Childcare Aide/Assistant - Discovery Kids

Orono Public Schools; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 45,130,176 - 49,714,828; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Life insurance

LTD insurance

EAP

Job summary

Orono Public Schools is seeking a Childcare Aide/Assistant for Discovery Kids to support teachers and foster development in a joyful learning environment.

The role requires full-time hours, a 40-hour work week, and commitment to safety, inclusivity, and ongoing professional development within an accredited program.

Qualifications

• Early childhood experience in an accredited preschool setting.
• Strong organizational skills in a fast-paced classroom.
• Commitment to confidentiality, inclusivity, and family diversity.
• Availability to work 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a creative curriculum with Lead Teachers to support children's development.
• Set up and maintain safe, engaging learning centers.
• Assist with classroom routines and transitions.
• Support safe snack times and health guidelines.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

Early childhood experience

Organization

Inclusion

Reliability

Job description

Child Care Aid/Assistant - Discovery Kids JobID: 2410

• Position Type: Community Education/ Discovery Kids Childcare
• Date Posted: 7/15/2026
• Date Available: As Soon As Possible

Childcare Aide/Assistant – Discovery Kids

Schedule: Full-Time (40 hours per week, Monday – Friday) Program Status: 4-Star Parent Aware & NAEYC Accredited

Why You'll Love Working Here

Do you love high-fives, lightbulb moments, and making a genuine difference in a child's world? At Discovery Kids Childcare, we believe that early education should be joyful, nurturing, and collaborative. As a Childcare Aide/Assistant, you aren't just an employee, you are a vital partner in creating a high-quality learning environment. If you want to grow your career in a supportive, NAEYC-accredited, 4-star Parent Aware program and a part of the Orono Public Schools! Additionally, you will have a dependable Monday-through-Friday schedule (hello, free weekends!), we would love to have you on our team.

The Opportunity: What You'll Do

You will work side-by-side with our Lead Teachers to deliver a creative curriculum that fosters the social, emotional, and academic growth of every child.

Support the Learning Journey

• Active Engagement: Dive into play and structured activities to help children hit exciting new developmental milestones.
• Co-Pilot the Classroom: Keep the daily flow seamless by helping set up and clean up fun learning centers.

Keep Things Safe & Healthy

• Gold-Standard Safety: Maintain a highly organized, safe, and clean environment.
• Snack Time Success: Prepare and serve nutritious snacks according to DCYF Childcare Licensing and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

Build a Welcoming Community

• Be a Friendly Face: Act as a warm, welcoming presence for our families every single day.
• Respectful Partnerships: Maintain professional, confidential, and respectful communication that honors diverse parenting styles.
• Keep Growing: Monitor classroom supplies, participate in team staff meetings, and engage in ongoing professional development to sharpen your skills.

What You Bring (Qualifications)

• Early Childhood Experience: Proven experience working in an early childhood setting with stellar professional references to match.
• Superb Organization: The ability to stay organized and flexible in the dynamic, fast-paced environment of an accredited preschool.
• A Heart for Inclusion: A deep commitment to confidentiality, inclusivity, and building a respectful community for all children and families.
• Reliability: Availability to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

What We Offer

• Work-Life Balance: A consistent, full-time schedule with no weekend shifts.
• Professional Pride: The chance to work within a highly respected, top-tier accredited program.
• A Collaborative Team: A supportive environment where your voice is heard and your growth is championed.

Compensation: $15.75 - $17.35 per hour DOQ

Benefits

Insurance:

• Single Health: 90% Covered by District
• Employee + 1 Health: 75% Covered by District
• Family Health: 75% Covered by District
• Dental: 100% Covered by District
• Life insurance equal to annual wages: 100% Covered by District
• LTD insurance: 100% Covered by District
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Vacation and Holidays

Vacation: 10 Days. Holidays: 11 Paid Holiday/Year

Other Benefits

Incentive Pay: 1%

Retirement/Pension

Positions covered by Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)

Contact:

• Kaela Gallup, Program Coordinator – 952-746-5892, [e-mail]
• Dr. Scott Alger, Executive Director of Human Resources – 952-449-8370, [e-mail]

Postings current as of 7/23/2026 10:19:37 AM CST.