A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
The Special Needs Teacher provides individualized educational and developmental instruction to medically fragile and medically complex children served at Sunshine Pediatric Day Center, a state-licensed Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center (PPECC). As an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team working alongside nursing, therapy, and support staff — the Special Needs Teacher designs and delivers adapted learning experiences that promote each child's cognitive, communication, social-emotional, motor, and adaptive development within a safe, nurturing, and medically supervised environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Instruction & Program Development Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized education and developmental plans aligned to each child's age, ability, and medical status. Adapt curriculum, materials, and instructional strategies to accommodate developmental delays, physical disabilities, sensory needs, and complex medical conditions. Deliver one-on-one and small-group instruction supporting cognitive, language/communication, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive/self-help skill development. Incorporate assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools as appropriate to each child's needs. Assessment & Documentation Assess and document each child's developmental progress and instructional outcomes on an ongoing basis. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential educational records in accordance with facility policy and applicable law. Contribute educational observations and goals to the interdisciplinary plan of care and participate in care conferences. Collaboration & Family Engagement Coordinate with nursing and therapy staff (PT, OT, speech-language) to integrate developmental goals with each child's plan of care. Support and reinforce goals identified in a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), or Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) plan, and communicate with school districts and outside providers as appropriate. Partner with families and caregivers to share progress and provide guidance that extends learning into the home. Safety & Compliance Maintain a classroom and learning environment appropriate to a medically fragile pediatric population, following all safety, infection-control, and emergency protocols. Comply with all applicable PPECC licensing requirements (26 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 550), facility policies, and confidentiality obligations under FERPA and HIPAA. Complete all required training and participate in staff meetings, in-services, and quality-improvement initiatives.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no direct supervisory authority but may provide instructional direction and guidance to classroom aides, volunteers, or support staff as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Certification & Licensure Current, valid Texas educator certification in Special Education issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and in good standing the
Special Education Specialist:
EC-12 certificate (current standard), or a legacy Special Education EC-12 or Special Education Supplemental certificate obtained prior to the August 31, 2025 exam transition. Current pediatric CPR / Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, or the ability to obtain it prior to the first day of direct child contact. Experience Minimum of one (1) year of teaching or direct instructional experience with children who have special needs, developmental delays, or complex medical conditions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in a pediatric healthcare, PPECC, early childhood intervention, or specialized day-program setting. Experience serving medically fragile or technology-dependent children. Familiarity with AAC systems, assistive technology, and adapted or modified curricula. Bilingual (English / Spanish) ability.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Working knowledge of special education principles, developmental milestones, and evidence-based instructional strategies for children with disabilities. Ability to adapt instruction for children across a wide range of cognitive, physical, sensory, and medical needs. Strong observational, documentation, and written/verbal communication skills. Patience, compassion, and the ability to remain calm and responsive in a medically complex environment. Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team and maintain strict confidentiality and professional ethics.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT & ONGOING COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successful completion — and ongoing maintenance — of the following: Criminal history background check, including fingerprint-based (DPS / FACT Clearinghouse) screening as required. Texas exclusion and employability screening through the applicable state system(s) (e.g., SEMARC), including Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) and Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR) checks as applicable. Federal exclusion screening — OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) and System for Award Management (SAM). Tuberculosis (TB) screening and required immunizations per facility policy. Pre-employment drug screen.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Special Needs Teacher works in a licensed pediatric day-center environment serving medically fragile children. The role requires the ability to: Lift, transfer, and reposition children with assistance, and occasionally lift or carry up to 25-50 pounds. Sit, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, reach, and move at floor level with children for extended periods. Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. Respond quickly and appropriately in the event of a child's medical or safety emergency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Pay:
From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance
