Early Childhood Education Support Professional - 0.8 FTE at Garfield Elementary

Sioux Falls School District; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 20,934 - 29,816; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Health and Safety Training

Job summary

Sioux Falls School District is seeking an Early Childhood Education Support Professional for Garfield Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. In this role, you will support children ages 3 to 5 in a dynamic learning environment, fostering their development and social skills.

The role includes supporting lesson plans, maintaining classroom engagement, and ensuring child safety. A starting pay of $18.42 per hour is offered, plus a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Benefits are available for roles over 20 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Ability to engage actively with children, including bending and lifting.
• Must demonstrate patience, flexibility, and a caring personality.
• Experience monitoring social and emotional development.

Responsibilities

• Support the lead teacher in daily lesson plans.
• Maintain a clean and organized classroom.
• Communicate professionally with families.

Skills

Child Development Techniques

CPR Certification

First Aid Training

Experience with Children

Education

Two or more years post high school education

Child Development Associates (CDA) preferred

Job description

We want YOU here! This position is for the 2026-2027 school year. $1,000 Sign-On Bonus Available!

At Garfield Elementary, we believe every student has the ability to grow, lead, and succeed. Our students and staff set Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), work together to track progress, and celebrate growth every step of the way. Collaboration, encouragement, and a strong sense of belonging are at the heart of our school community.

When you walk through our doors, you'll be welcomed by a message that reflects who we are: “We love you and there is nothing you can do about it!” Our staff is dedicated to ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and cared for each day as we live out our mission: To Encourage, Teach, and Empower Leaders to Succeed.

Learn more about Garfield Elementary at https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/ge.

Requirements

Education Level: Two or more years post high school education, with preference given to early child-centered studies and/or early childhood development expertise. Child Development Associates (CDA) preferred credentials.

Experience Desired: Previous work in an educational setting, childcare, daycare, CPR certification, First Aid training, familiarity with various child development techniques.

Physical Requirements: Ability to actively engage with children on their level, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Must be able to perform duties both indoors and outdoors and participate in all classroom and playground activities.

Other Requirements: Patience, flexibility, caring personality, punctuality, and dependability. Experience with monitoring social and emotional development and behavior management. Ability to follow classroom routines and respond calmly to challenging behaviors or situations.

Essential Functions & Duties

Classroom Support

• Support the lead teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and classroom routines designed to meet the developmental needs of children ages 3 to 5, including those with diverse abilities and learning styles.
• Support small group and individualized instruction across developmental domains, including early literacy, numeracy, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Incorporate play-based, sensory-rich, and hands‑on learning experiences aligned with early childhood best practices.
• Use positive behavior support strategies to foster social‑emotional development and address behavioral challenges.

Child Supervision & Guidance

• Provide active supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all children throughout the day, including during indoor and outdoor play, classroom transitions, meals, and rest times.
• Model and support positive behavior and social interactions using developmentally appropriate guidance techniques.
• Provide physical assistance to children as needed (e.g., toileting, dressing, feeding support).

Health, Nutrition, and Safety

• Assist with preparation, serving, and cleanup of snacks and meals in accordance guidelines.
• Promote hygiene routines such as handwashing, toileting, and clean-up.
• Follow health and safety procedures, including emergency drills and incident reporting.

Family & Team Collaboration

• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families and caregivers.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, specialists, and program coordinators to meet individual child goals, including IEP or intervention plans.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development opportunities as required.

Pay Information

Starting at $18.42 per hour + $1,000 Sign-On Bonus!

Pay Day: Last working day of each month, based on the payroll cutoff schedule. View the payroll cutoff schedule here: 2026-2027 Payroll Cutoff Schedule

Hours & FTE

Monday through Thursday, 7:15 am to 3:45 pm with a 30 minute unpaid lunch.

0.8 FTE, 32 hours per week, 9 months.

Calendar

2026-2027 Early Childhood Education Support Professional with Benefits

Benefit Information

Benefits (only for positions 20 hours per week or more)

Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required. Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number.