Job Description

The Special Education Preschool Teacher is a key member of Anderson Center for Autism’s educational team, responsible for creating a supportive, engaging, and structured learning environment where young children with autism can grow and thrive. Grounded in evidence‑based practices, this role designs and delivers individualized instruction aligned with each student’s IEP, supporting developmental, communication, social‑emotional, and academic skill building. The teacher provides leadership within the classroom by guiding and collaborating with Teacher Assistants and Aides, fostering a consistent, positive, and responsive learning environment. Through close partnership with families and interdisciplinary team members, the Preschool Teacher helps lay the foundation for lifelong learning and improved quality of life.

WHY JOIN US

At Anderson Center for Autism, teaching is more than instruction—it’s purpose‑driven work rooted in our mission to optimize quality of life for individuals with autism. As a Preschool Teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to teach in a way that reflects the values that inspired you to enter the profession: compassion, creativity, and meaningful impact. You’ll be supported by a collaborative team that values your professional voice, prioritizes evidence‑based practice, and recognizes the critical role early education plays in shaping future outcomes. Just as importantly, we are committed to supporting the quality of life of our staff by fostering an environment where well‑being, growth, and belonging are central. Here, your work matters every day—to the children and families you serve, and to your own professional journey.

Salary Range: $54,859 – $62,699 (based on education and NYS certification)
Location: Anderson Early Learning Academy - Mt. Marion in Saugerties, NY
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain evidence based classroom systems and multi-tiered positive behavior systems to promote a strong classroom learning environment and classroom management.
• Demonstrate good time management skills, organization and management of materials, equipment, paperwork, and schedules.
• Prepares, delivers, and assesses individual and group instruction on a daily basis. Responsible for developing, training and assessing student IEP goals and objectives.
• Utilizes behavioral supports to effect student learning and skills development.
• Works to build a successful classroom team that actively addresses student learning, communication, social skills, and behavioral needs. Provides direct supervision to all Teachers' Aides
• Responsible for all parent communication and parent education opportunities which builds a partnership between parent-school and supports generalization of student's skills across settings.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's Degree in Special Education and Initial/Professional NYS Certification in Students with Disabilities Birth-2nd
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and Certificate of Qualification or Provisional Certification in Special Education with a commitment to pursue Master's in Special Education at the rate of at least 6 credits per year and achieve Birth-2nd SWD NYS Certification.

• Ability to perform and assist in agency crisis intervention procedures

• Commitment to student safety and emergency preparedness

BENEFITS:

• Follows Academic Calendar with paid time off and recess days (Winter & Spring Break, school holidays, etc.)
• College partnerships that provide discounts & Scholarships available!
• 403b retirement plan with company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA Benefits
• Access to employee wellness programs
• A supportive, collaborative environment where you can thrive

Anderson Center for Autism offers our Employees a generous benefits package: https://www.andersoncenterforautism.org/benefits

About Anderson Center for Autism

Anderson Center for Autism is dedicated to optimizing the quality of life (QofL) for individuals with autism across their lifespan. We provide educational, clinical, residential, and vocational services grounded in dignity, respect, and evidence‑based practice. Nearly 900 staff members work together to deliver person‑centered support that helps each individual learn, grow, and thrive. When you join Anderson, you become part of a mission‑driven community committed to compassion, excellence, and continuous improvement.

Keywords ABA, ASD, Autism, Cognitive, Education, Teacher, Special Education, Human Services, Special Needs, Treatment Team, health care, Behavioral, Supervisor, Preschool, Students with Disabilities

This position description in no way states or implies that the responsibilities listed are the only duties to be performed by the person filling this position. The person in the position may be required to perform other duties as necessitated by the situation or requested by his/her supervisor.

Anderson Center for Autism is committed to providing a diverse workforce by ensuring that discrimination barriers to equal employment opportunity and upward mobility do not exist here. Equal opportunity means employment, development, and promotion of individuals without consideration of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes a person in one of these protected groups. Anderson Center for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE