Junior Explorers Program Leader

Minnetonka Public Schools; Minnetrista (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental benefits

DHS Stabilization Grant stipend

Job summary

Minnetonka Public Schools seeks a Community Education Explorers Program Leader to supervise children ages 3-5 before and after school at the Minnetonka Community Education Center. You will plan activities, manage spaces, and ensure safety while guiding staff and communicating with families.

Starting 2026-2027, 10:30am-5:30pm, 35 hours weekly, Monday-Friday. Full-time benefits include medical/dental and a quarterly DHS stipend through 2026 fiscal year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field AND three months of related experience
• AA or two years of college in a related field or equivalent certificate with six months of related experience
• Equivalent of one year full time work experience in childcare with Explorers OR two years childcare experience OR 3 years full time childcare in a lesser role in a different program.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide students; manage program spaces and staff.
• Create developmentally appropriate and engaging activities.
• Provide a safe, caring environment and track attendance in Eleyo.
• Support students during non-school day programming and field trips.
• Establish positive relationships with parents.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism; attend monthly staff meetings.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Independent and teamwork

Punctuality

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Childcare experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Bachelor's Degree in unrelated field + 3 months related experience

AA or 2 years college in related field + 6 months related experience

Equivalent of 1 year full-time childcare experience with Explorers / 3 years childcare in other program

Job description

Position Type: Community Education/Explorers Program Leader

Date Posted: 9/18/2026

Location: Minnetonka Community Education

Date Available: As soon as possible

Closing Date: Open until filled

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: Starting 2026-2027 school year: 10:30am - 5:30pm, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Wages: $22.60 Click here to view rates for this position. Rates can be found in Appendix B. Medical and dental benefit eligible for full-time positions 30 hours or more. Click here to view benefit details for Minnetonka Community Education employees. This position qualifies for a quarterly stipend from a DHS Stabilization Grant through 2026 fiscal year.

Primary Objective of Position: To support and supervise children ages 3-5 before and after school at Minnetonka Community Education Center. Plan activities, manage program spaces and, and supervise children. Provide guidance and ensure the safety of all students.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Supervise and provide guidance for students. Manage program spaces, lead activities and provide guidance to Program Assistants and Program Aides.
2. Create developmentally appropriate and engaging activities for students.
3. Provide a safe, caring, fun environment for children including use of the site tracking system. Maintain accurate attendance records in Eleyo.
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. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
7. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
8. Attend monthly staff meetings.

Training, Experience and Licensing:

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

Must meet ONE of the education and work experience requirements listed below.

1. Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
2. Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field AND three months of related experience
3. AA or two years of college in a related field or equivalent certificate with six months of related experience
4. An equivalent of one year full time work experience in childcare with Explorers OR an equivalent of two years childcare experience at the same level in a different program OR an equivalent of 3 years full time childcare in a lesser role in a different program.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
2. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
3. Proven record of punctuality and responsibility.
4. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
5. Positive interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
6. Evidence of successful experience working with young children in a child care setting.

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.