Adapted Physical Education Teacher - Special Education Preschool - Manhattan

We are currently seeking a full-time Adapted Physical Education teacher for our Manhattan Children's Program supported pre-school aged students with developmental disabilities. This is a Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm opportunity.

Why Join ADAPT? It’s more than a job; it’s a calling. It’s where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

SUMMARY

Under general direction, the Adapted Physical Education Teacher provides specialized physical education instruction to students with developmental, physical, and/or cognitive disabilities. The teacher develops and implements individualized and group programs designed to improve motor development, physical fitness, coordination, and functional mobility while supporting each student’s IEP goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, organizes, and implements instructional activities tailored to meet each student’s individual educational goals and developmental needs.
• Assess student physical abilities, motor skills, and functional mobility.
• Prepare and deliver lesson plans that promote physical development and participation.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates short‑ and long‑term educational objectives and progress for assigned students.
• Designs and adapts lesson plans, instructional materials, classroom layout, and environmental modifications to promote accessibility and engagement.
• Monitors, records, and evaluates student attendance, participation, and progress; prepares periodic progress and annual reports in compliance with agency and district requirements.
• Maintains the confidentiality and dignity of all students, ensuring privacy and respect in all interactions and documentation.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, parent conferences, annual reviews, and staff meetings to ensure coordinated service delivery and collaborative decision‑making.
• Supports curriculum development and contributes to program enhancement initiatives.
• Provides mentorship and training to student teachers and new instructional staff as assigned.
• Assists students with daily living skills as needed, including toileting, feeding, dressing, and mobility support.
• Implements universal precautions and safety protocols at all times.
• Participates in extracurricular activities, field trips, and community‑based instruction to promote student learning and socialization.
• Ensures classroom materials, supplies, and equipment are appropriately requested, maintained, and utilized.
• Communicates regularly with parents and guardians to discuss student progress, classroom activities, and strategies for home support.
• Collaborates with program leadership and agency personnel to address programmatic needs, challenges, and improvements.
• Participates in professional development and in‑service training to remain current on best practices in special education and instructional strategies.
• Keeps abreast of changes in the field and integrates new evidence‑based practices into the classroom.
• Substitutes in another classroom as requested.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• New York State certification in Physical Education required; certification in Adapted Physical Education preferred.
• Must meet all current New York State Education Department certification and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, educational software, and related technology tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, families, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to analyze and problem‑solve effectively within an educational setting.
• Must maintain the highest level of confidentiality for student and staff information.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Passion for ADAPT’s mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non‑profit disability sector.

COMPENSATION

Up to $79,567.50 Annually + $5,000 Sign‑On Bonus & Industry‑Leading Benefits!

EEO STATEMENT

At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic selves to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture. ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.