Explorers Program Assistant: School Year 2026-27

Minnetonka Public Schools; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Minnetonka Public Schools is recruiting a Community Education/Explorers Program Assistant to support and supervise children in grades K-5. The role requires implementing activities and ensuring safety during summer programming at elementary school sites. The position offers flexible hours, with a starting hourly wage of $19.08, effective from July 2025.

Applicants must complete child care, first aid, and CPR training. A passion for working with children and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role. Join us to create a fun and caring environment!

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Complete required child care, first aid & CPR training before work.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.

Responsibilities

• Implement activities and manage program spaces.
• Support students and ensure safety during programming.
• Establish positive relationships with parents.

Skills

Understanding of confidentiality policy

Ability to take initiative

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Punctuality

Passion for working with children

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Position Type: Community Education/Explorers Program Assistant

Location: Elementary Buildings

Date Posted: 5/26/2026

Date Available: August 24, 2026

Link for Work for Explorers Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB0eQyMcPw4

Link for Explorers Childcare Program Site: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/district/mcec/explorers

Assignment

Flexible hours, 12 months per year, Monday-Friday (two day minimum). Morning and afternoon hours available between the times of: 6:30-9:30 AM & 1:00-6:00 PM.

Wages and Benefits

Starting rate effective July 1, 2025: $19.08 per hour, effective July 1, 2026: $19.65 per hour ($0.60 split shift differential). Not medical and dental benefit eligible.

Primary Objective of Position

To support and supervise children in grades K-5 during the summer at an elementary school site or MCEC. Implement activities, manage program spaces and supervise children. Ensure the safety of all students.

Job Responsibilities

1. Implement activities, manage program spaces, supervise and provide guidance for students.
2. Assist with preparing project supplies and activities for students.
3. Provide a safe, caring, fun environment for children including use of the site tracking system.
4. Support students and ensure safety during non-school day programming both at our schools and on field trips in the community.
5. Establish a positive and friendly relationship with parents.
6. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Position Specific Responsibilities

1. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
2. Attend monthly staff meetings.

Training and Experience

1. Complete required child care, first aid & CPR training prior to the first day of employment. Online training links will be provided by employer.
2. Complete a required number of staff development hours annually.

Knowledge and Skills (position requirements at entry)

• Evidence of understanding of and willingness to abide by confidentiality policy and practice.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative.
• Evidence of organizational and communication skills.
• Proven record of punctuality and responsibility.
• Evidence of passion for working with children.
• Evidence of ability to accept direction and work as a team member.
• Positive interpersonal skills (relates well to children and adults) as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Physical Requirements

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.