] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → TEACHER, BEGINNINGS

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Teacher, Beginnings

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Teacher, Beginnings CODE: 1013 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Teacher, Beginnings GRADE: AD MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction provides direct, consultative, and other program services for children with severe cognitive and/or physical disabilities, ages three through five. Assesses plans and provides instruction on the MCPS prekindergarten curriculum outcomes for students with appropriate adaptations for children with severe disabilities. Consults with staff (coordinator, program support teacher, related service providers, parent educators, and paraeducators) on strategies and accommodations to access the curriculum and school environment. Works with team members and InterACT consultants to determine appropriate augmentative communication devices and implement their use in the classroom. Administers and accurately interprets both formal and informal assessments, analyzes data and writes concise educational assessment reports with appropriate adaptations for children with severe disabilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of early childhood intervention for children with multiple, severe developmental delays; knowledge of typical and atypical development of children, ages three through five years; thorough knowledge of educational techniques/programming to address multiple developmental delays; thorough knowledge of technology applications and adaptive devices for pre-kindergarten students with severe disabilities; ability to identify problems and generate solutions to address the learning needs of pre-kindergarten students with severe delays; ability to design and implement effective behavior intervention strategies; ability to handle multiple tasks at a time; excellent organizational skills for managing student information; ability to establish effective classroom management routines; knowledge of early literacy and the Fundamental Life Skills curriculum; ability to develop functional behavioral assessments and implement behavioral intervention plans. Excellent communication and human relations skills.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in special education from an accredited college or university or special education degree with commensurate experience teaching young children; bachelor¿s degree in early childhood special education preferred; background in early childhood human development, developmental disabilities, and working with parents and families; experience teaching pre-kindergarten children with developmental delays and/or children with severe cognitive and/or physical disabilities desired; experience adapting materials and implementing assistive and augmentative communication protocols desired. Other combinations of applicable education, training and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland State Department of Education requirements for special education teacher with preference for early childhood special education certification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Requires lifting of children, transfers to use equipment, use of assistive devices, and assistance with daily living skills. As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assesses learning needs of students through observation and administration of appropriate evaluation protocols, curriculum-based assessments, and information provided by parents and team members.

Develops Individualized Education Programs (IEP) related to the MCPS prekindergarten curriculum and the Fundamental Life Skills Curriculum as appropriate.

Provides and evaluates instruction for students. Selects appropriate teaching techniques, modifying tasks and materials to accommodate individual needs.

Uses assistive technology to teach curricular outcomes and accommodate learning needs; implements specialized augmentative communication protocols in collaboration with the InterACT team consultants.

Uses paraeducators effectively to implement interventions.

Collaborates with team members on learning strategies, differentiation and use of equipment and adaptive devices.

Revises IEP objectives as needed, throughout the year, and participates in IEP team and parent meetings; serves as case manager for students on the roster.

Participates in MCPS training and professional development activities.

Maintains communication with parents on student progress and provides reinforcement activities for home.

When appropriate, collaborates with MCPS early childhood and PEP classic staff for inclusive opportunities.

Reinforces school rules related to student conduct.

Completes required documentation such as evaluations, quarterly progress and IEPs in a timely manner.

Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 8/1995
Date(s) Revised: 2/08
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.