Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Department: Managed Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Diego, CA

Compensation: $68,000.00 - $95,000.00 / hour

Description

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Location: Various Locations Throughout San Diego

Includ(Ed) Campuses

• Pacific Beach Campus: 4761 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109
• Point Loma Campus: 3598 Talbot St, San Diego, CA 92106

Salary: $68,000-$95,000 (Depending on Experience)

Status: Full Time, 40 hours per week

We are currently seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and neuro-affirming Full-Time Teacher to join our team. MUST hold a special education credential OR a Master's in Special Education (or related field). Serve as lead teacher and Ed specialist for one of our 4 classrooms, creating developmentally appropriate curricula with differentiated instruction for diverse needs. You''ll collaborate with therapy teams and families, advocate for your students, and track their progress.

Our Mission and Vision:

At Includ(Ed), Our philosophy is simple: all children deserve access to community, care, and education. We are on a mission to increase access to quality, inclusive early childhood education and childcare one classroom at a time.

Includ(Ed) provides early intervention-focused, full-time, inclusive preschool where all are welcome. Collectively, our staff provides the support, care, and education that enable typically-developing children and children with disabilities to learn, play, and thrive together.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Early Childhood Special Education Teacher to lead. This educator will be responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned program, while ensuring full access for students with diverse learning needs.

The teacher will create a literacy-rich and language-rich classroom environment and deliver instruction. Instruction should integrate play-based, inquiry-driven, and multisensory learning approaches appropriate for young children.

The educator will ensure students build strong foundations in early literacy, phonological awareness, print concepts, letter-sound knowledge, vocabulary, oral language development, emergent writing, early mathematics, scientific exploration, and social-emotional learning, while maintaining a joyful and inclusive classroom culture.

The ideal candidate will have experience in inclusive classrooms and demonstrated expertise in differentiated instruction.

This role requires close collaboration with our speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and families to integrate therapeutic supports into classroom instruction and ensure that every child can fully access both the academic and social components.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a literacy-rich classroom environment that fosters early reading, writing, and language development
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate, child-centered curricula focused on: Early literacy and phonological awareness, Print concepts and letter recognition, Vocabulary and oral language development, Emergent writing and storytelling, Inclusive academic readiness, and Social Emotional Learning
• Differentiate instruction and modify curriculum to ensure all learners can access literacy and academic content
• Use multisensory and play-based approaches to teach literacy and foundational academic skills
• Support students using AAC devices, visual supports, and other communication tools

Collaborate closely with speech therapists to integrate language development throughout the school day

• Create curricula that honor and respect each child, with particular attention to inclusive and anti-bias practices
• Cultivate a community of belonging where each child feels seen, heard, and valued
• Create a nurturing and safe environment to meet the diverse needs of students
• Develop differentiated methods of instruction to meet the needs of each student
• Use ongoing observation and assessment to guide instruction and track student progress
• Collaborate regularly with our therapy team and parents
• Serve as an advocate for all students
• Track goals, update assessments, and coordinate student success plans
• Maintain a positive classroom culture rooted in respect, celebration, and shared joy

Requirements

• Livescan clearance and criminal record check required
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required

Physical Requirements of the Job

Applicants should be comfortable:

• Standing for 2+ hours per day
• Stooping, bending, climbing, and walking frequently
• Lifting up to 40 pounds
• Using appropriate physical interventions when necessary to maintain a safe learning environment
• Positioning students in specialized equipment and assisting with toileting or diapering when necessary

Qualifications/ Preferred

Qualifications:

• Applicants MUST hold a Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Child Development, or a related field from an accredited program.
• Applicants MUST have either: A valid Special Education teaching credential, OR

A Master's Degree in Special Education (or related field

Preferred:

• Experience with early literacy instruction, including phonological awareness, print concepts, emergent reading, and early writing
• Experience working in inclusive classrooms
• Knowledge of AAC systems and communication supports
• Knowledge and expertise in supporting developmental needs in areas including:

Cognition

Communication

Social-emotional development

Self-help skills

Fine and gross motor development

• Basic knowledge of commonly used ASL words
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with children, families, and professionals
• Candidates should possess a deep understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity and demonstrate the ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of best practices in inclusive education and early childhood development and a genuine belief in the power of inclusion.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a transdisciplinary team, collaborating with teachers, therapists, and specialists.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for working with children of all abilities.
• Flexibility to adapt to the dynamic needs of a growing and innovative program.
• Regular access to reliable transportation.
• Commitment to continued professional development.
• Conversational fluency in Spanish is a plus.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to jobs@includedsd.org.

EEOC Statement

Includ(Ed) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.