Valid New York State teaching certification in special education (Birth-Grade 2 or All Grades) or other approved certifications for preschool settings.
Valid New York State certification as a Teacher of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (TVI).
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred with relevant pedagogical coursework.
Ability to implement IEPs and deliver specially designed instruction per NYSED and CPSE standards.
Preferred prior experience in preschool special education and multidisciplinary team collaboration.
Responsibilities
Utilize diverse curriculums to enhance student learning and participation.
Develop and implement adaptations for sensory, motor, and self-help needs in collaboration with therapists.
Conduct functional vision and learning media assessments to inform daily instruction.
Oversee instruction in compensatory access skills and assistive technology, aligning with IEPs.
Select and adapt specialized materials and train staff for effective implementation.
Establish relationships with families to support child development and strategy carryover.
Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals and maintain accurate records.
Benefits
Generous paid time off aligned with the school calendar.
Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Flexible spending and savings accounts for healthcare expenses.
Life insurance and disability benefits included.
403(b) savings plan with company match.
Employee assistance program available.
Opportunities for career advancement.
Full Job Description
We currently have an exciting opening for a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) in our soon to open Suffolk County Preschool! Located in Islandia, NY, the Teacher of the Visually Impaired/ Special Education Teacher will conduct a special education preschool classroom for children with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Specific responsibilities will include:
Utilize diverse and engaging curriculums to maximize students' learning opportunities and promote active participation within the classroom.
Develops and implements student specific adaptations for sensory, motor, self-help, and other areas of need in collaboration with therapists to maximize whole child learning approach for each student.
Conducts functional vision assessments and learning media assessments (as appropriate within program scope) and integrates findings into daily instruction to ensure students access curriculum through appropriate visual, tactile, and auditory modalities.
Implements and oversees instruction in areas such as compensatory access skills (e.g., braille readiness, tactile discrimination), assistive technology, and sensory efficiency, ensuring these are embedded throughout the instructional day in alignment with each student's IEP.
Leads the selection, adaptation, and ongoing use of specialized materials and equipment (e.g., braille, large print, tactile symbols, optical devices), and ensures classroom staff are trained and consistently implementing these supports to maintain full access to instruction for students with visual impairments.
Establishes and maintains relationships with families to further the development of the child by assisting the family to carry over strategies from school to home.
Acts as the primary contact between home and school; maintaining the liaison with school social worker daily.
Accurately monitors and records progress toward IEP goals while providing clear direction and oversight to staff to ensure consistent and reliable data collection.
Continuously evaluates student progress and documents that progress in report cards, progress notes and annual updates.
Submits weekly lesson plans and newsletters to the Principal.
Maintains accurate attendance documents, submits to the administrative assistant monthly.
Advocates for the educational and developmental needs of their students both in the school and in the wider community.
Develop and maintain strong rapport with school district representatives.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new staff as well as peer-to-peer training situations.
Plans, assigns, and monitors instructional assistant responsibilities and schedules to promote seamless classroom operations and student support.
Prepares and delivers annual reviews for classroom teaching assistants.
Salary: $75-90k annually
Qualifications
Valid New York State teaching certification in one of the following:
NYS Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2), or
NYS Students with Disabilities (All Grades), or
Other NYSED special education certification(s) approved to be the teacher of record in a 4410 preschool setting
Valid New York State certification as a Teacher of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (TVI)*
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required, Master's Degree preferred (including NYS required pedagogical coursework in early childhood education and teaching students who are visually impaired)
Ability to implement IEPs and deliver specially designed instruction in accordance with NYSED and CPSE expectations
Prior experience preferred in preschool special education, including implementation of IEPs and participation in CPSE and multidisciplinary team meetings to support each student's educational and developmental needs.
*Only candidates who hold a New York State Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) certification, or who are actively in the process of obtaining NYS certification through the Office of Teaching Initiatives, will be considered for this position.
Physical Demands: The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:
Paid Time Off (in accordance with the school calendar), Paid Personal Time and Paid Sick Time
Health Benefits Package including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
