Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - Location TBD

About the role

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher to join our team and provide individualized education and support for young children aged 3 to 5. The ideal candidate will foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes growth in cognitive, social-emotional, communication, adaptive, and motor skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to meet each child's developmental and educational goals.
• Design and deliver developmentally appropriate, engaging, and differentiated instruction across core domains.
• Incorporate play-based, sensory-rich, and hands-on learning experiences aligned with early childhood best practices.
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities in human relations, leadership, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct formal and informal assessments to evaluate student needs and measure progress toward IEP goals.
• Maintain accurate records and provide regular progress reports to families and related service providers.
• Work closely with general education teachers, therapists (OT, PT, SLP), paraprofessionals, and other support staff to support inclusive practices.
• Facilitate parent-teacher conferences and actively engage families in their child's education and development.
• Support non-certified special education teachers through coaching and modeling of best practices.
• Create a structured, supportive, and nurturing classroom environment that is safe, accessible, and conducive to learning.
• Use positive behavior support strategies to foster social-emotional development and address behavioral challenges.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations, including IDEA.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and maintain required licensure and certifications.
• Trained in assessment practices and skilled in interpreting evaluation data to inform instructional planning and decision-making.

Requirements

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree and endorsements in the areas of teaching assignment.
• Certification/Licensure: South Dakota teaching certificate and early childhood special education.
• Prior Experience: Working with young children with disabilities in education.
• Experience Desired: Successful student teaching.
• Physical Requirements: Typical early childhood classroom or integrated preschool setting. May involve lifting, toileting, and physical assistance for children with mobility needs. Requires flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of young learners and families.
• Demonstrated Skills: Effective and inclusive teaching strategies that address the diverse learning needs of young students. Proficient in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management. Well-versed in the implementation of the IEP process and knowledgeable in special education laws and regulations.
• Travel: Throughout the school district to support the needs of students on IEPs at various locations.
• Comprehensive Background Check: Required, including a state and FBI criminal history check with fingerprinting, a sex offender registry check, and a child abuse and neglect registry check.
• Certification: Valid South Dakota teaching certification with the Early Childhood SPED Birth through Grade Three endorsement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training (complies with SDCL 13-42-71).

Skills

• Effective Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Abilities
• Assessment Practices
• Behavior Support Strategies
• Special Education Laws and Regulations

Benefits

• Starting at $53,981 to $60,793* per year (based on 1.0 FTE), based on experience.
• Pay Day: Last working day of each month.
• HOURS & FTE: Monday through Friday, hours to be determined.
• CALENDAR: 2026-2027 New SFEA Staff Calendar.

Benefits Information

• Current District Employees: Complete an application and undergo a post-offer criminal background check.