Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

TheraPeds • Buffalo Gap, SD

16h • Onsite

About The Position

TheraPeds Partners is seeking a full-time, school-based Early Childhood Special Education Teacher to serve Pre-K students in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota. The on-site assignment is scheduled for October 2026 through May 2027, with the description also noting May/June 2027. The position involves specialized instruction and case management for students with disabilities, including IEP development and implementation, evaluations, progress monitoring, and collaboration with school staff, families, and multidisciplinary teams. The teacher will receive support from both the school district and TheraPeds Partners. The role is listed at 37–39 hours per week, with guaranteed hours that include designated documentation, administrative, and planning time, and a manageable caseload. Pay is $45–$55 per hour based on experience and employment arrangement.

TheraPeds Partners is a therapist-owned and operated provider of special education and related services that partners with schools serving PreK–12 students nationwide. The organization emphasizes IDEA knowledge, multidisciplinary collaboration, meaningful connections, and support for school-based professionals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Special Education or a related qualifying field.
• Current or eligible for appropriate state-licensed teaching certification or credentialing in Special Education.
• Appropriate state authorization to provide Special Education teaching services in South Dakota.
• Experience working with children and students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP development and implementation, special education eligibility, and progress monitoring.
• Ability to provide individualized and differentiated instruction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with technology used for instruction, documentation, and communication.
• Ability to successfully complete required fingerprinting and background clearances.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, educators, administrators, and related-service professionals.
• Professionalism, tact, discretion, and respect for student and family confidentiality.
• Ability to perform the physical functions necessary for assigned duties, which may include sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, transitioning to and from the floor, and engaging with students throughout school environments.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of experience in a school setting is preferred.
• Valid South Dakota teaching license/certificate with an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Birth–Grade 3 endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide specialized instruction tailored to students’ individual educational and developmental needs.
• Manage assigned student caseloads and coordinate special education services.
• Conduct and participate in assessments and evaluations, as appropriate to the position.
• Monitor student progress and collect data to measure progress toward IEP goals.
• Adapt instructional strategies based on student performance and individual learning needs.
• Prepare progress reports and maintain accurate, timely educational records.
• Participate in IEP, eligibility, multidisciplinary, and student-support meetings.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, related-service providers, administrators, families, and other educational team members.
• Support accommodations, modifications, and specialized instructional strategies across educational environments.
• Create a welcoming, safe, structured, and productive learning environment.
• Guide and support classroom staff in implementing educational strategies for students with disabilities.
• Support compliance with IDEA, district procedures, IEP requirements, and applicable state and federal special education requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits may be available to eligible W-2 employees.
• 401(k) may be available to eligible W-2 employees.
• Guaranteed hours.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Ongoing clinical and administrative support.
• Access to the TheraPeds professional community.
• 1099 independent contractor opportunities may include competitive contract rates, benefit resources, flexibility associated with independent contractor status, and access to professional and administrative resources through TheraPeds Partners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level