Teacher of Deaf, Preschool

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For more than 170 years, Elwyn has been leading the way in supporting children, teens, and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health challenges. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we're here to create real change - helping people lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Now, we're looking for passionate team members to join us. Here, your work will change lives - including your own. You'll make an impact every day, find purpose in what you do, and grow in a career that truly matters.

At Elwyn, we take care of you while you care for others. We offer:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit Packages
• Earned Wage Access/On-Demand Pay
• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Advancement Opportunities and Growth
• Flexible Schedules
• Retirement Savings Plan

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POSITION SUMMARY: The Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TOD/HH) assesses and identifies hearing needs, participates in the development of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), and oversees the implementation of classroom, and community intervention activities for children 3-5 years of age. The TOD/HH assists in developing language acquisition and communication skills to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of the children within the City of Philadelphia Preschool Early Intervention Program who have hearing loss. The Teacher participates in the multi-disciplinary evaluations (MDE) and initial IEP meetings to ensure appropriate specially-designed instruction (SDI) and goals are included in the child's special education program and plans and provides direct instruction and records progress notes and other data for the children assigned to their classroom per the requirements of the child's IEP. Additionally, the Teacher develops, plans, presents, and maintains training and in-service programs for parents, teachers, children, and staff on various issues regarding working with children who have hearing loss.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review updated audiological/medical information from physicians, Infant Toddler system, current hearing support staff, and parent report regarding the student's hearing loss to form the child's early intervention services
• Perform listening checks and simple troubleshooting procedures on amplification devices and assistive technology per established protocol in the child's IEP including, but not limited to, performing hearing screenings and administering the Otoacoustic Emissions Screening (OAE)
• Create a listening environment in the community, preschool, or at home that allows optimal visual and acoustic access to allow for full participation of students with hearing loss in accordance with the child's IEP; participate as a key member of the IEP team for children with hearing loss
• Prepare lesson plans, activities, and therapeutic strategies for use in the specialized classroom and deliver instruction accordingly as the lead Teacher in the specialized classroom to ensure students' progress towards goals
• Plan instructional strategies for adapting curriculum and materials to meet individual student needs and delegate responsibilities to assistant teachers including, but not limited to, facilitation of classroom routines, delivering individual and small group instruction implementing learning activities, and collecting data on progress toward IEP goals
• Review session notes, medical records, previous evaluations, and parent interviews and observations to collect child-specific data, utilize data to develop and implement IEPs to meet the unique needs of the student
• Assess and identify needs based on how the child is using their hearing considering the audiogram, auditory discrimination, and amplification for the development of appropriate goals and specially-designed instruction (SDI) to be included in the IEP
• Effectively utilize computer-based web-systems for documentation of goal development, progress monitoring, and IEP writing
• Acquire knowledge of statewide goals and school/site goals in order to implement the state-developed communication plan as required
• Foster the development of self-advocacy skills as included in the child's IEP such as checking their batteries, opening, and replacing batteries, placing the hearing aid in their ear(s), and conducting listening checks
• Maintain ongoing communication with parents regarding student progress
• Assess and identify required accommodation and environmental modification needs and participate in the development of IEPs and specially-designed instruction (SDI)
• Consult with parents, teachers, and other relevant professionals regarding the child's educational needs and develops appropriate Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals based on the data
• In partnership with the program audiologist, develop, plan, present, and maintain training and in-service programs for parents, teachers, children, and staff on various issues regarding working with children who have hearing loss including, but not limited to, SDI, suggestions for environmental accommodations, teaching strategies, and understanding assistive technologies
• Meet with parents, teachers, and relevant staff to provide information and support regarding hearing loss including, but not limited to, classroom modifications, self-advocacy, transition planning, and special accommodations
• Deliver instruction as required by child's IEP in community preschool and homes to ensure progress towards goals
• Record student progress and other data as required per IEPs and program monitoring procedures
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols
• Perform other duties as assigned

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Preschool Center Director

DIRECT REPORTS: None

CONTACTS: Staff, parents, caregivers, teachers, agency staff

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification in Early Childhood Education and/or Special Education; certification in teaching the deaf preferred
• Experience working in a preschool environment and experience with special needs children preferred
• Four (4) years' working with deaf and hard of hearing children preferred; early intervention experience and background in American Sign Language (ASL) and/or oral education/listening and spoken language (LSL)
• Knowledge of current instructional methodologies used in the education of deaf and hard of hearing children including oral education/LSL and ASL preferred
• Experience using amplification devices for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Knowledge of best practices in early intervention strategies preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions
• Must be able to perform CPR and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols
• Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; report-writer experience preferred
• Experience using electronic record systems
• Must have current, valid driver's license in state of residence, three (3) years driving experience in the United States, and acceptable driving record

Elwyn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elwyn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, pregnancy status, medical condition, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, handicap status, marital or family status, mental or physical disability, perceived disability, military or veteran status, political activities or affiliations, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation.