Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (EI Classroom)

Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS)

Department: Early Intervention / Education Services
Reports To: Program Supervisor / Director of Early Childhood Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Philadelphia, PA, 19139

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher at Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS) provides instructional leadership within an inclusive Early Intervention classroom serving children ages 3–5. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and approved early childhood curricula.

The ECSE Teacher works in close partnership with an Assistant Teacher, related service providers, families, and external partners (including Elwyn) to create a structured, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment that promotes developmental growth across cognitive, social-emotional, communication, adaptive, and behavioral domains.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring instructional quality, compliance, and positive child and family outcomes within ALFS’s Early Intervention education programs.

Direct Reports: Assistant Teacher
Collaborative Oversight: Therapists, service providers, and interdisciplinary EI team members

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Implementation

• Lead daily classroom instruction aligned with Creative Curriculum and approved instructional frameworks
• Design and implement differentiated lesson plans responsive to developmental levels and IEP goals
• Model best practices in early childhood instruction and inclusive education
• Guide and support the Assistant Teacher in delivering small-group and individualized instruction

IEP Development & Implementation

• Collaborate with the IEP team to support development of present levels, annual goals, and progress reporting
• Ensure IEPs are implemented with fidelity across all instructional and classroom routines
• Partner with related service providers to support integrated service delivery

Assessment, Data & Progress Monitoring

• Collect, analyze, and report student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals
• Administer developmental assessments (e.g., DAYC-2) as part of initial and re-evaluation processes
• Use data to inform instructional planning and intervention adjustments

Classroom Management & Behavioral Support

• Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive classroom environment
• Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans and proactive behavior strategies
• Participate in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and team consultations as needed

Collaboration & Family Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with families through consistent communication and collaboration
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and planning sessions
• Provide families with updates on progress toward developmental milestones and IEP goals

Compliance, Documentation & Training

• Complete lesson plans, observations, assessments, and progress reports accurately and on time
• Ensure compliance with ALFS, Elwyn, and state regulatory requirements
• Maintain required certifications and complete ongoing professional development through Relias and continuing education

Authority & Accountability

This role has authority over:

• Classroom instruction and daily educational programming
• Implementation of instructional strategies and behavior supports
• Direction and support of the Assistant Teacher

This role is accountable for:

• Instructional quality and classroom outcomes
• Fidelity of IEP implementation
• Classroom compliance and documentation accuracy
• Student progress and family engagement

Measures of Success

• Consistent progress toward student IEP goals
• High-quality instructional delivery and classroom management
• Strong collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams
• Timely and compliant documentation
• Positive classroom culture and student engagement

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $70,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience and certification
• Full-time, W-2, benefits-eligible position
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and school-based breaks
• Ongoing professional development and training support

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or related field
• Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification (PreK–4, N–3, or Special Education K–12)
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in inclusive early childhood or special education settings
• Experience with IEP development and documentation systems (e.g., IEPWriter)
• Required clearances: PA Child Abuse, Criminal History, FBI Fingerprints

Preferred:

• Experience in Early Intervention or preschool special education classrooms
• Strong instructional leadership, organization, and collaboration skills