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Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth, and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.Wayfinder is committed to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).Wayfinder believes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to our excellence and our mission's execution. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and differently-abled persons are encouraged to exchange for your talent, Wayfinder offers an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:This role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)Medical insurance with a $30 premium per paycheck coverage plan (employee-only)Dental insurance 100% employer paid for HMO coverage plan (employee-only)401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 4%11 paid holidays per year and a generous paid time off policyFive paid winter holidays (between Christmas Eve & New Year's Day)Education Reimbursement ProgramCompensation:In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.About the Program:The Special Education Teacher will participate in educational assessments, develop students' Individualized Educational Programs with the assessment team, and provide instructional activities which are age-appropriate, functional, motivating, and which reflect I.E.P goals.Major Duties and Responsibilities:Participates in educational assessment by using selected tools and by involving parents, Designated Instructional Service Staff, and other relevant individuals.Develops students' Individualized Educational Programs with the assessment team, based on assessment findings and priorities identified by parents.Provides instructional activities, which are age-appropriate, functional, motivating, and which reflect I.E.P. goals.Provides diverse learning opportunities, such as, community-based instruction, daily living skills, arts and crafts, music and movement, vocational, social integration, swimming, and recreational activities.Maintains an orderly classroom environment which encourages student participation and exploration; which has age-appropriate, tactually, and visually interesting room displays.Provides lesson plans, data sheets, training, and supervision for instructional assistants and volunteers; assigns staff time effectively.Keeps records and reports current, such as, class and individual schedules, lesson plans and data sheets, communication logs, and prepares progress reports on schedule.Uses a variety of instructional strategies which are appropriate for students who are blind, such as appropriate mobility techniques, verbal descriptiondiscussion of the physical and social environment, encouraging tactile examination and discrimination techniques, and the use of sensory cues.Provides opportunities for building students' self esteem by giving consistent positive reinforcement, by offering choices, by discussing and describing ongoing and upcoming events, by developing students' socialcommunication skills, and by providing opportunities for problem-solving and successful participation in activities.Works with program specialists, DIS staff, residential staff, and the Principal of Special Education School to develop and implement coordinated instructional programs.Assumes the responsibility for developing and coordinating a specific instructional area (recreational and physical education, kitchen skills and meal preparation, vocational skills) for the school.Participates in all components of the students' programs, such as, swimming, meal times, daily living skills, physical education, yoga, music, computer programs, vocational training, and recreation.Participates in at least two weekend family involvement events during the school year.Participates in students' "out-of-school" routines (e.g., breakfast, after school recreation, dinner, bath time) in Daily Living Skills Center at least twice a year.EducationCertifications: Bachelor's degree required; Master degree preferred.Must have or be able to qualify for a California Specialist Credential in the area of severely handicapped, visually handicapped or in a related area of special education.Employee Wellness & SafetyWayfinder is committed to creating an environment where employees and clients are safe. To meet this goal, we ask that employees be fully vaccinated (including boosters, where applicable) against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. All staff must demonstrate evidence of the first vaccine dose on or before their employment start date. Wayfinder will consider requests for exemption based on religious beliefs or medical accommodations. Wayfinder requires a thorough background screening process that includes fingerprinting and a health screening.Trauma-Informed CareWayfinder practices Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles which recognize the signs, symptoms, and widespread impact of trauma. Employees integrate the knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care into policies, procedures, and practices to prevent re-traumatization which promotes the healing of families, youth, individuals, and communities.Wayfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.