Early Childhood Positions

The Sunshine Academy is hiring in Billings & Laurel, MT
Full-time and part-time · $14–$20/hour · No nights, no weekends · Hiring now

You don't need a childcare background to start here. If you've worked retail, food service, babysitting, or coaching, or you've helped raise younger siblings, you already have more of what this job takes than you might think. We'll train you on the rest.

We're growing, so we're hiring across our classrooms, kitchen, transportation, and support teams. Maybe you're an experienced teacher, a cook who likes feeding people well, or someone who shows up, follows through, and is good with kids. Any of those could be a fit.

Why people choose Sunshine

A lot of people who love working with kids leave childcare because they're always short-staffed, leadership doesn't back them up, or the drama wears them out. We built Sunshine to work differently. Here, you get:

• Leadership that shows up. Your Director knows your name, listens, and coaches you through the hard days.
• Time to actually teach. Better staffing means you're with the kids instead of just getting through the day.
• A drama-free team. People here are kind and professional, and they treat each other with respect.
• Room to grow. We train you from day one and support you as you build credentials.
• Work that matters. You'll see the difference you make in a child's day, every day.

Open positions

Billings

• Afternoon / Van Driver
• Assistant Teacher

Laurel

• Afternoon Support
• Floater / Aide
• Lead Teacher – Infants
• Assistant Teacher
• High School Afternoon (2 positions)

Downtown Laurel

• Morning Van Driver
• Afternoon Van Driver
• Afternoon Support Staff

None of these positions work nights or weekends.

1. Assistant Teacher / Childcare Assistant
$14–$18/hour, based on experience · Full-time and part-time · Training provided

Your day: You'll work alongside a Lead Teacher, helping kids move through their day: play, meals, learning time, and rest. You'll help keep the classroom safe, clean, and running smoothly, and you'll get to know the kids and families well.

You'll:

• Support your Lead Teacher in a fun, active classroom
• Guide children through daily routines, play, and learning
• Keep the classroom safe, clean, and up to licensing standards
• Build real relationships with kids, families, and your team
• Show up as a dependable, team-first professional

You'll need:

• To be 18 or older
• To be on the ECP Practitioner Registry (Level 1 ), or eligible to join
• CPR/First Aid certification, or a willingness to get it (we'll help)
• The ability to lift up to 45 lbs and keep up with active kids
• Reliability, kindness, and a willingness to learn

New to childcare? We'll train you, as long as you bring the heart and the work ethic.

2. Childcare Support Staff – Kitchen & Afterschool

This split role is for someone who likes being around kids and also enjoys cooking. Part of your day is spent in our kitchen preparing safe, healthy meals. The rest is spent with school-age kids in our afterschool program, helping with homework and leading activities you enjoy, like art, sports, dance, STEM, or creative play.

Please note: afterschool duties take place at Shepherd Schools, not at The Sunshine Academy center.

In the afterschool program, you'll:

• Mentor and supervise school-age kids
• Help with homework
• Lead structured and creative activities
• Keep the space safe and engaging
• Build positive relationships with students and families
• Uphold program policies and behavior expectations

In the kitchen, you'll:

• Prepare and serve meals that meet Licensing and Health Department standards
• Follow safe food prep and sanitation procedures
• Keep the kitchen and dining area clean and organized
• Serve correct portion sizes and meet food safety standards
• Track food allergies and pass that information on to staff
• Follow the menu and let the Director know about any needed changes
• Help prepare for state reviews and health inspections
• Keep accurate records
• Watch kitchen equipment and report maintenance needs
• Follow all licensing and risk management requirements

You'll need:

• At least 1 year of meal prep experience (preferred)
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation
• Strong communication, organization, and basic math skills
• Real care for young children and families
• The ability to work well with a team
• ServSafe certification (preferred)
• The ability to meet licensing background and training requirements
• Reliable transportation

3. Substitute Support Staff

Substitutes keep our classrooms covered and running smoothly. You'll step into rooms across all age groups during breaks, absences, and transitions, keeping kids safe and supervised and their routines consistent. You won't plan lessons. You'll follow the plans and direction of the classroom teachers and the Director.

You'll report to: Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and the Director

Supervision and safety

• Follow and enforce safety procedures for kids and staff
• Report unsafe situations right away to a teacher or the Director
• Keep teacher-to-child ratios in place
• Stay actively present with the kids, where they can see and hear you
• Never leave a child alone or unattended
• Cover classrooms during breaks, absences, and transitions

With the kids

• Follow the daily routines and schedules the classroom teachers set
• Carry out activities and guidance strategies planned by classroom staff
• Help with toileting, diapering, handwashing, and hygiene
• Use Sunshine Academy's positive guidance techniques
• Help kids work through conflicts in age-appropriate ways
• Encourage independence, self-help, self-regulation, and coping skills
• Help with meals, snacks, rest time, and transitions
• Notice and give positive attention when kids are doing well

With your team

• Work closely with Lead and Assistant Teachers
• Model professionalism, respect, and integrity
• Keep communication open with classroom staff and the Director
• Keep staff and family information confidential

Licensing and general duties

• Follow all Montana licensing regulations and Health Department requirements
• Take part in emergency drills and safety procedures
• Follow Sunshine Academy policies and keep spaces clean
• Attend staff meetings
• Take on other duties as assigned

What we expect every day: reliable attendance, punctuality, good personal hygiene, and a gossip-free, drama-free attitude.

You'll need:

• To be 18 or older
• Current membership on the ECP Practitioner Registry, kept current through required training hours
• Current infant, child, and adult CPR; infant choking response; and standard and pediatric first aid (hands-on training required)
• To complete facility overview training, and early childhood staff orientation within 30 days of hire
• The ability to lift 45 lbs and move easily up and down from the floor
• Language skills strong enough to communicate clearly with children and adults
• Good moral character
• Physical, emotional, and mental readiness for the essential duties of the role
• Current MMR and Tetanus immunizations
• To complete any training The Sunshine Academy requires

4. Full-Time Float / Janitor
Full-time · No nights, no weekends

If you like variety, this role gives you plenty. Part of your day is spent in classrooms, covering wherever a teacher needs you. The rest goes to keeping our building clean, safe, and ready for kids, up to Montana licensing and Health Department standards.

In the classroom, you'll:

• Cover classrooms across all age groups during breaks, absences, and transitions
• Support Lead and Assistant Teachers with daily routines
• Keep ratios in place and stay actively present with the kids
• Carry out activities and guidance strategies planned by classroom staff
• Help with toileting, diapering, handwashing, meals, snacks, rest time, and transitions
• Use Sunshine Academy's positive guidance techniques
• Never leave a child alone or unattended, and report unsafe situations right away

Around the building, you'll:

• Keep the facility clean, sanitary, and organized throughout the day
• Clean classrooms, bathrooms, common areas, and high-touch surfaces daily
• Empty trash, replace liners, and manage recycling
• Sweep, mop, and vacuum
• Restock paper goods, soap, and cleaning supplies
• Support deep-cleaning and disinfecting required by licensing and the Health Department
• Report maintenance, equipment, or safety issues to the Director
• Help with emergency drills, safety procedures, and inspection prep

You'll need:

• To be 18 or older
• Membership on the ECP Practitioner Registry
• CPR/First Aid certification, or a willingness to get it (we'll help)
• The ability to lift 45 lbs and move easily up and down from the floor
• Current MMR and Tetanus immunizations
• Reliability and an eye for detail
• The ability to meet licensing background and training requirements

Who thrives here (all positions)

People who do well here bring positive energy and professionalism to work every day. They take safety and accountability seriously, they're happy with both structure and play, and they step in when the team needs them. If that sounds like you, we'd like to talk.

What you get

• Employee childcare tuition discount
• Professional development assistance
• Paid training
• Referral program
• A supportive team and real room to grow

Schedule

• No nights
• No weekends
• Full-time and part-time shifts available (see open positions above)

Why our teachers stay

They stay because they're seen, supported, and valued. Leadership has their back, the team works together, and the work feels meaningful again.

Ready to join us? Apply today. We're hiring now, and we'd love to meet you.

Job types: Full-time, Part-time · Work location: In person

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14 - $20