Imagine starting your day surrounded by the laughter of curious 3–5 year olds, helping them discover the world through play, learning, and adventure. As an Early Childhood Program Leader working with the Minnetonka Community Education Junior Explorers program, you'll be the rockstar who creates magic in the classroom while keeping everyone safe, engaged, and excited to learn!

Your Role Will Include:

• Supervise and provide guidance for preschool-aged students.
• Manage program spaces and lead daily activities.
• Support and guide Program Assistants and Program Aides.
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate, engaging activities.
• Maintain a safe and fun learning environment, utilizing the site tracking system.
• Accurately record attendance and child information in Eleyo.
• Ensure safety and engagement during non-school day programming and community field trips.
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with parents and families.
• Attend required monthly staff meetings. Participate in ongoing staff development and training sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct at all times.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with young children in a preschool setting. 
• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proven punctuality and reliability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Positive interpersonal skills with children, coworkers, supervisors, and families.
• Ability to exert up to 50 lbs occasionally, 20 lbs frequently, and 10 lbs constantly to move or lift objects.

Training & Licensing Requirements:

• Completion of Child Care, First Aid, and CPR training prior to the first day of employment (training links provided).
• Completion of required annual staff development hours.

Education & Experience Requirements (must meet one of the following):

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus three months of related experience; OR
• Associate’s degree or two years of college in a related field, or equivalent certificate plus six months of related experience; OR
• Equivalent of one year full-time experience in childcare with Explorers; OR
• Equivalent of two years childcare experience at the same level in another program; OR
• Equivalent of three years full-time childcare experience in a support role in another program.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting Wage, $21.94 per hour plus quarterly stipend through the DHS Stabilization Grant.
• Benefits: Eligible for medical and dental insurance (positions of 30+ hours/week). 

Location & Shift Times: 

• Minnetonka Community Education Center
• Monday - Friday, 10:00-5:30, 35 hours per week. 

If you're passionate about early childhood education, love creating engaging experiences for young learners, and want to be part of a supportive team that values both kids AND staff, we want to hear from you!