Teacher Specialist - Pre-Kindergarten Special Education

Harford County Public Schools•Bel Air, MD

About The Position

Provides direct assistance to teachers and support staff in the implementation of a continuum of services for children aged birth to five. This is an 11-month Teacher Specialist position which requires 20 additional duty days beyond the identified 190 teacher calendar days. Teacher Specialists are required to work one additional hour per day beyond the teacher schedule. Position is eligible for the Teacher Specialist stipend. This is a grant funded assignment to be in effect through June 30, 2026. Grand funded assignments will be in effect as stipulated in the grant.

Requirements

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Must hold or be eligible for a Maryland Advanced Certificate or Maryland Advanced Professional License with an endorsement in special education.
Five years of recent successful teaching experience, preferably in Special Education.
Knowledge and understanding of IDEA and implementation of IEPs.
Knowledge and experience of implementing developmentally appropriate and evidence-based practices to address the social, emotional, behavioral needs of young children.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting full day prekindergarten programs preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as a resource in developing and implementing specially designed instruction for students with disabilities attending full day prekindergarten programs.
Assists special education teachers and staff supporting full day prekindergarten programs to enable them to develop and implement Individual Education Programs for students with disabilities, including implementation of positive behavior supports.
Collaborates with the Coordinator of Early Childhood and Coordinator of Special Education – Birth to 5 to provide instructional support and professional development for pre-kindergarten teachers, paraeducators, and special education teachers in developmentally appropriate practices, lesson accommodations/modifications and early childhood instruction.
Supports the Departments of Early Childhood and Special Education with the development, selection and modifications of instructional plans and materials to the needs of all students.
Recommends and/or demonstrates the use of appropriate teaching materials, technology, and teaching strategies to support staff and children in full day prekindergarten programs.
Assists in developing and providing professional development training and learning opportunities for teachers and paraprofessionals supporting full day prekindergarten programs.
Participates in Individual Education Program (IEP)Team meetings.
Provides consultative and coaching support for school personnel working with students with disabilities in full day prekindergarten programs.
Provides technical assistance by modeling lessons, peer coaching, peer conferences, visitations, and other similar activities.
Assists staff with implementing the MDOIEP (Maryland On-Line IEP Program).
Assists staff with developing and implementing data collections systems to support student growth.
Assists school-based teams in scheduling and planning instructional supports for children in full day prekindergarten programs.
Facilitates the transition of students with disabilities between Infants and Toddlers/Child Find to prekindergarten and prekindergarten to kindergarten.
Supports the prekindergarten registration process by providing outreach to families; reviewing applications; and following up with families regarding application status.
Provides technical support in the implementation of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Synthesizes ideas gleaned from conference attendance to share information, as appropriate in professional development activities.
Demonstrates a positive attitude and uses effective skills in human relations with students, teachers, administrators, and members of the community.
Develops a knowledge base of effective strategies to facilitate inclusive education to ensure students with disabilities access both the county and state curriculum.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.