Job Description

Posting number: ASL2609

Department: Youth/Teen

Job classification: Program Leader - After-School Care

Posting type: Open

Categories: Recreation, Child Care

Summary

The After-School Program Leader is responsible for providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for school-age children participating in the after-school program. The Program Leader will supervise children, implement developmentally appropriate activities, support children’s social and emotional needs, assist with homework and enrichment activities, and maintain compliance with Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licensing requirements and program policies.

The Program Leader serves as a positive role model and is responsible for maintaining appropriate supervision, safety, and child-to-staff ratios at all times.

White van and white bus with Apex logo and aftercare program information

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide active, direct supervision of school-age children at all times.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and group-size requirements.
• Follow all Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing rules and regulations applicable to School-Age Child Care Centers.
• Create and maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and positive environment for all children.
• Greet children as they arrive and assist with the transition from the school day into the after-school program.
• Implement daily activities including: homework support, arts and crafts, games and recreational activities. indoor and outdoor play, enrichment activities, and special activities and programs
• Provide and supervise daily snack according to program policies
• Encourage positive peer relationships and appropriate behavior.
• Use positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior-management strategies.
• Communicate respectfully with children, families, and coworkers.
• Monitor children’s attendance and maintain accurate supervision/accountability of children throughout the program.
• Follow all emergency, safety, health, and incident-reporting procedures.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate program environment.
• Complete required documentation and participate in required staff meetings and training.
• Follow all confidentiality requirements regarding children and families.
• Support the Program Director with daily program operations as assigned.
• Report safety concerns, injuries, behavioral concerns, or other incidents to the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform other duties related to the operation of the after-school program as assigned.

Examples of duties

Required Qualifications - The applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with school-age children.
• At least three months/455 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children over age four who are not related to the individual; or hold a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher, Version 3.0, as determined by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
• Successfully complete all required background-check and employment requirements before working with children.
• Complete required Colorado licensing orientation and training within applicable timeframes.
• Maintain required CPR/First Aid and other required certifications/training applicable to the position.
• Colorado regulations also require staff to receive training regarding the school-Age Child Care rules, General Rules for Child Care Facilities, and applicable Special Activities rules within the required timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in an after-school, school-age, recreation, camp, youth program, or childcare setting.
• Experience leading activities for children ages 5–12.
• Experience with homework assistance and enrichment programming.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple children and activities in a busy after-school environment.
• Experience using positive behavior-support and conflict-resolution strategies.
• CPR/First Aid certification.

Qualifications

Meet at least one of the Colorado School-Age Child Care Program Leader qualification pathways:

• At least three months/455 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children over age four who are not related to the individual; or hold a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher, Version 3.0, as determined by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
• At least three months/455 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children over age four who are not related to the individual; or hold a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher, Version 3.0, as determined by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
• Successfully complete all required background-check and employment requirements before working with children.

Supplemental information

• Work may take place in both indoor and outdoor environments, with exposure to varying weather conditions including sun, heat, cold, snow, and humidity.
• Noise levels range from moderate to loud, often due to active children, group interactions, or busy transportation settings.
• The position may involve exposure to cleaning chemicals, chemically treated water, or other environmental irritants.
• Work may occur in environments with poor acoustics, distractions, or high activity levels.
• Occasional travel by vehicle may be required, with exposure to traffic, road construction, and varying road conditions.
• Some tasks will be performed in wet, humid, or damp environments, such as pools or aquatic facilities.

Physical Activities:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, or sit on the floor as needed during activities or tasks.
• Ability to reach, grasp, and handle small objects, tools, or equipment with precision.
• Ability to climb, crawl, or maneuver in tight spaces to complete maintenance or activity-related tasks.
• Requires adequate hearing to recognize and respond to sounds, signals, or distress in a variety of environments.
• Ability to maintain balance and coordination while assisting with physical activities or working on uneven terrain.
• Duties may require sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, bending, or stooping for extended periods of time.
• Ability to monitor participants, ensure safety, and respond to signals or emergencies.
• Ability to react quickly and appropriately to the physical needs or emergencies of children or participants.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking loudly, when necessary, in noisy or outdoor environments.
• Ability to work most of the day on your feet, performing both active supervision and hands-on tasks.

NOTE: This job announcement outlines the primary responsibilities, but there’s always room to grow and shine as part of our team. This position may be involved in additional exciting projects as assigned.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, to apply. Our organization values the unique perspectives and experiences that a diverse workforce brings, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.