Early Childhood Program Leader

Minnetonka Public School District; Excelsior (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnetonka Community Education is hiring a Junior Explorers Program Leader to guide a preschool program for ages 3 to 5, mentoring staff and maintaining safety and records.

The role requires strong communication, reliability, and teamwork, with a focus on engaging, developmentally appropriate activities and positive parent relations.

Qualifications

• Evidence of successful experience working with young children in a childcare setting.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Proven record of punctuality, responsibility, and confidentiality.
• Positive interpersonal skills with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide children, manage program spaces, lead activities, and provide direction to Program Assistants and Program Aides.
• Create developmentally appropriate and engaging activities for children.
• Provide a safe, caring, fun environment, including use of the site tracking system and accurate attendance records in Eleyo.
• Support children and ensure safety during programming, both at our sites and on community field trips.
• Establish positive, friendly relationships with parents.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism, and attend monthly staff meetings.

Skills

Childcare experience

Team leadership

Communication skills

Attendance & records

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

AA or two years of related college

Equivalent childcare experience

Job description

Do you love working with young children and thrive in a team-driven environment? Minnetonka Community Education is hiring a Junior Explorers Program Leader to lead our preschool program for children ages 3 to 5, guiding daily activities and mentoring Program Assistants and Program Aides in a safe, engaging environment.

Your Role Will Include:

• Supervise and guide children, manage program spaces, lead activities, and provide direction to Program Assistants and Program Aides.
• Create developmentally appropriate and engaging activities for children.
• Provide a safe, caring, fun environment, including use of the site tracking system and accurate attendance records in Eleyo.
• Support children and ensure safety during programming, both at our sites and on community field trips.
• Establish positive, friendly relationships with parents.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism, and attend monthly staff meetings.

Qualifications:

• Must meet one of the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (or unrelated field with three months of related experience);
  • AA or two years of related college, or equivalent certificate, with six months of related experience;
  • An equivalent childcare experience: 1 year full time with Explorers, 2 years at a similar level elsewhere, or 3 years full time in a lesser role elsewhere.
• Evidence of successful experience working with young children in a child care setting.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Proven record of punctuality, responsibility, and confidentiality.
• Positive interpersonal skills with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Salary and Benefits:

• $22.60 per hour.
• Medical and dental benefits eligible for full-time positions of 30 hours or more per week.
• Eligible for a quarterly stipend through the DHS Stabilization Grant (2026 fiscal year).

Location & Shift Times:

• Minnetonka Community Education Center (MCEC).
• Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 35 hours per week.
• Start date: as soon as possible for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Open until filled.

If you're passionate about leading a team and making a positive impact in children's lives, we'd love to hear from you!