OPT Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Jobs
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in special education, early childhood education, or a related field. Most roles qualify for the full 12-month OPT period, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. State teaching licensure requirements vary and can affect your timeline.
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Salary
See Position Description
Location
3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA
Job Type
Part-time Faculty
Job Number
26-R0013
Department
Instruction
Opening Date
11/05/2026
Position
Renton Technical College is seeking an Instructor to join our Early Childhood Education Program! This part-time teaching position is responsible for delivering, updating, and enhancing curriculum within the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education program. Instruction may include topics such as developmentally appropriate learning experiences, health, safety and nutrition, childcare licensing requirements, supporting children with special needs, and culturally responsive and anti-bias practices.
This is an adjunct (part-time) faculty position contracted on a quarterly basis. Hours and course assignments may vary based on program need. Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required. Most courses are delivered fully online. Some courses, particularly those offered in Spanish, are delivered in a hybrid format and include on-campus sessions on Saturday. While courses offered in English are primarily online, occasional in-person events or meetings may be scheduled throughout the quarter.
The instructor will report directly to the Dean of Health & Human Services. This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Renton Federation of Teachers (RFT) Employees Association. For additional information, please review the contract on our website.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as needs arise within each department. The Dean of Health & Human Services will evaluate applications periodically and contact candidates as adjunct positions become available. Note that applications may be reviewed at any time while this posting remains active.
Renton Technical College, located southeast of Seattle, has provided quality education in a variety of occupations for over 80 years. Our professional-technical certificate and degree programs offer entry and mid-level training in the areas of allied health, trades and industry, culinary, business, technology, and automotive. Our outstanding college & career pathways program with classes in adult basic education, English as a second language, and GED preparation is available to those who need additional preparation before entering a training program and for those who simply wish to improve their math and English skills. Career Education and apprenticeships degrees round out our offerings.
Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Include
- Effectively teach the adopted curriculum for the Early Childhood Education program. Implement ECE and RTC policies and procedures.
- Provide for the orderly conduct of program learning activities, individual student learning needs, and the appropriate evaluation of student progress towards attaining the learning objectives.
- Evaluate student progress towards attaining the learning objectives to include individual assignments, projects, quizzes, and tests.
- Maintain and submit student records, documentation, and program reports.
- Coordinate/participate in recruiting and job placement activities for students.
- Actively participate in and develop and maintain effective working relationships with the program advisory committee.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
- Effectively participate in staff and college committees and activities.
- Support the college's mission by creating a learning environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking. Contribute to the appreciation of diversity and foster a climate of multicultural understanding.
- Communicate professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing, with college employees, departments and outside agencies.
- Perform other related projects and assignments as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience with persons from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable working / learning environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development or related field such as Children’s Studies, Child Development is preferred.
- Written and spoken proficiency in English is required.
- A minimum of two years of experience in childcare beyond educational preparation is required.
- Experience teaching adults learners.
- Demonstrated interest and ability to work successfully with students, staff, and the community. Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Demonstrated attention to detail required as well as previous experience maintaining accurate records, managing multiple tasks, and planning and organizing work in order to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
- Successful experience with diverse populations of varied ethnicity, ages, backgrounds and abilities, and a commitment to a culturally diverse environment.
- Demonstrated ability to promote universal design and accessibility. Proficiency in (or ability to learn within 6 month of hire) the production of accessible content, whether print or electronic.
- Ability to represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion, and courtesy.
- Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, and Chinese).
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working hours are generally aligned with standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required. Most courses are delivered fully online. Some courses, particularly those offered in Spanish, are delivered in a hybrid format and include on-campus sessions on Saturday. While courses offered in English are primarily online, occasional in-person events or meetings may be scheduled throughout the quarter.
Work is mostly sedentary in nature, performed in an office environment. Frequent use of a computer and exposure to terminal screens is required. Work and meetings may take place across campus. May drive/travel to trainings, conferences, and/or college events.
Terms of Employment
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Renton Technical College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
Candidates will be asked to provide documentation of unofficial transcripts of graduate coursework. This is an adjunct faculty position contracted on a quarterly basis. Depending on the start date of the faculty, the contract received may be prorated. Lecture (theory) credits are compensated at $1,118 per credit, which includes scheduled class time and final exam days. All guided practice instructional credits for adjunct will be paid with an additional pay factor of 1.33. Future advancement in base salary, up to the current maximum of $1,683 per credit, is based upon a combination of years of service accrued at our college and professional development activity.
Degree Stipend: Master’s or Doctorate degree stipends are paid on a prorated per credit rate.
The person hired is required to provide authorization for employment in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent to background checks, including employment and required degree/credential verification. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform successfully in the position. Finalists are required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure form as required under RCW 288.112.080. Post offer, pre-employment criminal background checks are also required.
For questions regarding this position contact recruiting@rtc.edu.
EEO STATEMENT: Renton Technical College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veterans or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Re-authorization Act and Washington State Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. The following college official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX / EEO Coordinator, Lesley Hogan, Vice President of Human Resources 3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA 98056 (425)235-7873,titleix@rtc.edu.
Jeanne Clery statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Renton Technical College reports the mandate information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Renton Technical College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at: https://rtc.edu/about-rtc/campus-resources/campus-security/annual-security-report.php For information on how to access the RTC Daily Crime Log follow this link: https://rtc.edu/about-rtc/campus-resources/campus-security/daily-crime-log.php.
We acknowledge that RTC sits uninvited on the ancestral land of the Puget Salish people, including the Duwamish, Suquamish, Snoqualmie, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot Nations. We are grateful to the original inhabitants of this land, upon which we gather and dialogue. We also acknowledge our increasingly virtual world, in which RTC’s work is done across multiple indigenous lands, in some cases, away from Puget Salish territories. We thank the original caretakers of our local lands and waters, who are still here.
Beyond acknowledgment, we each have an obligation to learn about and support our local tribes. Find out how on our resources page, which includes scholarships for Indigenous students.
See all 57+ OPT Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Verify your state license eligibility before applying
Most states require a teaching license to work as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. Research your state's specific requirements early, since some states have reciprocity agreements that can simplify the process if you already hold a license elsewhere.
Target school districts with a history of OPT hiring
Public school districts and early intervention programs in high-need areas are more accustomed to hiring international educators. Urban districts with teacher shortages are often more open to navigating OPT work authorization than smaller, less resourced districts.
Confirm your role qualifies under your authorized field of study
Your OPT work must be directly related to your degree. A degree in special education or early childhood education clearly supports this role, but if your degree is adjacent, document the connection explicitly before your start date to avoid authorization issues.
Check whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Some special education programs fall under STEM-eligible CIP codes. If yours does, you may qualify for a 24-month extension beyond standard OPT. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming you qualify.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline during interviews
School districts plan hiring in advance and need to know your work authorization window. Clearly communicate your OPT start date, end date, and whether an H-1B visa or other sponsorship may be needed after your authorized period ends.
Understand how the academic calendar affects your OPT timing
Most teaching roles start in August or September. If your OPT authorization begins mid-year, you may need to negotiate a delayed start or find a district with a mid-year vacancy. Plan your application timeline around the school hiring cycle.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher on OPT?
Yes, as long as your degree is in special education, early childhood education, or a closely related field, and the role is directly related to that degree. You must also hold any state licensure the position requires. Working outside your authorized field of study violates OPT terms, so document the connection between your degree and your job responsibilities before starting.
Does this role qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
It depends on the CIP code assigned to your specific degree program, not the job title itself. Some special education and early childhood education programs are classified under STEM-eligible codes, while others are not. Check with your Designated School Official to confirm your program's CIP code before assuming you qualify for the extension.
How do state teaching license requirements affect OPT students in this field?
Most states require a valid teaching license to work as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher in a public school. Licensing requirements vary by state and can take weeks or months to complete. Start the application process as early as possible, and confirm whether your state offers an emergency or provisional license that could allow you to begin working while your full license is pending.
Where can I find Early Childhood Special Education Teacher jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so the roles listed there are filtered for candidates who need work authorization support. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers who are already familiar with OPT hiring rather than sorting through listings from employers who may not be open to it.
Can employers in this field sponsor an H-1B visa after my OPT ends?
Public school districts can sponsor H-1B visas, and as government entities they are cap-exempt, meaning they are not subject to the annual H-1B lottery. This is a meaningful advantage over private-sector employers. That said, not every district has experience with H-1B sponsorship, so it is worth asking about their immigration support policies before accepting an offer.