Teacher - Intensive Learning Program [SY24-25]

The Early Learning Center Community

The Malden Early Learning Center (ELC) has been the educational ground breaker for the children of Malden for over 20 years. The ELC has been providing children from diverse backgrounds ages 3- 5 years old with a robust educational experience. Using the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) preschool standards as a foundation for success, the staff works to develop our students’ academic, social, and emotional skills. We strive to ensure the time our students spend at the ELC is fun, engaging, and full of a variety of learning opportunities. Play is a big part of learning. Throughout the school day, children are provided times to develop their play skills and social skills. Staff actively fosters an environment where play is essential to learning. Staff employs both a supportive structured environment as well as helping students develop their independence through play. The ELC has an indoor play space, gym, and a playground. During the coming school year, the outdoor playground will be redone to support the needs of all of our students.

The ELC serves over 300 students annually. The classrooms consist of integrated programs, inclusion programs as well as our intensive learning program. There are 21 highly qualified classroom teachers providing direct instruction to a variety of students. There are 3 specialty teachers (Music, Art, and Physical Education). All the teachers are certified in PreK and/ or Special Education. Every classroom has 1-2 highly qualified paraprofessionals to support the educational/ school environment. Family engagement is a priority we strive to maintain. We work to stay connected with the families of our students at all levels. There are a variety of ways for families to be involved at the ELC, including PTO and School Council.

Job Description

This position involves teaching in a substantially separate classroom, as well as creating opportunities for meaningful inclusion as appropriate. Candidate should have demonstrated experience teaching and supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as skills in collaboration and working with students with challenging behaviors. Candidate must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilites

• Provide direct intensive language-based instruction and direct teaching of social thinking, language and skills to students.
• Manage and implement plans and data collection based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Create opportunities for meaningful inclusion in general education classrooms, exploratory classes, and the school community for all students.
• Ensure appropriate accommodations and modifications, as needed, to the general education curriculum for students based upon a variety of instructional techniques, approaches and technologies, in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Set high expectations for all students.
• Scaffold, differentiate instruction and use instructional practices that challenge, motivate and engage all learners.
• Facilitate a classroom environment that provides predictable routines and structure and is physically and emotionally safe and welcoming for all students.
• Manage a liaison caseload of students, including completion of all required paperwork, developing and implementing Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs), running annual review meetings, IEP and goal/objective writing and completing progress reports quarterly. Adherence to state and federal special education laws, regulations, and mandates is imperative.
• Build a rapport with families, encourage family involvement and communicate with families regularly through phone calls, emails, meetings and progress notes.
• Work collaboratively and communicate as an active team member with building principal, special education program manager, general education teachers, BCBA, RBT, paraprofessionals, school adjustment counselors, and other staff.
• Attend professional development sessions as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Massachusetts Teacher of Students with Moderate and/or Severe Disabilities license required.
• SEI Teacher Endorsement required.
  
  

Reports to: Special Education Program Manager, Building Principal

Salary: Commensurate with Malden Public Schools’ teacher salary schedule.

To Apply: Submit letter of interest highlighting qualifications for the position via TalentEd.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Malden Public Schools is committed to cultivating an ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse and inclusive environment where different backgrounds and perspectives are celebrated. We believe the differences within our environment will positively impact student outcomes and benefit our employees and community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.