties are performed in accordance with organizational policies and relevant laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training staff; planning, assigning, and overseeing work; evaluating performance; providing recognition and discipline; and addressing employee concerns and resolving issues.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education / Experience:

A Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), pediatric therapy (Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology), or a related field is required. Special Education certification is preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of experience in a similar role or at least five years of experience as a lead teacher.

Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, management, and supervisory skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of best practices and curriculum for early childhood education and development and the inclusion and role of therapy and other related fields in the programming and service delivery for each child.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, statutes, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to present to groups and answer questions – both in person and via video conference.
• Strong computer skills to use electronic health management platform, email, calendar, word, excel, video conferencing, and presentation software.
• Strong orientation to deadlines and detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and support children with a diverse range of abilities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with employees and families at diverse levels.
• Ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload.
• Ability to develop both the members of a team as well as the team itself.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here 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 regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and see, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Employee will refer to the Individual’s treatment plan for guidance when lifting or moving an individual greater than 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Easterseals Arkansas has designated this position as a “non-safety sensitive” position under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.

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