Early Childhood Classroom Assistant

Overview

At a Glance

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

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay: $21/hour, based on education and experience

Schedule: Full-Time: 40 hrs/week | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Reports To: Classroom Teacher & Child Development Specialist

Start Date: Immediate — in preparation for May center opening

Why Join Us

Picture yourself teaching alongside a supportive team, making a meaningful impact on children's lives every day. At the Flandreau Early Childhood Enrichment Center, you'll grow with guidance from experts in the field, gain valuable certifications while you work, and discover limitless opportunities as a Classroom Assistant.

We're a new, innovative early childhood program opening in May — and we're building our team now. If you're looking for a place where your work truly matters and your growth is supported every step of the way, come join our warm and inspiring community.

What We Offer

• $3,000 hiring bonus for full-time hires ($1,500 for part-time)
• 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 (full-time)
• 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 a Classroom Assistant, you'll work alongside a Teacher to create a safe, joyful, and engaging environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Day to day, you will:

• Engage children in hands-on activities that spark their curiosity and cater to their unique interests
• Assist with meal preparation, feeding, diapering, toileting, and personal care routines as needed
• Maintain active supervision of children
• Assist with classroom setup, cleanup, and environmental maintenance
• Assist with CACFP meal count tracking and food service documentation as directed by the Teacher
• Implements guidance and direction from the Teacher during all learning experiences
• Support children with identified needs under the direction of the Teacher and Child Development Specialist
• Build strong connections with families by sharing daily updates and celebrating each child's special milestones, helping parents feel part of their little one's journey
• Maintain a warm and welcoming environment by ensuring the classroom stays safe, clean, and ready for endless exploration and discovery
• Model caring, consistent, and encouraging interactions with every child
• Floats to support ratio coverage in other classrooms as directed

Required:

• At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass required state and company background checks

Preferred:

• Experience working with children in a childcare, daycare, or preschool setting
• Early childhood coursework, CDA (Child Development Associate) certificate, or related degree

Previous job titles may include:
Assistant Teacher, Assistant Child Care Teacher, Assistant Daycare Teacher, or Assistant Preschool Teacher.

• 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 assist with diapering, lifting, and physical care of young children
• Ability to supervise children outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employees in this role are responsible for the direct care, supervision, and safety of young children, and are held to the highest standards of conduct, judgment, and alertness at all times. As a condition of employment, candidates must pass all required state and company background checks and comply with applicable drug and alcohol policies and immunization requirements.

We'd love to connect with you. If you're passionate about working with young children and ready to be part of something new and exciting, apply today. We're hiring full-time and part-time positions now for our infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.