SPED Early Childhood Classroom Leader

Summary

The SPED Early Childhood Classroom Leader (ages 3-6) is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Special Education Early Childhood Classroom Leaders must understand neurodivergent children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Early Childhood Classroom Leader must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide assistants, and resolve parental concerns.
This position reports to the Director

Duties

• Coordinate and implement educational early childhood program by developing classroom activities based on neurodiversity-affirming best practices.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, physical, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Assist and facilitate the successful completion assignments during 1:1 instructional time.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, daily reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Lead by example; encourage the school age team success through modeling and coaching.
• Supervise assistants, interns, and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards.
• Ensure all program policies and state regulations are met.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain both personal and staff professional development plans to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of 1 year of professional SPED education experience or recent graduate
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in education or related field of study.

Physical Requirements

• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's in Communicative Sciences Disorders

Benefits

• PTO

About Us

Next Generation Preparatory School is a microschool in Cordova, TN, serving neurodivergent children PK3-8th grade, along with a homeschool group for students ages 7 to 15. We are dedicated to fostering a passion for discovery, innovation, and cross-cultural communication through a rigorous STEM-focused (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum.

Our expert educators utilize an Activity-Project-Problem (APB) approach, guiding students through hands-on STEM projects that spark creativity, strengthen critical thinking, and nurture socioemotional growth. With small-group learning and an evidence-based, holistic teaching philosophy, we equip students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the 21st-century workforce.

At Next Gen Prep, we go beyond traditional learning—preparing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and global citizens. NextGen Prep is looking for motivated and skilled educators, assistants, and clinicians to join our team!