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Afterschool Program Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Afterschool Program Leader information

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How much do afterschool program leader jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for afterschool program leader in the United States is $15.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Afterschool Program Leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Afterschool Program Leader, you need experience in child development, lesson planning, and group supervision, often supported by a degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with classroom management software, activity planning tools, and basic first aid certification are commonly required. Strong communication, patience, creativity, and leadership skills help build positive relationships with students and staff. These abilities ensure a safe, engaging, and supportive environment that promotes learning and personal growth for children.

What are some common challenges Afterschool Program Leaders face when managing groups of children, and how can they be addressed?

Afterschool Program Leaders often encounter challenges such as maintaining engagement among children with diverse interests, handling behavioral issues, and ensuring the safety of all participants. Effective leaders address these challenges by planning a variety of age-appropriate activities, setting clear expectations for behavior, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Collaborating closely with co-leaders, teachers, and parents also helps create consistent support for students, making it easier to manage the group and address individual needs efficiently.

What does an Afterschool Program Leader do?

An Afterschool Program Leader is responsible for supervising and guiding children or youth during afterschool hours. They plan and implement engaging activities, such as arts, sports, homework help, and enrichment programs, to support students' development outside of regular school time. Additionally, they ensure a safe environment, foster positive relationships, and communicate with parents and school staff about student progress and behavior.

What is the difference between Afterschool Program Leader vs Youth Activities Coordinator?

AspectAfterschool Program LeaderYouth Activities Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require CPR/First AidHigh school diploma; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, afterschool programsCommunity centers, recreational facilities, schools
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and youth service organizationsRecreation departments, youth organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in youth supervision and program managementLearning about youth engagement and activity planning

Both roles involve working with youth in community or educational settings, but the Afterschool Program Leader typically focuses on supervising and managing structured afterschool activities, while the Youth Activities Coordinator often plans and organizes a variety of recreational programs. The roles share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related in the youth services industry.

More about Afterschool Program Leader jobs
What cities are hiring for Afterschool Program Leader jobs? Cities with the most Afterschool Program Leader job openings:
Infographic showing various Afterschool Program Leader job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,076 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
After School Program Leader, Grant (1770)

After School Program Leader, Grant (1770)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

Porter Ranch, CA

$18/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

As the center for community well-being, the Y envisions that every person in Los Angeles has a positive YMCA experience that will change their lives and our community for the better. Through its three areas of impact—youth development, healthy living, and social impact—the YMCA partners with schools across the greater Los Angeles area to deliver high-quality, grant-funded before and after school programs that support the whole child. The Program Leader, Grant, plays a vital role in this mission by creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for TK–6th grade students through academic and homework support, active play, enrichment clubs and positive youth development practices. Program Leaders build meaningful relationships with students, families, and school staff while leading hands-on activities that foster growth, belonging, and achievement. This is a seasonal, grant-funded position, that is school year based and that includes paid training and professional development. Additional opportunities for hours may be available during school breaks, such as summer day camp.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Nurtures children and youth through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
  • Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children and youth, following ratios based on specific program:
    • 1 staff to 10 children (grades ETK, TK, and K)
    • 1 staff to 20 children (1st grade and up).
  • No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.
  • Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
  • Actively supports the YMCA is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.
  • Planning and implementing classes based on a specific topic and skill mastery, culminating in an exposition/showcase at the end of the session.
  • Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance YMCA expectations.
  • Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child. Communicates with supervisor regarding child’s development.
  • Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents.
  • Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.
  • Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
  • Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
  • Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times.
  • Maintains positive relationship with parents, other YMCA team members and community partners. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings, as required.
  • Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
  • Demonstrate the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility when working with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
  • Demonstrate competencies in, and willingness to develop, in the Cause-Driven Leadership areas of Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Personal Growth.
  • All other duties as assigned.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

  • Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
    • Competencies Include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & Volunteerism
  • Building Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs
    • Competencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, & Inclusion
  • Leading Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community
    • Competencies Include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, & Program/Project Management
  • Developing & Inspiring Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
    • Competencies Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & Others

While all competencies are significant, the following are critical to success in this position:

  • Engaging Community
  • Inclusion
  • Functional Expertise
  • Emotional Maturity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • AGE: Eighteen years or older; Twenty-one (21) years or older for high school programs.
  • EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent
  • RELATED EXPERIENCE: Experience working with school-age children and leading skill based classes. Experience developing after school experienced focus around academics, recreation and enrichment.
  • SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values, communication skills, emotional maturity
  • CERTIFICATIONS: Current First Aid, Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications (or completed within 60 days of hire).
  • IMMUNIZATIONS: TB Test clearance (prior to first day working on a school campus).

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations
  • Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities
  • Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year
  • Job may include water-related activities
  • Ability to lift 30-35lbs

#1770