Special Education Teachers, Preschool

25-2051.00

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
• Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
• Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.
• Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual education plans (IEPs).
• Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.
• Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
• Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Administer tests to help determine children's developmental levels, needs, or potential.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
• Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, or changing their diapers.
• Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.
• Monitor teachers or teacher assistants to ensure adherence to special education program requirements.
• Encourage students to explore learning opportunities or persevere with challenging tasks to prepare them for later grades.
• Meet with parents or guardians to discuss their children's progress, advise them on using community resources, or teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.
• Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to students, parents, or guardians.
• Modify the general preschool curriculum for students with disabilities.
• Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
• Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, or social development.
• Prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.
• Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
• Arrange indoor or outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, or safety.
• Organize and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their perceptual skills.
• Present information in audio-visual or interactive formats, using computers, television, audio-visual aids, or other equipment, materials, or technologies.
• Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise preschool programs.
• Plan and supervise experiential learning activities, such as class projects, field trips, or demonstrations.
• Prepare assignments for teacher assistants or volunteers.
• Control the inventory or distribution of classroom equipment, materials, or supplies.
• Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.
• Serve meals or snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

Technology Skills

• Computer based training software - Children's educational software
• Data base user interface and query software - American Sign Language Browser
• Device drivers or system software - Screen magnification software; Screen reader software
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Drawing software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
• Teach life skills.
• Encourage students.
• Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.
• Monitor student performance.
• Monitor student behavior, social development, or health.
• Evaluate student work.
• Teach others to use technology or equipment.
• Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
• Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
• Provide for basic needs of children.
• Set up classroom materials or equipment.
• Direct activities of subordinates.
• Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.
• Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.
• Maintain student records.
• Develop instructional objectives.
• Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
• Assist students with special educational needs.
• Plan educational activities.
• Develop instructional materials.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
• Read to students.
• Prepare reports detailing student activities or performance.
• Display student work.
• Create technology-based learning materials.
• Plan experiential learning activities.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Distribute instructional or library materials.