Early Childhood Program Assistant

Minnetonka Public School District; Excelsior (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Job summary

Minnetonka Community Education is hiring a Junior Explorers Program Assistant to join our preschool team, working with 3-5 year olds for the 2026-2027 school year. You will help create a safe, fun, and engaging environment for preschool age children, build relationships with children and families, and make a real difference in your community every day.

You’ll work Monday through Friday, 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with a target start date of August 24, 2026.

Qualifications

• Understanding confidentiality policy and practice.
• Ability to take initiative with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proven record of punctuality and responsibility.
• Positive interpersonal skills with children, coworkers, and the public.
• Must complete childcare, first aid, and CPR training prior to first day.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently.

Responsibilities

• Implement activities, manage spaces, supervise and guide students.
• Help prepare project supplies and activities.
• Provide a safe, caring, fun environment and use site tracking system.
• Support students and safety during non-school day programming and field trips.
• Establish positive relationships with parents.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Confidentiality

Initiative

Organization

Communication

Teamwork

Punctuality

Childcare Training

First Aid Training

CPR Training

Job description

Minnetonka Community Education is hiring a Junior Explorers Program Assistant to join our Junior Explorers preschool team, working with 3-5 year olds for the 2026-2027 school year! You will help create a safe, fun, and engaging environment for preschool age children build relationships with children and families, and make a real difference in your community every day.

Your Role Will Include:

• Implement activities, manage program spaces, and supervise and guide students.
• Assist with preparing project supplies and activities for students.
• Provide a safe, caring, fun environment for children, including use of the site tracking system.
• Support students and ensure safety during non-school day programming, both at our schools and on community field trips.
• Establish positive, friendly relationships with parents.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism, and attend monthly staff meetings.

Qualifications:

• Evidence of understanding of and willingness to abide by confidentiality policy and practice.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proven record of punctuality and responsibility, with a passion for working with children.
• Positive interpersonal skills with children, coworkers, and the general public, along with the ability to accept direction and work as part of a team.
• Complete required childcare, first aid, and CPR training prior to your first day, plus a required number of staff development hours annually (training links provided by employer).
• Ability to perform medium work, including exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently.

Salary and Benefits:

• $19.65 per hour.
• Medical and dental benefits eligible for full-time positions of 30 hours or more per week.

Location & Shift Times:

• Minnetonka Community Education.
• Monday through Friday, 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Target start date: August 24, 2026. Open until filled.

You’ll be part of a fun, collaborative team that believes in the power of play, patience, and positivity. Every day brings new smiles, discoveries, and chances to make a lasting difference in a child's life.