School-Age Childcare Head Teacher – Before & After School

About the role

Location: Horace W. Porter School in Columbia, CT. Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a School‑Age Childcare Head Teacher for our Before and After School Programs for the 2026–2027 school year. This is a part‑time, non‑exempt role that follows the school calendar.

Key success characteristics: loves working with children and helping them learn through play and positive experiences; brings energy, kindness, and patience to each day; enjoys encouraging children's curiosity, creativity, and confidence; works well with teammates and communicates effectively with families; reliable, organized, and committed to providing exceptional care.

Who thrives in this role: parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day; education majors or future teachers looking for hands‑on experience with children and classroom management; retirees who enjoy staying active, mentoring children, and giving back to the community.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate hands‑on activities following the Healthy Kids Curriculum which includes fitness, STEAM, academic, art, and other group activities as well as homework completion.
• Provide a safe, healthy, and fun environment and act as a positive role model for children in the program.
• Observe state guidelines, Healthy Kids Extended Day Program policies, and host school policies.
• Support program operations, which may include attendance records, registration, and staffing responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, at least 360 hours of documented, supervised experience in a family childcare home, childcare center, or group childcare home, and at least one semester of student teaching with preschool‑aged children.
• Current Center‑Based Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and at least 1,080 hours of documented, supervised experience working directly with children in a legally operating childcare center serving children through preschool.
• Minimum of 12 credits in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and at least 1,080 hours of documented, supervised experience in a qualifying childcare center.

Qualifications

• Must be medically cleared to perform all job duties and free of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis (TB).
• Demonstrates a warm, friendly, and positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills when working with children, parents, and team members.
• Maintain