Teacher of the Visually Impaired - Infants & Toddlers

Description

SUMMARY: With supervision, provides comprehensive early intervention services to visually impaired children (birth – 36 months) and their families.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Essential Functions:

1. Provides direct relationship-based support, modeling, and coaching for families utilizing evidence-based as well as developmentally appropriate early intervention strategies.

2. Participates in the development, review, and evaluation of individualized family service plans (IFSP).

3. Conducts evaluations and assessment procedures to determine child’s developmental status, functional vision, learning media, and continuing eligibility.

4. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members (service coordinators, service providers) on family-centered strategies to address the IFSP, including outcomes.

5. Conducts services in natural environments, including home-based, center-based, and community settings.

6. Provides special instruction focused on promoting caregiver-child interactions within the context of everyday activities and routines.

7. Provides families with information on current trends and practices related to the needs of their child.

8. Plans materials and resources to achieve outcomes on IFSP.

9. Travels daily throughout the state for extended periods of time.  

Marginal Functions:

1. Provides training and/or support to other on an individual and group basis.

2. Makes referrals to other professionals and agencies, as needed, on behalf of the child and family.

3. Adheres to the policies and procedures of the local jurisdiction, including established timelines.

4. Systematically tracks progress towards IFSP outcomes.

5. Performs additional duties as assigned.

CONDITIONS:

Equipment Used: Augmentative communication Devices, copy machine, computer, various adaptive and orthopedic equipment and telephone.

Performance Standard: Must assure 100% commitment to the integration, coordination, and implementation of student programs, and compliance with health and safety standards.

Work Environment: Multiple indoor and outdoor environments with varying sound, lighting and temperature conditions. Maybe exposed to various conditions.

Work Schedule: 35 hours per week with a 30-minute unpaid lunch period. Travel throughout state to provide services in multiple counties is a regular part of the schedule. Flextime within the work day and work week is frequently required. This position follows a 12 month school schedule. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Comprehensive knowledge of special education principles, practices, and procedures, including developing and writing IFSP’s and performing appropriate teaching techniques.

2. Comprehensive knowledge of infant and early child development with specific emphasis on normal and abnormal development.

3. Minimum of Bachelor's degree and qualifies for MSDE TVI certification with ability to obtain certification in special education required.

4. Ability to obtain “suitable qualifications” (Maryland’s Personnel Standards for Early Intervention Service Providers) in the competency areas of: Infant & Toddler development and assessment, family assessment, family systems issues, early intervention service options and strategies, team process and service coordinating.

5. General knowledge of visual impairment, including causes, manifestations and adaptations.

6. Some knowledge of medical disorders such as seizures or restrictions; adaptive technology, alternate modes of communication; and/or orthopedic impairment/handling and position preferred.

7. General knowledge of core and expanded core curriculum, program development, classroom resource management, and student/personnel scheduling.

8. Requires a Class "C" driver's license with a driving record compatible with School standards.

9. General knowledge of adult learning strategies to use with parents/caregivers.

10. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.