Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher
Early Childhood Center
2026-27 School Year - PEA Contract
Job Summary:
To create a flexible Early Childhood Special Education program and class environment favorable to learning and personal growth of pupils developmentally delayed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides learning experiences suited to the needs of pupils who are developmentally delayed
- Develops and uses instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of pupils with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturities
- Provides individual and small-group instruction designed to meet individual needs of pupils in communication skills, health habits, self-care (including toileting), physical skills, and development of satisfactory self-concepts
- Develops activities for parents which promote parent participation and involvement in educational activities provided for their children
- Communicates regularly with parents by means of parent meetings, home visits, and individual parent conferences
- Interprets school programs to parents to strengthen parental understanding of the individual pupil’s needs and the school’s role in the individual pupil’s life
- Provides/creates appropriate climate to establish and reinforce acceptable pupil behavior and social skills including; explicit instruction relating to social-emotional behavior and establishing positive behavior supports
- Cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve health and learning problems
- Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district and self-selected professional growth activities
- Participates in staff committees and the sponsorship of pupil activities
- Demonstrates effective human relations and communication skills
- Frequent operation of a vehicle
- Aiding students with toileting and self-care needs.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Handbook.
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.
Qualifications
- Minimum: Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in elementary special education ZS/ZN or a ZA with another special education endorsement
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in special education
- Minimum of three years of experience with ECSE preferred.
- Strong background in early literacy development and hands-on development
- Strong classroom management skills
- Ability to utilize technology to enhance instruction
- Strong collaboration with grade level peers
- Knowledgeable about current educational research and best practices
- Effective communication skills with school community
- Excellent attendance record and outstanding work ethic
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps
Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Jennifer Meisterheim and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Russell Gerbers. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002
