Early Childhood Training Specialist

Early Childhood Training Specialist Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Early Childhood Training Specialist Posting Number

CSA02735P

Department SDSU-School of Education Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a motivated professional with a passion for early childhood development to join our team as a Training Specialist. This position supports the Child and Family Resource Network (CFRN), an SDSU outreach program established in 1990 to connect families and childcare providers with information, resources, and support. Today, CFRN serves as a state

• and locally funded Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) program, providing training, education, and resources to adults who care for and support children and youth.

The Training Specialist plays a key role in strengthening the quality of early childhood care and education by delivering professional development opportunities, technical assistance, and resources to childcare providers, families, and communities across South Dakota. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities:

The Early Childhood Training Specialist supports childcare providers, parents, and professionals in creating safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for young children. Within the Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) system, this position provides training, technical assistance, coaching, and resources to strengthen the quality of care and education for children and families. Responsibilities may include observing, assessing, documenting, planning, implementing recommendations, and evaluating practices across a variety of early care and education settings, including registered family childcare homes, licensed childcare centers, and licensed school-age programs. This role collaborates with caregivers, early childhood and school-age professionals, and community partners to promote best practices in child development, support quality improvement, and expand access to professional development opportunities throughout northeastern South Dakota.

Benefits:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Child development and adult learning principles Reflective practice, goal setting and data collection to measure outcomes Microsoft Office and other computer applications

Skills & Abilities:

Design, deliver, and evaluate developmentally appropriate, research-based training for childcare providers, educators, and parents Provide coaching, technical assistance, and resources to educators and caregivers Conduct site visits to child care and school age programs for quality improvement Recruit and engage participants for professional development opportunities Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with diverse audiences Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines Research and develop training materials and resources Build collaborative relationships with childcare and school age programs and work effectively as part of a team Demonstrate strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

Required License:

Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Comments:

This position is Monday-Friday, 8 AM

• 5 PM, 1-2 nights per week and occasional weekends.

Preferred qualifications include experience working in childcare, early childhood education, or school-age programs.

Application Procedures:

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. Posting Date 06/15/2026 Closing Date 07/06/2026 Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date Advertised Salary $22.50

• 25.32, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Monday
• Friday, 8 AM
• 5PM 1-2 evenings per week with occasional weekends Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License, Other If other, please indicate Some statewide travel required.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.