Early Childhood Teacher

At a Glance

Location: Flandreau, South Dakota (Initial training in Brookings, SD)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay: $25/hour, based on education and experience

Schedule: 40 hours/week | Monday–Friday | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Reports To: Child Development Specialist

Start Date: Immediate — in preparation for May center opening

The Flandreau Early Childhood Enrichment Center is a new, innovative program opening in May, built around a simple belief: every child deserves a nurturing space to explore, grow, and thrive. We practice play-based learning and conscious discipline, and we're bringing together a passionate team of educators to help shape this center from the ground up.

When you join us, you're not just filling a role — you're helping build something meaningful for children and families in our community.

• $3,000 hiring bonus for full-time hires
• Paid CDA (Child Development Associate) credential — we invest in your professional growth
• Flandreau location differential pay on top of base hourly rate
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Referral bonus program
• Career development through SDECE Pathways and CDA programs
• Paid training provided before the center opens

As an Early Childhood Teacher, you'll be a key part of a collaborative teaching team, creating a joyful and intentional learning environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Day to day, you will:

• Deliver assigned curriculum with fidelity, planning experiences and activities grounded in the curriculum framework and aligned to children's interest and developmental needs
• Engage in developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences with children across all developmental domains that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning
• Share responsibility for TSG GOLD assessment documentation with the Child Development Specialist, maintaining accurate and current records for each child
• Maintain a warm, home-like learning environment that reflects the 'environment as third teacher' philosophy
• Build genuine relationships with families by sharing daily updates, celebrating milestones, and making parents feel like partners in their child's journey
• Implement Individualized Care Plans (ICPs) for children with identified support needs
• Maintain active supervision at all times
• Track and record meal and food service participation for CACFP reporting purposes
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and reflective practice
• Provide daily direction and guidance to Classroom Assistants
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and organized classroom environment that supports exploration and discovery
• Support classroom transitions, meals, rest time, and routines with consistency and intentionality

Required:

• At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
• Minimum six months of experience working in childcare, daycare, or a preschool setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP)
• Ability to pass required state and company background checks
• Meets requirements to apply for SDECE Pathways Level 4 and committed to achieving Level 6 within the first year of employment

Preferred:

• Experience working in a NAEYC-accredited early childhood program
• Current CDA certificate or associate's/bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education
• SDECE Pathways Level 6 or above

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work actively in a classroom environment for the full shift
• Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, crouch, bend, and move at a child's level
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations

Not sure where you fall? Here's a quick breakdown of the pathway levels:

• Level 4: 32 clock hours of approved training OR an appropriate certificate (age group, family childcare, or management)
• Level 5: 75 clock hours of approved training
• Level 6: 12 college credits in ECE OR Out-of-School Time Credential OR current CDA certificate
• Level 7: 60 college credits OR an Associate's Degree in Early…