Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

At Children’s Therapy Center, we are on a mission to maximize the potential of children with special needs. We provide individualized, family-centered therapy including early support services, early childhood special education, physical, occupational and speech therapy. In partnership with parents and caregivers, we celebrate where each child is today and work toward who they can become.

Founded in 1979, Children’s Therapy Center has grown from a dream shared by a handful of visionary pediatric therapists to the largest and most comprehensive independent nonprofit pediatric therapy program in Washington State. Growth like ours does not happen by chance. It takes a commitment to quality services, collaboration, innovation and a focus on excellence in all areas.

Children’s Therapy Center is seeking an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher to join our Early Support Team in Kent, WA! Special Educators provide educational experiences for infants and toddlers in integrated playgroups of 6-8 children. Teachers also provide one-on-one special instruction services in children’s natural environments, including their homes and other community locations. A primary focus of the program is empowering parents to help their children. Therefore, parents are active participants in all group and one-on-one sessions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide group and one-on-one special instruction to develop cognitive, social, self-help, communication, gross motor, and fine motor skills for children with varied abilities and special needs
• Provide developmentally appropriate experiences that promote exploration, learning, fun, and the formation of secure and trusting relationships for children birth to three years
• Partner with parents and support them as their child’s first teacher
• Participate in the development of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team members to support the IFSP outcomes
• Coordinate and administer evaluations and assessments
• Document progress towards student goals in the play group and individual settings.
• Collaborate with the education & therapy team to develop lesson plans
• Maintain notes regarding family contacts, community visits, referrals, etc.
• Collaborate with therapy team to write transition reports for children exiting birth to three services
• Seek out community resources to enrich the educational content of the program

Demonstrable experience and other qualifications:

• Current Washington State teaching certificate required
• Early Childhood Ed or Special Education endorsement preferred
• Graduate of an accredited Education program, with a Master’s degree.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and disabilities.
• Related experience with infants, toddlers, and their families in a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Exceptional interpersonal, and technical skills.
• Ability to “think outside the box” and work independently
• Organized and efficient
• Comfortable in a busy, multi-task environment
• Knowledge of and experience in providing current best practice services for children on the autism spectrum preferred
• Current CPR/First Aid card required; reliable transportation required for travel

In accordance with applicable State and Federal Orders, Children’s Therapy Center requires that all staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before October 18, 2021, or before beginning employment; unless by certified, document medical disability or religious accommodation.

Children’s Therapy Center offers equitable and competitive pay commensurate with experience.  Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life-insurance, and continuing education benefits.  Supplemental/premium insurance options are also available.  Eligible employees can enroll in our retirement plan with their first paycheck and will be eligible for company contributions after their first year of employment.

Children’s Therapy Center is an equal opportunity employer.  We seek to hire candidates that reflect diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultural histories.  We continually seek to understand, acknowledge and appreciate our differences, engaging with an attitude of respectful curiosity, and a growth-mindset.  We believe everyone has the right to be respected and valued.  Consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, and our values, Children’s Therapy Center provides all employees and applicants with equal opportunity in all aspects of the employment relationship.