Job Description
At a Glance
Full-Time and Part-Time positions available!
Location: Flandreau, South Dakota (Initial training in Brookings, SD)
Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay: $21/hour, based on education and experience
Schedule: Full-Time: 40 hrs/week | Part-Time: 20–25 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 (full-time)
- Referral bonus program
- Career development through SDECE Pathways and CDA programs
- Paid training provided before the center opens
Your Role
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
- Assists with meal preparation, feeding, diapering, toileting, and personal care routines as needed
- Maintains active supervision of children
- Assists with classroom setup, cleanup, and environmental maintenance
- Assists 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
- Supports 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
Qualifications
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.
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 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
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 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.