Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE SPED) – School-Based

Buffalo Gap, South Dakota | Full-Time | October 2026–May/June 2027 | On-Site

TheraPeds Partners is seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE SPED) to join our team for a full-time, school-based opportunity.

This position serves students and includes specialized instruction, case management, IEP development and implementation, evaluations, progress monitoring, and collaboration with educators, families, administrators, and multidisciplinary team members. You'll receive support from both the school district and TheraPeds Partners.

About Us

TheraPeds Partners is a therapist-owned and operated team of special education providers who partner with schools to provide special education and related services to PreK–12 students nationwide. We understand the education process, IDEA requirements, and the importance of collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Our mission is to deliver high-quality services while building meaningful connections in a collaborative learning environment.

Position Details

• Full-time: 37-39 hours per week
• Assignment: October 2026-May 2027
• Grades: Pre-K
• Location: Buffalo Gap, South Dakota
• Setting: On-site, in-person
• Pay: $45–$55/hour, based on experience and employment arrangement
• Valid South Dakota teaching license/certificate with an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Birth–Grade 3 endorsement
• Guaranteed hours, including designated documentation, administrative, and planning time
• Manageable caseload
• Dual support from the school district and TheraPeds Partners

What You'll Do

As a school-based Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, you'll provide individualized instruction and case management services designed to support students with disabilities in accessing and participating successfully in their educational programs.

Responsibilities may include:

• Developing, implementing, and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Providing specialized instruction tailored to students' individual educational and developmental needs
• Managing assigned student caseloads and coordinating special education services
• Conducting and participating in assessments and evaluations, as appropriate to the position
• Monitoring student progress and collecting data to measure progress toward IEP goals
• Adapting instructional strategies based on student performance and individual learning needs
• Preparing progress reports and maintaining accurate and timely educational records
• Participating in IEP, eligibility, multidisciplinary, and student-support meetings
• Collaborating with general education teachers, related-service providers, administrators, families, and other members of the educational team
• Supporting accommodations, modifications, and specialized instructional strategies across educational environments
• Creating a welcoming, safe, structured, and productive learning environment
• Providing guidance and support to classroom staff in implementing educational strategies for students with disabilities
• Supporting compliance with IDEA, district procedures, IEP requirements, and applicable state and federal special education requirements

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education or a related qualifying field
• Current or eligible for appropriate State Licensed teaching certification/credentialing in Special Education
• Appropriate state authorization to provide Special Education teaching services in South Dakota
• One or more years of experience in a school setting preferred
• 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

Physical Requirements

• School-based special education is active and may require participation with students in a variety of educational environments and activities. The Special Education Teacher must be able to perform the physical functions necessary to fulfill assigned responsibilities, which may include sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, transitioning to and from the floor, and engaging with students throughout school environments.
• All responsibilities will be performed in accordance with assigned duties, district safety requirements, and applicable accommodations.

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits and compensation are based on employment classification and eligibility.

W-2 employees may be eligible for:

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k)
• 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
• Access to professional and administrative resources through TheraPeds Partners
• Guaranteed hours
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Ongoing clinical and administrative support
• Access to the TheraPeds professional community

Specific compensation, benefits, and terms will be outlined in the applicable employment or independent contractor agreement.

Why TheraPeds Partners?

At TheraPeds Partners, we believe school-based professionals do their best work when they feel supported, valued, and connected to the teams they serve.

As a therapist-owned organization, we understand the realities of working in school-based practice. Our goal is to create strong partnerships between professionals and schools while providing the clinical and administrative support needed for both students and providers to succeed.

If you're a Early Childhood Special Education Teacher who is available for a full-time school-based position in this area, we'd love to connect with you.