Early Childhood Teacher

Job Description

At a Glance

Location: Flandreau, South Dakota

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: Early Childhood Specialist

Why Join Us

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.

What We Offer

• 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

Your Role

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

Qualifications

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

SDECE Pathways Reference

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 Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education

Safety-Sensitive Position

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.

How to Apply

We'd love to connect with you. If you're passionate about early childhood education and ready to be part of something new and exciting, apply today. We're hiring for infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms — full-time positions available now.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Requirements