Discovery Learning Center

Today is the last day the doors of Discovery Learning Center will be open. I really don’t have words. 17 years and over 1000 children - is a long time- 😞

Saddest, hardest thing we’ve ever had to do….

Discovery Learning Center Families,

It is with the deepest sadness that I am writing this letter. Since Covid hit in 2020 Discovery has taken such a hit and we unfortunately will not be able to continue to offer our services after Friday, August 11, 2023. We would love to keep each and every one of the children until the very last day, but understand that you will need to start looking for care.

In the very near future we will be placing the building up for sale. I suppose if someone purchased the building and wanted to continue to operate it as a Child Care Center that prayer would be answered too.

We have loved and served the Early Childhood industry in Austin since 2006. Randy and I along with Cindy and countless other Teachers have poured their hearts into educating and forming hundreds of children over the past 17 years in preparation for entrance into Kindergarten.

Covid took so much from us. We thought we were on the verge of a full rebound but we continue to struggle finding and hiring qualified Teachers, or anybody that wants to work. We have been only able to continue our services this summer with college students, our own High-school Children, and my Mom who is supposed to be retired. Unfortunately the people with great passion for teaching children in Early Childhood are fewer and far between than ever before, and most go into the School Systems not some rinky d**k, small Childcare Business like Discovery.

With the new Child Care Center being built for Hormel it will be inevitable that we would not be able to remain open.

We know what kind of a bind this puts all of you in. We have been searching for solutions, and praying for a miracle. Our hearts are broken, this has been “Our Baby” for 17 years.

If you have questions, please direct everything to Me. 507-421-8819.

With Broken Hearts,
Deidre and Randy Smith

Early Childhood Teacher
FULL TIME/ Part Time
Lead, Assistant, Aid

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of young children?
Discovery Learning Center is looking for a patient and compassionate childcare teacher who has experience working with children ages 1 to 5 years old.
(Not required)

As a Discovery teacher you will help implement developmentally-appropriate activities that encourage healthy physical, social, and emotional development for our students, in preparation for their entrance into Kindergarten.

Responsibilities:
-Teachers will create age-appropriate lessons
-Foster a classroom environment of safety and respect
-Perform daily cleaning routines to keep facilities sanitary and safe
-Prepare and serve snacks and meals throughout the day
-Keep parents and families updated on their students’ daily activities and progress

Requirements:
Must be at least 16 years

Our mission is to develop a community of confident students who love to learn. For 15 years we have been passionate about creating a nurturing, caring environment where all children can thrive. We are also committed to the well-being and growth of our teaching staff. We are proud to offer reduced tuition costs for all Discovery staff members, as well as regular professional development opportunities.

How to apply: email
[email protected] with the subject line “Childcare Teacher”

Early Childhood Teacher
(2+ Years Experience, Full-Time)

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of young children?
Discovery Learning Center is looking for a patient and compassionate childcare teacher who has experience working with children ages 1 to 5 years old.

As a Discovery teacher will help lead developmentally-appropriate activities that encourage healthy physical, social, and emotional development for our students, in preparation for their entrance into Kindergarten.

Responsibilities:
Teachers will create age-appropriate lessons
Foster a classroom environment of safety and respect
Perform daily cleaning routines to keep facilities sanitary and safe
Prepare and serve snacks and meals throughout the day
Keep parents and families updated on their students’ daily activities and progress

Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years old
High school diploma/GED
4,160 hours of experience as an Assistant Teacher
24 credits in a child care-related area of study
Or
Bachelor's Degree
Early Childhood Degree
CDA

Preferred Qualifications (not required)
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Experience working in a play-based environment

Why you’ll love working at Discovery
Our mission is to develop a community of confident students who love to learn. For 15 years we have been passionate about creating a nurturing, caring environment where all children can thrive. We are also committed to the well-being and growth of our teaching staff. We are proud to offer reduced tuition costs for all Discovery staff members, as well as regular professional development opportunities.

How to apply: Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject line “Childcare Teacher”

Lead Toddler Teachers are responsible for developing and implementing curricula that address the educational needs of young children from 18-33 months of age.
A Lead Toddler Teacher must:
 Be at least 19 years of age
 Have a high school degree or equivalent education
 Possess an Associate’s degree in early childhood education or child development; or a Bachelor’s
degree in early childhood education, child development or a child related field.
 Submit to various background checks including those completed through the
MN Department of Human
Services
 Be CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen certified or obtain certification upon hire
 Be mentally and physically capable of caring for a large group of children alone in a classroom
 Possess a strong work ethic, be punctual, and have minimal absences
 Have an awareness of the unique needs of young children and have appropriate expectations
 Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry children up to 70lbs
 Be available for full time employment
 Have dependable transportation