Preschool Teacher - RISE

Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit.  Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

Position: Preschool Teacher

Location: AIDB North Campus (Decatur, AL)

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

ABOUT OUR LOCATION

The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind North Campus is located in Decatur, Alabama. The campus occupies a beautiful location that sits on Highway 31 in South Decatur. This is a recently created campus that is already home to a number of AIDB departments and staff. The expansion of programs in Decatur creates new opportunities for us to serve the local communities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

RISE Autism is a program uniquely designed for students and individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Loss. RISE, which stands for Reaching Independence through Supported Education, utilizes evidence-based strategies to develop skills that lead to greater independence. These skills include communication, social interaction, academic, and independence.

ABOUT YOU

You will play a vital role in the development of preschool children of varying abilities, fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom community. The ideal candidate for this position will have a deep understanding of child development and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every learner. Creativity, patience, and a positive attitude will make the ideal candidate a valued member of our team as we nurture and enrich the preschool experience for all children in the program. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education, Deaf Education, or Visual Impairment. 

• Valid Alabama Teaching Certification in Early Childhood (P-3), Special Education (P-12), “Hearing Impairment” (P-12), Visual Impairment (P-12) or valid certification in another state with ability to obtain reciprocity within six (6) months of hire date. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, Child Development, Visual Impairments, Deaf Education, or Special Education from an accredited college or university. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Instruction & Training

• Instructional Delivery: Plan and deliver instructional activities for students consistent with student needs. Deliver instructional activities to demonstrate various instructional techniques, promote positive interaction among students, and provide appropriate practice of activities and skills, focusing on the desired learning outcomes. 

• Curriculum Standards: Demonstrate understanding of the Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool as evidenced by daily presentation of instructional content and lesson plans. 

• Core Mobility Support: Maintain adequate physical mobility including, but not limited to, performing the following functions as necessary for the support of students and selected curriculum: toileting, diapering or changing clothing, personal hygiene functions, feeding, transitioning students in wheelchairs or lifts, care and cleaning of equipment, facilitating recreational activities, and others as required. 

Administration & Observation

• Data & Progress Tracking: Maintain and track student data and progress, and communicate progress with parents. 

• Student Evaluation: Demonstrate an effective evaluation of student needs and progress by engaging in entry-level diagnostic activities, screeners, record keeping, preparing students for assessment, effective test administration, and post-assessment follow-up. 

• Workplace Agility: Must demonstrate the ability to work independently, exercising discretion and good judgment. Model appropriate personal characteristics and work habits. 

Outreach & Development

• Relationship Management: Establish and maintain high levels of rapport with employees, administrators, and families. Demonstrate a comprehensive set of skills for effective parent and community relations in both group and individual interactions. 

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with staff, administrators, and support personnel in a team approach with a whole child mindset. Collaborate with the AIDB assigned nurse concerning student medical needs. 

Professional Development and Certifications

• Sign Language Proficiency: Must obtain a sign language proficiency level of SURVIVAL PLUS, according to the AIDB evaluation system, within twenty-four (24) months of employment, and INTERMEDIATE within the first thirty-six (36) months. 

• First Aid Credentials: Obtain and maintain CPR certification and First Aid certification within 6 months. 

• Ethics & Compliance: Abide by the Educator Code of Ethics and maintain high ethical standards and confidentiality throughout all duties. 

MANDATORY ANNUAL TRAINING:

• Medication Training

• Behavior Management

• CPR- every 2 years

• Bloodborne Pathogens

• Using an AED

• Mandatory Reporting - DHR

• Policy and Procedure Review

• Erin’s Law

• Jason Flatt Act

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

SALARY: $46,812– $62,346         Scale l1 Rank 2T    (BS-Class B)

                 $54,870 – $71,608        Scale l1 Rank 1T    (MA-Class A)

                 $58,413 – $75,673        Scale l1 Rank AA    (AA Certification)

187 Days

Direct Deposit Required

This is an exempt position and is not subject to overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

BENEFITS:  Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Available

                        Alabama State TRS Retirement

                        Deferred Compensation Options Available

                        Paid Time Off

                        Onsite Daycare (Talladega, AL)