The Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction, consultation, and support to ensure children of all abilities can successfully participate in inclusive early learning environments. Working collaboratively with classroom staff, families, therapists, school districts, and community partners, this position develops and implements individualized strategies that promote developmental growth, school readiness, social-emotional development, and meaningful participation in the classroom. The Special Education Teacher provides direct educational support to children with exceptional needs while fostering an inclusive, nurturing environment that supports every child's success and aligns with the YMCA's mission and commitment to high-quality early learning.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A MASTER TEACHER:
BE WELL
Create safe, nurturing environments where every child feels physically and emotionally secure.
- Foster safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where children of all abilities can thrive.
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Conduct classroom observations to identify developmental, behavioral, sensory, communication, and learning needs.
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Develop and implement individualized accommodations, intervention strategies, and support plans that promote successful participation in classroom activities.
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Promote children's social-emotional development, self-regulation, independence, and overall well-being through evidence-based practices.
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Support compliance with licensing regulations, health and safety standards, confidentiality requirements, and YMCA policies.
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Partner with families and service providers to ensure consistent support across home, school, and community settings.
DO GOOD
Build meaningful relationships that help every child and family feel welcomed and valued.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children, families, staff, therapists, school districts, and community partners.
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Coach and support classroom staff in implementing inclusive teaching practices, differentiated instruction, and positive behavior support strategies.
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Assist families in understanding developmental milestones, available resources, and educational support services.
- Advocate for equitable access, belonging, and meaningful participation for every child.
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Model the YMCA's mission, values, and commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive environments.
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Collaborate with early intervention providers, specialists, and local education agencies to coordinate services and support child success.
LEAD CHANGE
Learn, innovate, and continuously improve the experience for youth and families
- Provide professional development and ongoing coaching for classroom teams on inclusion, differentiated instruction, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and evidence-based intervention strategies.
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Use observations, developmental screenings, assessments, and child outcome data to guide recommendations and individualized support plans.
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Support quality improvement initiatives that strengthen inclusive practices across Early Learning programs.
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Identify opportunities to expand the YMCA's capacity to serve children with diverse developmental, behavioral, and learning needs.
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Stay current on best practices, regulations, and emerging trends in early childhood special education and inclusive programming.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
- This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.
REQUIREMENTS TO BE A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER:
- Minimum age of 21.
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Special Education, Child Development, or a related field required; an approved education attainment plan may be considered.
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Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with young children with developmental, behavioral, communication, physical, sensory, or learning differences.
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Experience supporting early learning environments preferred.
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Strong knowledge of child development, developmental milestones, and developmentally appropriate practices.
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Experience collaborating with families, therapists, school districts, and community partners preferred.
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Experience with Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD®, and Tadpoles preferred.
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Additional training or experience in developmental assessment, autism spectrum disorders, behavior supports, trauma-informed care, sensory processing, or inclusive classroom practices preferred.
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Current CPR, First Aid, and Fingerprint Clearance Card required or the ability to obtain within established timeframes.
FULL-TIME BENEFITS:
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Employee Assistance Program
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Free YMCA Family Membership
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Employee Program Rewards and Discounts
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Paid Vacation & Sick Leave (Once Accrued)
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403b Retirement Savings Account Upon Hire
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Professional Development Opportunities & Trainings
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12% Employer Funded Retirement Plan (Once Eligible)
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Health Benefits Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance
OUR YMCA CULTURE:
The Valley of the Sun YMCA has been a trusted place of belonging, growth, and opportunity. We are for strengthening families, and creating opportunities for every child, teen, adult and senior to thrive. Guided by our call to Be Well. Do Good. Lead Change. Our goal is to expand access, deepen impact and secure a sustainable future for the Y across Arizona.
Valley of the Sun YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this opening. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.
Our YMCA promotes a safe environment that is free from abuse. No form of abuse will be tolerated. All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to in accordance with our Abuse Response Process.
This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.
