School Age Worker

About the role

The School-Age Worker is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a variety of educational and recreational activities for school-aged children in before and after-school and summer programs. This role involves creating a safe and engaging environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children.

Responsibilities

• Aid in implementing age-appropriate activities and curriculum that align with educational standards and objectives.
• Organize and lead a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, games, and educational projects.
• Ensure activities are inclusive and cater to the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• Supervise children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Implement and enforce safety rules and procedures that prevent accidents and injuries.
• Administer basic first aid and respond to emergencies following established protocols.
• Foster a positive and nurturing environment that supports the emotional and social development of children.
• Implement positive behavior management techniques.
• Communicate with parents and guardians about children’s behavior and progress.
• Provide regular updates on children’s progress, activities, and any concerns.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities, and stay current with best practices in childcare and education.
• Report any incidents, injuries, or concerns to the school-age teacher and school-age manager.
• Assist in the preparation and distribution of program materials and supplies.
• Support the school-age teacher to maintain a record of each child's development including narrative descriptions, samples of work, and notes concerning any communication.
• Maintain an open and effective communication with parents, guardians, and other staff members.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of activity areas and equipment.
• Responsible for willingness to be flexible to perform other job-related tasks as the need arises to maintain a quality program.

Requirements

• At least 19 years of age and at least five years older than the oldest child with whom they work.
• Thirty semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credit from an accredited college or university with six semester hours (or nine quarter hours) related to school-age child care, child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields;
• Or 1560 clock hours of experience in a recreational program or licensed day care center serving school-age children or a license exempt school-age child care program operated by a public or private school, and six semester hours (or nine quarter hours) of credit from an accredited college or university related to school-age child care, child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields;
• A high school diploma or equivalency certificate plus 3120 clock hours of experience in a recreational program, kindergarten, or licensed day care center serving school-age children or a license exempt school-age child care program operated by a public or private school.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Organizational skills to plan and implement activities and manage schedules.
• Patient, creative, and positive attitude to engage children in a variety of activities and handle any behavioral issues.

Physical Demands

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Physical ability to engage with children in various activities, including standing, walking, and participating in physical play.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Internal office space.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Screenings
• The applicant must submit to a criminal background check and adult abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.
• The applicant must submit MMR, Tdap and pass a TB and immunization health screen upon hire and update TB/physicals as required by the licensing standards.
• Additional Requirements
• Extended work hours beyond 40 hours/week when necessary, including evenings, weekends and for special events.
• Flexibility with schedule as requested.
• Overnight trips maybe required as necessary.