POSITION PURPOSE: 

Provides direct instruction and support to early childhood students, eligible for deaf/hard of hearing services, according to the individual education plan (IEP). Manages a caseload of early childhood students (BK). Provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development to ensure success for every student. Monitors and evaluates student outcomes. Develops, selects, and modifies instructional plans and materials to meet the individualizes needs of students. Maintains appropriate records and follow required procedures and practices as well as monitoring the appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities. Travels within Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) to provide services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge of early childhood curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum, policies, and effective classroom instructional practices;
• Extensive knowledge of how to assess and teach language development to include grammar, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and audition skills;
• Extensive understanding of the process of typical language development;
• Considerable knowledge of audiograms and the impact of hearing loss on auditory, language, and literacy development;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
• Considerable knowledge of various amplification systems;
• Considerable knowledge of, and experience in, conducting formal and informal assessments used to evaluate the development of vocabulary, language, and audition skills for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing;
• Ability to interpret formal and informal assessments (in the areas of vocabulary development, language development and auditory development) and use the data in developing IEPs, including goals and objectives, accommodations/modifications, and services;
• Effective time management and organizational skills;
• Strategic problem-solving skills, including the use of multiple data points;
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education;
• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when a student is participating in an inclusive activity;
• Ability to maintain files and records;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in early childhood education, special education, or related field;
• Bachelor’s degree in education of the Deaf from an accredited college or university;
• Experience supporting teachers and Deaf and Hard of Hearing students (with Special Education eligibility in one or more areas) in the general education setting, resource setting, and/or separate setting;
• Experience working with young children and families.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License in Birth to Kindergarten;
• Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License in Deaf Education (K-12);
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in early childhood or special education;
• Master’s degree in education of the Deaf;
• Experience working with young children and families;
• Experience teaching in a preschool classroom at an elementary school;
• Experience teaching in culturally and economically diverse environments;
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid.
  
  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

The teacher is required to follow all Board policies and procedures and to comply with the instructions and directives of their supervisor(s).  In addition, the teacher will be expected to follow the following duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Teacher Evaluation Standards and Elements:

1.  Maintains professional rapport and communicates effectively (orally and in writing) with district personnel, students, and parents.
2. Provides direct instructional services to early childhood students (BK) according to the student’s IEP in the least restrictive environment.
3. Employs a variety of teaching methods, strategies, accommodations, and modifications to meet student needs; implements these methods and adapts and/or develops materials.
4. Creates an organizational system to hold student information (contact information, audiograms, IEPs, lesson plans, raw data, etc.)
5. Collects data for progress monitoring while using this information to drive instruction.
6. Performs listening checks of various types of hearing aids, cochlear implants, Digital Modulation Systems (DMS), and Frequency Modulation Systems (FMS), as needed.
7. Works with school audiologists and school staff to ensure students with hearing loss have consistent auditory access within the school environment.
8. Provides in-service training that focuses on amplification and students accommodations for school personnel.
9. Assesses students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and collaborates with the IEP team regarding Special Education decisions.
10. Adheres to deadlines (IEP documents, progress reports, etc.)
11. Stays abreast of current practices related to Education of the Deaf and Early Childhood.
12. Maintains records on each child indicating strengths, areas needing improvement, action plans, and progress monitoring. Conducts ongoing assessment of all children and enters data into Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG).
13. Build family partnerships by providing systems of regular communication and engagement opportunities.
14. Participates in yearly professional development opportunities.
15. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT  

Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to ten pounds. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for sedentary work. The work frequently involves driving automotive equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to work in a school environment and come into direct contact with young children, parents, staff, and the public.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  5/2023

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.