Early Childhood Teacher

TITLE: Early Childhood Teacher REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Center Director CLASSIFIED: Full Time, Non-Exempt LOCATION : Brookings, SD MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. JOB SUMMARY: The Teacher is responsible for delivering quality curriculum and planning rich, developmentally appropriate learning experiences grounded in that curriculum framework. Teachers share responsibility for assessment documentation with their Early Childhood Specialist, engage families meaningfully, and support each child's individual development. Day-to-day direction is provided by the Early Childhood Specialist; administrative and HR matters are managed by the Assistant Director and Center Director. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Delivers quality curriculum with fidelity, planning experiences and activities grounded in the curriculum framework and aligned to children's developmental needs. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences across all developmental domains. Shares responsibility for assessment documentation with the Early Childhood Curriculum Coordinator and Early Childhood Assistant Director, maintaining accurate and current records for each child. Creates and maintains a warm, home-like classroom environment that reflects the 'environment as third teacher' philosophy. Engages families through daily communication, family conferences, and portfolio sharing. Implement Individualized Care Plans (ICPs) for children with identified support needs. Maintains active supervision at all times in accordance with BGCNP policies and CFOC standards. Tracks and records meal and food service participation for CACFP reporting purposes. Participates in professional development, team meetings, and reflective practice. Daily direction, guidance, and support to classroom assistants to ensure effective implementation of instructional and behavioral strategies appropriately based on classroom needs and staff roles. Monitor and evaluate the performance of classroom assistants to ensure compliance with program standards, policies and procedures. Facilitate clear communication with classroom assistants regarding lesson plans, student needs, schedules and classroom expectations. Model professional practices and provide coaching to support the development of and effectiveness of classroom assistants. Ensure classroom assistants actively support student learning, safety, supervision and engagement throughout the instructional day. Maintain accountability for the overall operation of the classroom, including the work performed by classroom assistants under their supervision. Delegates tasks and responsibilities. Maintains a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment. Supports classroom transitions, meals, rest time, and routines with consistency and intentionality. EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education preferred. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required or must be obtained within first year of employment. Knowledge of NAEYC Program Standards preferred. Minimum 1 year of experience working with young children in a group care setting. Knowledge of or willingness to learn Teaching Strategies GOLD and Creative Curriculum. Strong relationship-building skills with children and families. CPR/First Aid certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire. Satisfactory background check per SD DSS requirements. 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. This position is considered to be safety-sensitive. 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.