Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE)

Title: Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE) Reports To: Director of Special Education or Designee Location: Pikes Peak BOCES � Member District Preschool and Early Elementary Settings Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Early Childhood Special Education or related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Hold or be eligible to hold a Colorado Special Education Teacher � Early Childhood Special Education Specialist License.
• Three years of experience in a school or early childhood setting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child development, early intervention practices, and inclusive education strategies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, staff, and community partners to support student growth and development.

Job Summary

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher provides direct and consultative special education services for children ages birth through eight in preschool and early elementary settings. This role includes designing, implementing, and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to address the developmental, academic, behavioral, and functional needs of students with disabilities.

The ECSE Teacher collaborates with paraprofessionals, related service providers, general education staff, and families to promote inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning environments. All work is conducted in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Colorado Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA), and PPBOCES policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional & Student Support

• Provide specially designed instruction as outlined in students' IEPs in individual, small group, and inclusive settings.
• Design and implement instructional strategies to support development in academic, social-emotional, communication, adaptive, and motor domains.
• Adapt materials and curriculum to meet individual student needs and developmental levels.
• Supervise and guide ECSE Assistants and paraprofessionals in implementing instructional and behavioral strategies.
• Utilize progress monitoring data to inform instruction and adjust interventions as needed. Behavioral & Emotional Support
• Develop and implement behavior support plans and social-emotional learning strategies using trauma-informed and positive behavioral approaches.
• Support students in developing self-regulation and social interaction skills in alignment with developmental goals.
• Collaborate with families and service providers to ensure consistency across settings. Assessment, Compliance & Documentation
• Conduct developmental and functional assessments to determine eligibility and to guide IEP development.
• Coordinate IEP meetings and ensure compliance with IDEA and ECEA timelines and procedural safeguards.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records, progress reports, and data for CDE reporting.
• Determine and document eligibility for Extended School Year (ESY) services as appropriate. Team Collaboration & Communication
• Collaborate with general education staff, related service providers, and families to ensure cohesive service delivery and transitions.
• Provide consultation and training to staff and families on instructional strategies and early childhood development.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and district or state trainings as required.
• Serve as a liaison between PPBOCES, community agencies, and families as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or Designee. Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
• Work is performed primarily in preschool classrooms and other educational environments.
• Physical demands include frequent talking, hearing, walking, standing, bending, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• May include assisting with student mobility, positioning, or physical care as appropriate to age and developmental level.
• Requires travel to assigned sites; employee may be required to drive to any member district using a personal or BOCES vehicle (mileage reimbursed per Board policy).
• Must maintain all required licenses in active status without suspension or revocation. Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated annually by the Special Education Director or Designee in alignment with the Colorado State Model System for Evaluation of Special Service Providers and PPBOCES policies. Salary, Working Time, Vacation, Etc.: This is a 179-day contract position with earned leave in accordance with Board policy. The position is based on a 40-hour work week. Salary shall be determined by education and experience in accordance with the BOCES Licensed Salary Schedule. Travel to school districts on a weekly basis is required. Contracts are on an annual basis and subject to renewal or nonrenewal at the discretion of the Board. Working Conditions:
• Talking and hearing, walking, standing, or bending is frequently required.
• Reaching with hands and arms, climbing, balancing, stooping, or kneeling may be required.
• Employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Any employee may be required to stay at or return to work during meetings and/or emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other assigned duties. This may require working a non-traditional schedule or outside normal hours.