Lil Lumberjacks Learning Center Program Assistant - Lead teacher

Cloquet Public School District; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contributions

Paid ESST

Personal and vacation days

Job summary

Cloquet Public Schools in Cloquet, MN, is seeking a Program Assistant - Lead teacher for the Lil Lumberjacks Learning Center. The role supports children’s development, supervises daily activities, and helps maintain a high-quality program following established policies.

You will work closely with the Coordinator and staff to foster a safe, nurturing environment and ensure program compliance. Exempt under FLSA, with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children.
• Lift and move materials/children typically < 50 pounds.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children and maintain sight and sound at all times.
• Plan and execute daily lesson plans and create a learning environment.
• Coordinate with Coordinator and staff to ensure policy compliance.
• Open and close procedures on shifts and communicate with parents.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in staff training.

Skills

Experience with young children

Effective verbal & written comms

Lift and move children (<50 lbs)

Job description

Lil Lumberjacks Learning Center Program Assistant - Lead teacher JobID: 971

• Date Posted: 9/2/2026
• Location: Cloquet Community Education

About Cloquet Public Schools

Welcome to Cloquet Public Schools! We are a dynamic community serving over 2,500 students in northern Minnesota. Our vision, 'Growing forward for our community, our schools, and our future' guides us as we work to provide a robust educational opportunity for each student we serve.

We offer a small-town feel combined with the amenities of larger districts, and we are recognized for our commitment to cultural inclusivity, high-quality education and a strong sense of community. Here you will find a welcoming, forward-thinking environment where you are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families. If you are passionate about education and community, we invite you to join our team!

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Lil Lumberjacks Learning Center Program Assistant - Lead teacher

Position Overview

The Program Assistant supports children's development by assisting with daily activities, ensuring supervision, and fostering positive interactions. Working closely with the Coordinator and staff, they help maintain a high-quality program that follows established policies and best practices.

Position Purpose

The purpose of this position is to support a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment by assisting with daily activities, supervising children, and ensuring program compliance. This position is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise Children (including those with special needs):
  • Maintain sight and sound of children at all times under supervision of the Coordinator.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date head counts and lists of children (i.e. arrival & departure times, food counts)
  • Assist in maintaining ratios and maximum group size as determined by DHS.
  • Promote positive interactions among the children including, but not limited to, prevention of bullying and fighting, promotion of sharing, cooperative efforts, and productive use of time.
  • Discipline in accordance of LLLC and DHS Behavior Guidance policies.
  • Report all discipline problems, injuries and potentially dangerous situations to the Coordinator.
  • Maintain current and accurate documentation of separations, injuries and incidents and appropriately communicate them to parents.
  • Maintain close supervision (sometimes one-on-one) of special needs children.
• Actively participate with children in daily activities:
  • Establish, plan and execute daily lesson plans.
  • Prepare classroom environment into a age appropriate learning environment.
  • Demonstrate good role model behavior during group times, meals, transitions, and activity clean-up.
  • Actively participate in all activities, including large motor (gym and playground).
  • Provide assistance with personal hygiene, independence skills, behavior guidance, appropriate help and interventions as needed for individual children.
  • Communicate with parents about any special occurrences, including but not limited to, sick children, discipline issues, injuries and incidents.
  • Provide direction to Aides with activity set-up, clean-up snack preparation, toy sanitation and other non supervisory duties as assigned.
  • Responsible for opening and closing procedures on appropriate shifts.
  • Ensure that parents are involved in the classroom activities throughout the year.
  • Offer and deliver bi-annual parent/teacher conferences.
  • Observe and document any behavior or other issues for referral to Special Education.
  • Carry out emergency procedures.
• Working with supervising staff and other Program Assistants:
  • Attendance is consistent and punctual.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude.
  • Show respect to co-workers.
  • Know, understand and follow LLLC policies and procedures.
  • Help with special projects.
  • Assist with center clean-up at the end of shift.
  • Work with Coordinator to plan long term program improvements.
  • Work cooperatively with Special Start teachers and advocates.
  • Wear clothing according to the dress code.
  • Show knowledge of where supplies are kept.
  • Attend staff meetings as requested and participate in staff training as needed.
  • Follow district confidentiality policies.
  • Work as a positive team member of LLLC, Community Education and Cloquet School District.

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities and is not meant to be inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Preferences

• Experience working with young children.
• Lift and move materials/children typically < 50 pounds.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• First Aid and CPR/AED certified within 90 days of hire.
• DCYF Background Study check.

Licensing Requirements

No licensure is required for this position.

Salary and Benefits

The starting pay for this position is between $16.89 - $21.79 and is based on School Board approved pay scale. Your initial placement is dependent on your qualifications (education and years of relevant experience).

We are proud to offer a wide array of benefits to our employees, including retirement contributions. You will also be eligible for paid ESST, personal and vacation days dependent on number of hours worked.

For any inquiries or questions regarding the position, please contact Darla Pappas, Coordinator, at [e-mail] or 218-878-0774.

A diverse workforce fuels innovation and allows us to better understand, communicate with, educate, and support our students. Cloquet will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications outlined in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and know that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.