Pre-School Teacher

USD Head Start is seeking a passionate and dedicated Center Teacher to join our preschool team in Dakota Valley, SD.

What You’ll Do

• Lead a preschool classroom of 16 children
• Create a nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Support each child’s growth through engaging activities and individualized attention
• Build strong relationships with families and collaborate with a supportive team

Position Details

• Full‑time, 40 hours per week
• 9.5‑month schedule (August 15 – May 31)
• Located in Dakota Valley, South Dakota
• Eligible for the full State of South Dakota benefits package
• Working hours 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. with 1/2 hr. unpaid lunch break

Qualifications

• BA in Early Childhood Education, Education with Early Childhood Endorsement, Special Education with Early Childhood specialization
• Experience working with young children

Benefits

This position includes the comprehensive State of South Dakota benefits package:

• Health insurance
• Paid annual and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Matching contributions to the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS)

Education

Head Start provides free health, education and development services to families with young children. A federally funded program, we work with families to recognize their unique characteristics, cultural values and strengths, and offer services like:

• Individualized learning
• Vision, hearing and developmental screenings
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Health services
• Parent education
• Community resource information

We offer services in Clay, Lincoln, Turner and Union counties. These services are available in‑home or at one of our local centers and some are offered on a full‑day, year‑round basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Background

Checks

• Passing fingerprint background checks

Protective Clothing/Equipment

• Latex Gloves
• Protective Clothing

Physical Requirements

• Bending
• Stooping
• Twisting
• Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipe fitting, bench work, etc)
• Reaching Squatting
• Stretching
• Walking
• Balancing
• Crouching
• Grasping
• Kneeling
• Lifting light
• Pushing/Pulling
• Use Both Hands
• Use of Either Hand
• Independently Describe any of the conditions selected

Cognitive Requirements

• Analyzing
• Comprehend
• Frequent Change
• Memory
• Multiple Priorities
• Multiple Stimuli
• Pace-fast
• Reading
• Reasoning
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Logic

Sensory Requirements

• Speaking
• Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
• Depth Perception
• Distant Vision
• Hearing
• Near Vision
• Peripheral Vision

Working Conditions & Exposures

• Biohazard
• Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids
• Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity)
• Vaccination recommended due to potential occupational exposure
• Exposure to Infectious Diseases
• Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc)

Exposure to common childhood illnesses and supervision of children in indoor and outdoor environments; assist children with toileting as needed; care of injuries to children.

Working Environment

• Classroom Environment
• Other Environment (Please explain below)