Special Educator

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Team

At Finger Lakes Therapy Works, we believe children make the greatest progress when they receive support in the environments where they learn, play, and feel most comfortable. That's why we bring speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education directly into homes, childcare settings, preschools, schools, and community locations throughout the Finger Lakes region.

As a New York State-approved Early Intervention and Preschool provider, we partner with families to help children reach meaningful developmental milestones through compassionate, individualized, and evidence-based care.

We are looking for passionate Special Educators who believe that families are essential partners, learning happens through everyday experiences, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

If you enjoy building relationships, working independently while collaborating with an exceptional interdisciplinary team, and making a lasting impact on children and families, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Special Educator provides individualized developmental and educational services to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children with developmental delays or disabilities within their natural environments. Through play-based intervention, family coaching, and collaborative goal planning, this role promotes children's cognitive, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and school readiness skills.

Unlike traditional classroom-based special education positions, this role emphasizes family-centered coaching, functional skill development, and embedding learning opportunities into children's everyday routines and environments.

Why Join Finger Lakes Therapy Works?

We believe great clinicians deserve a workplace where they can thrive.

We offer:

• Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance
• Clinical autonomy with a supportive leadership team
• Collaborative interdisciplinary care alongside Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, School Psychologists, and Service Coordinators
• Opportunities for mentorship and professional growth
• Meaningful relationships with children and families
• Diverse and engaging community-based work environments
• A mission-driven culture focused on helping children achieve their greatest potential

What You'll Do

Assessment & Individualized Planning

• Conduct developmental evaluations using standardized and observational assessment tools.
• Identify children's strengths, developmental needs, and functional priorities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and contribute to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), as appropriate.
• Establish measurable developmental outcomes in collaboration with families and the interdisciplinary team.

Developmental Intervention

• Deliver individualized, play-based developmental instruction within children's natural environments.
• Promote cognitive, communication, adaptive, social-emotional, and early learning skills.
• Adapt instructional strategies to meet each child's unique strengths, interests, and developmental needs.
• Incorporate evidence-based intervention techniques that promote meaningful participation in everyday routines.

Family Coaching & Education

• Coach caregivers to embed developmental strategies into daily routines, play, meals, community activities, and family interactions.
• Empower families through education, encouragement, and practical strategies that support continued learning outside of therapy sessions.
• Foster trusting relationships that encourage family engagement and long-term success.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, School Psychologists, physicians, childcare providers, and community partners.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, case conferences, and transition planning.
• Coordinate services that support each child's developmental goals across environments.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete evaluations, progress reports, session documentation, and required records accurately and within established timelines.
• Monitor developmental progress and modify intervention strategies as needed.
• Maintain compliance with New York State Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, and Finger Lakes Therapy Works documentation standards.

Professional Practice

• Maintain required licensure, certifications, and continuing education.
• Demonstrate ethical, culturally responsive, and family-centered practice.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and supportive team culture.
• Represent Finger Lakes Therapy Works with professionalism and compassion.

What Success Looks Like

Successful clinicians at Finger Lakes Therapy Works:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Deliver engaging, individualized, play-based interventions.
• Consistently complete high-quality documentation on time.
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Help families confidently integrate developmental strategies into everyday life.
• Demonstrate measurable progress toward each child's individualized developmental goals.

Required Qualifications

• New York State certification in Special Education appropriate for the age group served.
• Eligibility to provide Early Intervention and/or Preschool Special Education services in New York State.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
• Experience working with infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, or children with developmental disabilities.
• Strong understanding of child development and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for local travel.
• Ability to successfully complete required background screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education.
• Experience providing services in homes, childcare settings, or community-based environments.
• Training in family coaching and caregiver education.
• Experience supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, or complex communication needs.
• Familiarity with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
• Knowledge of assistive technology and inclusive instructional strategies.

Physical & Work Environment

This position is performed primarily within children's homes, childcare centers, preschools, schools, and community settings. The role requires frequent sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, lifting materials, and engaging in floor-based play and child-directed activities. Local travel throughout the Finger Lakes region is required.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Competitive starting compensation of approximately $72–$80 per hour , with opportunities for growth based on experience, performance, and career progression.

Career Path: Clinicians have a clear pathway to advance into salaried positions with increased responsibility, stability, and leadership opportunities .

Eligible team members may also receive:

• Medical, Dental & Vision — Employer-sponsored coverage with multiple medical plan options.
• 401(k) with Employer Match — Employer match of up to 4% of eligible pay.
• Employer-Paid Insurance — Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and professional liability coverage.
• Paid Time Off — Paid holidays, sick time, and PTO, with additional time off available as you progress.
• Mentorship & Professional Development — Clinical support, supervision, mentoring, and opportunities to grow your expertise.
• Clear Career Path — A career ladder with defined expectations and opportunities for increased compensation, responsibility, and leadership.
• Meaningful Work — Deliver family-centered care in the homes, schools, and communities where children learn and grow.
• Paid Meetings — Staff meetings and twice-yearly parent progress meetings are paid time.
• Continuing Education — Support for ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Flexible scheduling
• Mileage reimbursement
• Licensure and professional membership support (where applicable)

You Will Thrive Here If You...

• Believe families are a child's greatest teacher.
• Love helping children learn through play and everyday routines.
• Enjoy building meaningful relationships.
• Value autonomy while being part of a collaborative team.
• Are passionate about making a lasting difference in children's lives.
• Want to grow professionally in a supportive, mission-driven organization.

Finger Lakes Therapy Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee and family feels respected, valued, and supported.