The DFECC Learning Specialist works on a collaborative team with other SAA learning specialists to coordinate support for students experiencing challenges relating to development, social-emotional wellness, academic or other needs in the 2-year-old through pre-k programs. The DFECC Learning Specialist works closely with families and colleagues to coordinate instruction to best meet individual student’s learning needs. This exempt position reports directly to the Director of Student Services.

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. 

Our core values of Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of early childhood development
• Work collaboratively amongst other educators and student services team members and with families
• Partner and collaborate with the Director of School Counseling to provide parent education and partner with outside behavioral support to implement recommendations
• Meet with administrators and Director of Student Services as needed to discuss student progress
• Maintain an organized and efficient tracking system for student progress, support plans and family history with school
• Conduct classroom observations of students and teachers, and provide constructive feedback and coaching in regards to students who need additional support
• Partner with families, providing updates on progress and advice on strategies and structures for home; and attend Student Success Meetings
• Coordinate instruction with outside providers of students in the Learning Support Program (speech-language, tutors, occupational therapists, psychologists, etc.)
• Have an understanding of neuropsychological assessments and the ability to work with the team to provide interventions and accommodations
• Coordinate and administer assessment for pre-k students matriculating to SAA’s kindergarten
• Support teachers in incorporating letter and number recognition into the pre-k curriculum
• Learn, use, and apply technology as required by School to enhance learning, provide feedback to students and parents, and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, and any other School approved software.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Head of School in support of the school’s mission

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education or related field; Master’s Degree preferred
• Early Childhood Special Education Credential (ECSE)
• Minimum of three years’ experience in early childhood special education
• Teaching experience preferred
• Warm, energetic, and engaging personality
• Strong collaborative skills
• Formal and informal assessment skills and data analysis
• Outstanding technology: Google Drive, apps for education and touch-typing ability
• Behavior management skills

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual Salary Range: $58,000-$75,000
• Excellent benefit package with a portion of medical paid by SAA
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 403b and employer funded retirement plans
• Professional development opportunities

In the spirit of pay transparency we share the base annual salary range for this position: $58,000 - $75,000. Annual base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at SAA are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at SAA, your final annual base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full annual base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for SAA in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume for consideration to Becca Furer, Director of Student Services, at bfurer@sinaiakiba.org. 

Sinai Akiba Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

About Sinai Akiba Academy

Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility.

Connections working at Sinai Akiba Academy