Head Start Special Educator, per diem

Early Childhood Special Educator (Per Diem )

Head Start 

Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through local programs. Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. 

We are currently seeking a committed and passionate Per Diem Early Childhood Special Educator to join our dedicated preschool team. This position plays a crucial role in providing specialized support to children with developmental delays or disabilities, ensuring they receive the individualized attention needed for optimal growth and learning. The Special Educator will work in multiple classrooms throughout the program, spending a few hours a week working with each assigned child to provide specially designed instruction, create visual support, and provide guidance and support to classroom teachers.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Providing direct instruction and support to children with special needs in both individual and group settings. 
• Monitoring and documenting progress, adjusting instructional strategies as needed. 
• Collaborating with the larger teaching team to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. 
• Offering guidance and support to classroom teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications. 
• Collaborating with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for children with special needs. 
• Participating in parent conferences and meetings to discuss children's progress and provide resources for continued support at home. 

Schedule and Compensation: This is a year-round per-diem position with a flexible schedule based on program needs. Hours are primarily in the morning and will increase through the program year (program year begins in September). Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Location: Greater Portland, Maine; onsite, various classrooms.

Qualifications: 

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or; An associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children  
• Maine State certification as an Ed Tech II or III.
• 1-2 years experience working with young children with developmental delays or disabilities. 
• Knowledge of current special education practices and strategies. 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills. 
• Ability to adapt instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of children. 
• Knowledge of the important role that culture plays in child & family development. 
• Commitment to social justice and the mission of Head Start. 
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check. 
• Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list. 
• Must be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB screen. 
• Must be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations. 
• Must be able to exert significant physical effort with frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing and frequently lift and carry small children or material weighing up to 25 pounds. 
• Driving may be necessary to attend meetings and trainings and for driving between program sites to meet with children in different classrooms. A good driving record is required.