Early Childhood Teacher (KS) Kansas School for the Deaf

JOB DESCRIPTION: (Detailed Position Description provided upon request)
The role of the Early Childhood Teacher is to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing children in an accessible and inclusive early learning environment.
Instructional Activities:
● Along with peer teachers, coordinate the daily operation of the Early Childhood Center to meet all guidelines set by the Kansas Department of Education and the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.
● Incorporate essential strategies to promote active learning.
● Establish a learning environment that promotes American Sign Language (ASL) and English using bilingual acquisition skills.
● Plan, prepare, and implement lesson plans and use developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities.
● Create and foster a safe learning environment that encourages positive physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
● Provide instruction, open dialogue, and support to families through a home or classroom visitation program, frequent correspondence, parent-teacher conferences, and progress reports.
● Provide instructional direction to paraprofessional support staff, including but not limited to assigning activities, providing guidance, and instructional oversight.
● Supervise and direct graduate students’ service as interns and/or student teachers, as applicable.
Assessment and Communication:
● Determine the learning needs of children through appropriate assessment techniques.
● Maintain documentation of learning to maintain current school records as mandated by the State.
● Accurately prepare Individual Education Plans (IEPs), maintain mandated and required recordkeeping on children’s progress, and update plans as required.
● Use appropriate ASL/English communication skills with students and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s), staff, and the public to eff ectively communicate with D/HH individuals.
● Maintain confidentiality per the employee handbook and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
● All other duties as assigned.
Attend all required meetings; use appropriate communication skills.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Education or Early Childhood Education; Endorsement in Deaf Education and/or Hard of Hearing (PreK-12), Bilingual Education (as applicable); Kansas Certification by KSDE in assigned level and teaching area; Infant/Toddler CPR and First Aid Certification; Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
Fluency in manual communication; ability to understand and use ASL and English in appropriate modes (ASL and English skills will be assessed); ability to make oral/signed and written reports; knowledge of basic human physiological needs; ability to apply principles in early childhood and team teaching/building strategies and learning theories and child development; ability to make proper responses to safety/health concerns; ability to use behavior management techniques; ability to listen to and be empathetic to children; ability to be a positive role model. This position requires the ability to carry or lift a 30-45 lb. child, move equipment by lifting such as tricycles, bicycles, and other materials to various locations up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods, move, bend, etc.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All offers of employment from Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) are contingent upon background check results and any applicable workplace references. Background checks are completed via the KS Bureau of Investigation, Backgrounds Plus consents, Kansas Department of Children and Family Services, and Dru Sjodin National Sexual Off ender Registry. KSD may contact previous employers for workplace references. Within 30 days of employment, a tuberculosis test (and any applicable treatment), as well as a health certifi cate must be completed by a medical provider at the cost of the employee.