Early Childhood Lead Teacher - Obtain your Child Development Associate (CDA)
Reports to: Appropriate Program Coordinator
Classified: Full-Time, Non-exempt
Location: Train in Brookings, S.D., work in Flandreau, S.D.
Pay: $19.50/hour while obtaining CDA, with increase following successful completion
Obtain your Child Development Associate (CDA) in Brookings and be ready for our new and innovative early childhood enrichment center in Flandreau to open in May, dedicated to fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning in children. Our programs exist to nurture each child’s unique potential through hands-on exploration, play-based learning, and supportive guidance through conscious discipline.
Imagine leading a teaching team while creating a nurturing environment for young children to grow and thrive. The Flandreau Early Childhood Enrichment Center is looking for experienced Lead Teachers to join our team.
If you’re dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for learning and growth, we’d love to connect with you!
Hiring full-time positions now for our infant, toddler, and preschool programs in Flandreau, South Dakota, with initial training completed in Brookings. Competitive pay ranges determined by education and experience.
- Inspire and guide your teaching team to create thoughtful classroom plans and goals, leading hands-on activities that spark curiosity and joy based on the children’s unique interests and needs.
- 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.
- Candidates must pass required state and company background checks
- At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED required
- At least six months of demonstrated experience working in childcare, daycare, or preschool required
- Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) required
- Experience working in a NAEYC-accredited center strongly preferred
- Meets requirements to apply for SDECE Pathways Level 4, committed to achieving Level 6 within first year of employment (Level 6 and above highly preferred):
- Level 4: 32 clock hours of training OR appropriate age group certificate, family childcare certificate, or management certificate
- Level 5: 75 clock hours of training
- Level 6: 12 credits of Early Childhood Education courses earned OR Out-of-School Time Credential OR Current CDA (Child Development Associate) Certificate
- Level 7: 60 credits OR Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education
- Initial CDA training will begin January 20 in Brookings. Classes will be held two days per week for two hours each day. Remaining required hours will be completed as practicum hours through May.
- During the training period, work will be based in Brookings. Beginning in May, the position will transition to the new Flandreau Early Childhood Enrichment Center.
- A two-year employment contract will be signed upon hire. If the employee chooses to leave before fulfilling the two-year commitment, funds will be reimbursed to the organization to cover CDA training, testing, and related costs (clawback provision).
Employees are expected to work 40 hours per week between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- Career development through SDECE Pathways and CDA Programs
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan
- Paid time off
- Referral bonus
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace!
All qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability, or any other protected class.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application/hiring process should contact Human Resources to communicate their request for accommodation at 605-692-3333.