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After School Program Instructor Jobs in Saint Joseph, MI

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After School Program Instructor information

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How much do after school program instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for after school program instructor in Saint Joseph, MI is $19.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an after school program instructor do?

An After School Program Instructor supervises and engages students in activities outside regular school hours. Their responsibilities typically include planning educational or recreational activities, helping with homework, ensuring student safety, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment. They often work with children of various ages, supporting their social, emotional, and academic growth. Instructors also communicate with parents and school staff to coordinate programming and address any concerns. The role requires strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an after school program instructor?

To thrive as an After School Program Instructor, you need experience working with children, a basic understanding of child development, and often a relevant degree or certification in education or youth services. Familiarity with classroom management software, activity planning tools, and first aid certification are commonly required. Patience, creativity, strong communication, and adaptability help you engage students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills ensure that instructors can effectively support students' academic and social growth while maintaining a safe, enriching program.

What are some common challenges faced by after school program instructors, and how are they typically addressed?

After School Program Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of students with varying needs and energy levels after a long school day. Balancing structured activities with flexibility is key, as students may require both guidance and space to unwind. It’s common to collaborate with other instructors and staff to develop engaging lesson plans and address behavioral issues promptly and positively. Open communication with parents and school officials also helps ensure each child’s needs are met and fosters a supportive environment for both students and staff.

What is the difference between After School Program Instructor vs Youth Activities Coordinator?

AspectAfter School Program InstructorYouth Activities Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CPR/First AidHigh school diploma; experience in youth programs often preferred
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, after-school programsCommunity centers, recreational facilities, youth organizations
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, non-profits, after-school providersRecreation departments, youth service agencies, non-profits

While both roles involve working with youth in community or educational settings, the After School Program Instructor primarily focuses on supervising and engaging children during after-school hours, often following a set curriculum. The Youth Activities Coordinator typically plans, organizes, and manages a variety of youth programs and events, often with broader responsibilities in program development and community outreach.

What cities near Saint Joseph, MI are hiring for After School Program Instructor jobs?

Cities near Saint Joseph, MI with the most After School Program Instructor job openings:

Before & After School Care Instructor - Boston Location

La Porte County Family YMCA

La Porte, IN • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

POSITION TITLE: Before & After School Care Instructor/Caregiver

REPORTS TO: Program Leadership or Designee

SALARY/FLSA: Part Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

LEADERSHIP LEVEL: Leader

POSITION SUMMARY: The Before & After School Instructor/Caregiver provides direct supervision and care for children enrolled in La Porte County Family YMCA before and after school programs. This role supports the YMCA’s mission by creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that fosters youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Instructor/Caregiver serves as a positive role model, builds meaningful relationships with children and families, and partners with parents, school staff, and YMCA leadership to deliver high‑quality programming rooted in YMCA core values. Playfulness, creativity, and intentional guidance are essential to helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Provide direct supervision of assigned groups of children
  2. Plan and implement engaging, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate activities aligned with YMCA values
  3. Support children’s academic and social development, including homework assistance when applicable
  4. Ensure a safe, clean, and organized program environment that meets YMCA safety, nutrition, physical activity, and cleanliness standards
  5. Uphold and model the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
  6. Accurately sign children in and out, documenting pick‑up and drop‑off times
  7. Verify identification of authorized individuals picking up children
  8. Maintain positive, professional communication with parents, guardians, school staff, and YMCA colleagues
  9. Observe, document, and communicate children’s behavior, progress, and any concerns
  10. Complete attendance records, incident/accident reports, and disciplinary documentation as required
  11. Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, and expectations related to child safety, emergency response, medical situations, and child abuse prevention
  12. Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities
  13. Assist with YMCA initiatives and events, including annual campaign support when requested
  14. Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to departmental dress code
  15. Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations


YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values (Values). Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs (Community). Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive, working relationships with them (Volunteerism). Supports fundraising (Philanthropy).


Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. (Inclusion). Builds rapport and relates well to others (Relationships). Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations (Influence). Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively (Communication). Takes initiative to assist in developing others (Developing Others).


Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers leaning from one situation to another (Decision Making). Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience (Innovation). Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. (Project Management). Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. (Finance). Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. (Quality Results).


Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. (Self Development). Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process (Change Capacity). Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships (Emotionally Maturity). Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology (Functional Expertise).

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Minimum age: 16 years old
  2. Previous experience working with school‑age children preferred
  3. Ability to plan and lead age‑appropriate activities
  4. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
  5. Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
  6. Required certifications (completed within required timelines):
    1. CPR, First Aid, AED (and Oxygen if applicable)
    2. Child Abuse Prevention Training
    3. West Bend or other YMCA‑required insurance and safety trainings
  7. Ability to respond effectively to emergency and safety situations


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. Ability to actively supervise children, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds as needed
  2. Sufficient visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively with children and adults
  3. Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and focus in active environments
  4. Work environment may be moderately to loudly noisy and may involve indoor and outdoor activities, including extreme heat during summer months
  5. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions


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. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

EFFECT ON END RESULT:

This position directly impacts the safety, well-being, and overall experience of children enrolled in YMCA before and after school programs. Effective performance ensures a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where children feel supported and valued, contributing to their academic, social, and emotional development. Consistent supervision, positive relationship-building, and adherence to YMCA policies help maintain program quality, strengthen family trust, and support the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.