TK/Kindergarten Special Education Teacher

We are currently seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and neuro-affirming Full-Time TK/Kinder Inclusion Specialist and Lead Teacher to join our team. This role is center-based at our TK/Kindergarten in Point Loma. MUST hold a special education credential OR a Master’s in Special Education (or related field).

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 .

Our TK/Kindergarten program emphasizes early literacy, language development, and inclusive academic foundations, ensuring that every child develops the skills needed to succeed in school while learning in a joyful and supportive community.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Early Childhood Special Education Teacher to lead our inclusive TK/Kindergarten classroom. This educator will be responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned program that reflects the California Kindergarten curriculum and California Department of Education standards, 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 aligned with the California Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten in English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as the California Kindergarten standards in Science, History–Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Health. 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, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and adapting the California Kindergarten curriculum to meet the needs of students with a wide range of developmental profiles and abilities.

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 of the kindergarten curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead teacher for our inclusive TK/Kindergarten classroom
• Create a literacy-rich classroom environment that fosters early reading, writing, and language development

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Design and implement developmentally appropriate, child-centered curricula focused on:

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Early literacy and phonological awareness

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Print concepts and letter recognition

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Vocabulary and oral language development

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Emergent writing and storytelling

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Inclusive academic readiness

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Social Emotional Learning

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Differentiate instruction and modify curriculum to ensure all learners can access literacy and academic content

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Use multisensory and play-based approaches to teach literacy and foundational academic skills

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Support students using AAC devices, visual supports, and other communication tools

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

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Create curricula that honor and respect each child, with particular attention to inclusive and anti-bias practices

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Cultivate a community of belonging where each child feels seen, heard, and valued

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Create a nurturing and safe environment to meet the diverse needs of students

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Develop differentiated methods of instruction to meet the needs of each student

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Use ongoing observation and assessment to guide instruction and track student progress

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Collaborate regularly with our therapy team and parents

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Serve as an advocate for all students

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Track goals, update assessments, and coordinate student success plans

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Maintain a positive classroom culture rooted in respect, celebration, and shared joy

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

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Experience teaching TK, Kindergarten, or early elementary students

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Experience with early literacy instruction, including phonological awareness, print concepts, emergent reading, and early writing

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Experience working in inclusive classrooms

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Knowledge of AAC systems and communication supports

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Knowledge and expertise in supporting developmental needs in areas including:

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Cognition

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Communication

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Social-emotional development

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Self-help skills

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Fine and gross motor development

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Basic knowledge of commonly used ASL words

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Strong organizational and time management skills

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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with children, families, and professionals

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Candidates should possess a deep understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity and demonstrate the ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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Knowledge of best practices in inclusive education and early childhood development and a genuine belief in the power of inclusion.

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Ability to work effectively as part of a transdisciplinary team, collaborating with teachers, therapists, and specialists.

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Empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for working with children of all abilities.

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Flexibility to adapt to the dynamic needs of a growing and innovative program.

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Regular access to reliable transportation.

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Commitment to continued professional development.

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Conversational fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Additional Requirements

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Livescan clearance and criminal record check required

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Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required

Physical Requirements of the Job

Applicants should be comfortable

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Standing for 2+ hours per day

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Stooping, bending, climbing, and walking frequently

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Lifting up to 40 pounds

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Using appropriate physical interventions when necessary to maintain a safe learning environment

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Positioning students in specialized equipment and assisting with toileting or diapering when necessary

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

Pay and Benefits

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Pay scale: $65,360 – $84,000 nonexempt, depending on education and experience

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Comprehensive health insurance coverage

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Competitive PTO

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11 Month Work Schedule

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Supportive and inclusive work environment committed to the growth and well-being of all staff members

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a letter of intent in your own authentic words (please, no AI!) outlining your relevant experience and interest in working at Includ(Ed) to:

jobs@includedsd.org

Subject line: TK / Kindergarten Special Education Teacher

Join our dedicated team at Includ(Ed) and help us create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Your expertise and passion will make a lasting impact on the children and families we serve.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Learn more at www.includedsd.org

Equal Opportunity Statement

Includ(Ed) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status