Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (EI Classroom)
Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS)
Department: Early Intervention / Education Services
Reports To: Program Supervisor / Director of Early Childhood Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Philadelphia, PA, 19139
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher at Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS) provides instructional leadership within an inclusive Early Intervention classroom serving children ages 3–5. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and approved early childhood curricula.
The ECSE Teacher works in close partnership with an Assistant Teacher, related service providers, families, and external partners (including Elwyn) to create a structured, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment that promotes developmental growth across cognitive, social-emotional, communication, adaptive, and behavioral domains.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring instructional quality, compliance, and positive child and family outcomes within ALFS’s Early Intervention education programs.
Direct Reports: Assistant Teacher
Collaborative Oversight: Therapists, service providers, and interdisciplinary EI team members
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Implementation
Lead daily classroom instruction aligned with Creative Curriculum and approved instructional frameworks
Design and implement differentiated lesson plans responsive to developmental levels and IEP goals
Model best practices in early childhood instruction and inclusive education
Guide and support the Assistant Teacher in delivering small-group and individualized instruction
IEP Development & Implementation
Collaborate with the IEP team to support development of present levels, annual goals, and progress reporting
Ensure IEPs are implemented with fidelity across all instructional and classroom routines
Partner with related service providers to support integrated service delivery
Assessment, Data & Progress Monitoring
Collect, analyze, and report student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals
Administer developmental assessments (e.g., DAYC-2) as part of initial and re-evaluation processes
Use data to inform instructional planning and intervention adjustments
Classroom Management & Behavioral Support
Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive classroom environment
Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans and proactive behavior strategies
Participate in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and team consultations as needed
Collaboration & Family Engagement
Build strong partnerships with families through consistent communication and collaboration
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and planning sessions
Provide families with updates on progress toward developmental milestones and IEP goals
Compliance, Documentation & Training
Complete lesson plans, observations, assessments, and progress reports accurately and on time
Ensure compliance with ALFS, Elwyn, and state regulatory requirements
Maintain required certifications and complete ongoing professional development through Relias and continuing education
Authority & Accountability
This role has authority over:
Classroom instruction and daily educational programming
Implementation of instructional strategies and behavior supports
Direction and support of the Assistant Teacher
This role is accountable for:
Instructional quality and classroom outcomes
Fidelity of IEP implementation
Classroom compliance and documentation accuracy
Student progress and family engagement
Measures of Success
Consistent progress toward student IEP goals
High-quality instructional delivery and classroom management
Strong collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams
Timely and compliant documentation
Positive classroom culture and student engagement
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary Range: $70,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience and certification
Full-time, W-2, benefits-eligible position
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Paid time off, paid holidays, and school-based breaks
Ongoing professional development and training support
Qualifications
Required:
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or related field
Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification (PreK–4, N–3, or Special Education K–12)
Minimum 1–3 years of experience in inclusive early childhood or special education settings
Experience with IEP development and documentation systems (e.g., IEPWriter)
Required clearances: PA Child Abuse, Criminal History, FBI Fingerprints
Preferred:
Experience in Early Intervention or preschool special education classrooms
Strong instructional leadership, organization, and collaboration skills

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No