Afterschool Group Leader

Department: Child Development – Before/After School | Location: North Suburban YMCA (Burlington)

About the role

Under the supervision of the Site Director/Program Administrator, the Group Educator plans and implements classroom curriculum, provides homework assistance, communicates information to families, and maintains a safe, healthy, warm, engaging, and attractive environment. The Group Educator serves as a liaison between the school day teacher and parent to support the academic and social‑emotional success of the students in their classroom. The educator conducts him/herself in a caring, responsible, honest, and respectful manner and is a role model for colleagues, program participants, and families, with a focus on programming that promotes healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver group/program curricula that foster growth in cognitive skills, self‑awareness, group relationships, and character development.
• Ensure adherence to EEC licensing standards and perpetuate an inclusive culture.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding child progress and program activities.
• Maintain a program environment that is safe, healthy, and engaging.
• Provide a developmentally sound program offering positive channels for children to grow, learn, and develop to their full potential.
• Design and maintain program space, facilities, and supplies in collaboration with the Site Director.
• Assist the Site Director with assessments including progress reports, parent surveys, and program self‑assessments.
• Deliver a well‑balanced curriculum of planned learning experiences supporting social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
• Use positive, constructive methods of child guidance and ensure all staff do the same.
• Supervise children and manage smooth transitions to promote safety and appropriate behavior.
• Follow all rules, regulations, and procedures set by the YMCA of Greater Boston, the branch location, and the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

Qualifications (must meet one of the following):

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree plus three months of experience working with school‑age children.
• High school diploma (or equivalent) plus six months of experience with school‑age children, including three months of supervised experience at a school‑age child care program.
• Nine months of experience with school‑age children, including three months of supervised experience at a school‑age child care program.

Note: Experience must be a minimum of 12 hours per week; if less than 12 hours/week, every block of 50 hours counts as one month.

Core Requirements:

• Keep the safety of children as the first priority; emphasize personal safety and emotional well‑being with children, parents, and staff.
• Adhere to YMCA of Greater Boston, branch, and Department of Early Education and Care rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ensure supervision of children and manage smooth transitions to promote safety and appropriate behavior.
• Work with the Site Director on program space design and maintain facility and supplies at all times.
• Assist with assessments (progress reports, parent surveys, program self‑assessment) throughout the year.
• Provide a well‑balanced curriculum of specific, planned learning experiences supporting all developmental domains.

Pay

$16.50 – $22.00 per hour

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater Boston offers a fulfilling career with a healthy work/life balance and comprehensive benefits:

• FREE YMCA membership for you
• Discount on Specialty Programs (e.g., Personal Training, Swimming Lessons)
• Discounted or FREE family membership
• Robust Retirement Plan up to 10% (see eligibility requirements)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package
• Vacation and Sick Time (part‑time employees receive sick time)
• Career training programs and leadership development opportunities