What does a Special Education Preschool Teacher do?
Published 3 min read
A Special Education Preschool Teacher is responsible for teaching children with special needs in a preschool setting. They work with students to develop learning goals and create individualized education plans. Special Education Preschool Teachers also collaborate with other educators, therapists, and parents to ensure that each child is receiving the best possible education.
Special Education Preschool Teacher job duties include:
- Develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for each student.
- Teach basic skills such as colors, shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Implement IEP goals and objectives.
- Modify the general education curriculum to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Collaborate with other teachers, therapists, and school staff to develop IEP goals.
- Monitor student progress and keep parents updated.
- Attend IEP meetings and parent-teacher conferences.
- Write progress reports and annual review documents.
- Participate in professional development activities.
Special Education Preschool Teacher Job Requirements
A special education preschool teacher must have at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, as well as a state-issued teaching license or certification. Many states also require teachers to complete a special education certification program. In addition to formal education and certification, most preschool teachers have several years of experience working with young children in a variety of settings.
Special Education Preschool Teacher Skills
- Patience
- Creativity
- Communication
- Organization
- Flexibility
- Classroom Management
- Behavior Management
- Lesson Planning
- Curriculum Development
- IEP Implementation
- Data Collection
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How to become a Special Education Preschool Teacher
There are many steps to becoming a Special Education Preschool Teacher. The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. Many states also require that teachers obtain a teaching license. After completing these steps, teachers can then begin working in a preschool setting.
Special Education Preschool Teachers work with children who have a range of disabilities, from mild to severe. They create individualized education plans (IEPs) for each child and work with the child’s family to ensure that the plan is being followed at home and at school. Special Education Preschool Teachers also collaborate with other members of the educational team, such as speech therapists and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive services to their students.
Becoming a Special Education Preschool Teacher requires dedication and patience, but it can be an incredibly rewarding career. Those who enter this field have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their students and their families.
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