Job description

Organization: Youth & Family Services (YFS)
Department: Rapid City Head Start (RCHS)

Position: Teacher Preschool 
Reports to: Site Coordinator
Location: Rapid City, SD

Work Schedule:
Work Days: Monday through Friday
Hours/Week: 40 School Year/23 Summer
Work schedule may vary dependent upon program needs.

Non-smoking work environment. E.O.E.

“NEW INCREASED WAGES: Join our team today!”

Starting @ $37,232 DOEQ

Benefits: YFS strives to provide its employees with top-quality benefits. YFS employees are offered medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance as well as multiple paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, 401K and retirement/pension options, discounts at select local businesses and more! Click here to view a copy of our Benefit Synopsis.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education preferred. Current South Dakota teaching certificate with minor or endorsement in early childhood education or Bachelor's degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children required._ Applicants who are enrolled in the Bachelor degree in early education program may be considered for the position if they are within two years of the graduation date. Associate degree in early childhood education may be considered_. Maintain current credentials and certifications. Must meet Head Start Program Performance Standards. Must have knowledge and experience in child development and early childhood education; the fundamentals of child health, safety, and nutrition; adult learning principles/family dynamics/adult education. Good teamwork and networking skills. Ability to communicate and cooperate with children, other staff and parents effectively and tactfully. Ability to work with people of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Computer competency. Current vehicle liability insurance and a valid driver’s license required.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for implementation of all applicable Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist in securing the required 20% non-federal match as required by the Department of Health & Human Services.
• Work in conjunction with appropriate staff to help children achieve individualized goals using the information from screenings and assessments.
• Implement IEP/RTI requirements when appropriate.
• Assist in completion of screenings and assessments within 45 days of enrollment.
• Create, support and maintain a healthy, safe, learning environment conducive to each child's intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and aesthetic development.
• Plan and implement two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per child lasting one hour.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and incorporate CLASS dimensions in the classroom and follow ECERS standards.
• Assist Coordinator with hiring, training and supervising classroom staff.
• Establish and maintain a positive and trusting relationship with children and their families.
• Support parents to become involved in the programs curriculum approach to child development, education, school readiness and family partnership agreements.
• Maintain accurate records for each child, data entry and completion of appropriate documents and referrals as needed in a timely manner.
• Follow Youth and Family Services Discipline Policy and Behavior Management Guidelines.
• Direct teacher assistants, substitutes, and volunteers to carry out daily operations and to actively supervise and engage children at all times to ensure child safety.

Additional Functions: Promote and support all programs and services of YFS. Act in accordance with YFS purpose, philosophy, values, goals, policies and procedures. Assume Coordinator responsibilities in their absence if assigned. Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings as requested by supervisor. Maintain a clean, safe, healthy, and organized environment for staff and families. Encourage parents to attend Parent Association meetings and other center activities. Maintain confidentiality as it relates to information about children, families and other staff members. Must learn and execute emergency preparedness plan and be responsive to emergencies that may arise. Assist in recruitment of children, families, and volunteers for program services. Monitor and adhere to budget of classroom expenses. Keep supplies updated and current. Perform additional duties as requested by supervisor.

Environmental Functions: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. May be exposed to variety of potentially hazardous living and health conditions of enrolled families.

How to Apply: For consideration, an application for employment must be submitted to the YFS Human Resource Department. Application may be downloaded at: http://www.youthandfamilyservices.org/careers/.
Please note that resume only will not be accepted.

How to Submit Application:
By email
In person or by mail: Youth & Family Services, 1920 N. Plaza Blvd., Rapid City, SD 57702

Any questions? Call our HR Team today at 605-342-4195 to learn more about the opportunities available at Youth & Family Services!