JOB TITLE: Secondary Speech and Language Pathologist

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time

PAY SCALE: Per HEA Master Agreement (Base - $50,000)

START DATE: 2026-27 School Year

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• $25,000 Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Cash in lieu option

JOB SUMMARY:

The Early Childhood Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction, assessment, and support to preschool-aged children (approximately ages 3–5) with disabilities that impact developmental and educational performance. Reporting to the Director of Student Services and Building Administrator, the teacher designs and implements individualized programming to support student growth in early childhood developmental domains, including communication, social-emotional, cognitive, adaptive, and motor skills. This position prioritizes educating students in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and promoting meaningful inclusion opportunities alongside typically developing peers as appropriate to support school readiness and successful transition to kindergarten.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Essential functions are the core responsibilities required to perform this role. These duties ensure early childhood special education students receive appropriate special education services in their least restrictive environment. The Early Childhood Special Education Teacher is also responsible for other duties as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the district.

Instruction and Intervention:

• Provide direct instruction and early childhood special education services in preschool settings, prioritizing participation with typically developing peers when appropriate
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with early learning standards and student needs
• Embed specially designed instruction within play-based, developmentally appropriate activities that promote rich communication and interaction
• Monitor and document student progress toward goals using data-based decision-making
• Promote foundational skills in communication, behavior, social interaction, and independence within natural classroom routines

IEP Development, Case Management, and Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Schedule, facilitate, and lead IEP team meetings, ensuring family participation and input.
• Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and adjust instruction based on data
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation, including progress reports, service logs, and compliance records

Collaboration and Consultation: 

• Collaborate with general education preschool teachers to co-plan, co-teach, and support inclusive classroom practices
• Provide consultation, coaching, and modeling to staff on accommodations, modifications, and inclusive strategies
• Work closely with related service providers (SLP, OT, PT, social work) to coordinate services within preschool learning environments
• Partner with families to support student development and reinforce skills across settings

Learning Environment and Student Support:

• Create a positive, structured, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports diverse learners
• Support the development of social-emotional skills, independence, and school readiness within inclusive and ECSE classroom settings
• Develop and implement behavior intervention strategies and supports as needed.
• Ensure access to appropriate accommodations, assistive technology, and supports to promote participation in all classroom activities

Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following:

• Maintain knowledge of Michigan special education rules, IDEA requirements, and early childhood best practices
• Participate in professional development related to early childhood special education and inclusion through OAISD and other organizations identified by the Building Administrator or Student Service Director
• Contribute to district initiatives focused on preschool programming and the least restrictive environment
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Knowledge:

• Deep knowledge of typical and atypical child development (birth to age five) across cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive domains
• Knowledge of research-based instructional methods specifically for early childhood populations
• Understanding of the "Least Restrictive Environment" (LRE) as it applies to preschool settings and inclusive practices
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies

Skills:

• Proficiency in designing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and, when applicable, coordinating with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for transitioning students
• Strong skills in using formal and informal assessment data to identify developmental delays and strengths
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex developmental information to families and collaborate with diverse multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency with technology for student assessment, data tracking, and enhancing classroom instruction

Abilities:

• Ability to establish trusting, supportive, and culturally responsive relationships with families and young children
• Capacity to adapt the physical environment, curriculum, and teaching strategies to meet a wide range of sensory, behavioral, and learning needs
• Ability to effectively manage and direct the work of classroom paraprofessionals and related services staff to ensure student safety and progress
• Capacity to manage multiple cases, maintain timely documentation, and meet all state and federal compliance deadlines

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood Special Education (ZS or ZA preferred or combination of preK and special education) endorsement as required by MARSE
• Prior experience in a preschool or early intervention setting is preferred

WHO ARE WE?

Why Hamilton?

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 

Submit an application, cover letter and resume using the online application system.

https://hamiltonschools.schoolspring.com?jobid=5605369 

Application Deadline: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled.  However, for best consideration, applications should be submitted by May 4, 2026. 

Any questions can be sent to Sara McIntyer, Director of Student Services smcintyre@hamiltonschools.us