Before After School Program Assistant Teacher Jobs

Job Summary:

The Before & After School Program Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for school-age children enrolled in the Child Enrichment Center's Before & After School Program. This unique program is operated collaboratively between the Child Enrichment Center (CEC) and the Intergenerational Living Center (ILC), creating meaningful opportunities for intergenerational learning, engagement, and relationship-building. The Before & After School Program Teacher plans and facilitates educational, recreational, and enrichment activities that support children's academic, social, emotional, and physical development while promoting Harbor House's mission of inclusion, dignity, and empowerment. The teacher maintains a structured learning environment, encourages positive behavior, and ensures compliance with all licensing, health, and safety requirements.

Position Schedule:

• Seasonal position
• Split-shift schedule
• Typical hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday while school is in session
• Averages approximately 25 hours per week during the program season
• Paid weekly

Key Responsibilities

Child Supervision & Care:

• Provide direct supervision of school-age children during before- and after-school programming to ensure their safety, well-being, and engagement.
• Foster a welcoming, structured, and inclusive environment where children feel safe, respected, and encouraged to learn.
• Build positive relationships with children while promoting independence, self-confidence, responsibility, and positive peer interactions.
• Supervise indoor and outdoor activities while maintaining appropriate child-to-staff ratios.
• Ensure smooth daily transitions between school arrival, program activities, transportation, and parent or guardian pick-up.
• Monitor children at all times and respond promptly to individual needs.

Educational Programming & Enrichment:

• Plan, prepare, and implement age-appropriate educational, recreational, and enrichment activities that promote creativity, learning, and healthy development.
• Assist children with homework, reading, and academic skill development while encouraging critical thinking and independent learning.
• Organize structured group activities that promote teamwork, leadership, communication, and healthy lifestyles.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs and interests of individual children.
• Assist with seasonal programs, family engagement events, field trips, and special activities.

Behavior Management & Classroom Environment:

• Implement positive behavior guidance techniques that encourage appropriate behavior and reinforce positive choices.
• Maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations that support a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Utilize age-appropriate conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques when addressing behavioral concerns.
• Communicate behavioral concerns with the Childcare Site Director and collaborate on appropriate intervention strategies.

Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance:

• Maintain compliance with Kentucky childcare licensing regulations, Harbor House policies, and Child Enrichment Center procedures.
• Ensure classrooms, activity areas, playgrounds, and equipment remain clean, organized, and safe.
• Prepare and serve nutritious snacks while following food safety, sanitation, and allergy protocols.
• Monitor children for signs of illness or injury and respond appropriately to medical emergencies and incidents according to agency procedures.
• Complete required incident, accident, medication, and health-related documentation accurately and timely.

Documentation & Family Communication:

• Maintain accurate daily attendance, child records, and program documentation.
• Ensure all child sign-in and sign-out procedures are completed in accordance with program requirements.
• Communicate professionally with parents, guardians, school personnel, and Harbor House staff regarding children's progress, behavior, and daily activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of all child and family information in accordance with agency policies.

Team Collaboration & Professional Development:

• Collaborate with fellow teachers and Child Enrichment Center staff to provide consistent, high-quality programming.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Assist with classroom organization, preparation, and daily program operations.
• Support Harbor House and Child Enrichment Center events and activities as assigned.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and teamwork while contributing to a positive work environment.

Opening & Closing Program Responsibilities:

• Prepare classrooms and activity areas prior to children's arrival each morning.
• Welcome children and families while ensuring safe arrival procedures are followed.
• Supervise children's morning transition to school transportation.
• Oversee afternoon dismissal procedures and communicate important information with parents or guardians during pick-up.
• Secure classrooms, supplies, and program areas at the conclusion of each shift.
• Demonstrate flexibility in working split-shift schedules while maintaining consistent, high-quality care.

Qualifications & Skills:

· Associate’s degree preferred in childcare or in related field.

· Minimum of three-four years of experience working in a childcare setting with the following credentialing and certifications preferred:

Ø CCCC (Commonwealth Child Care Credential)

Ø CPR/First Aid

· Understanding of inclusive practices and experience working with children of varying developmental abilities.

· Ability to be team oriented.

· Commitment to and promotion of equity and inclusion practices.

Physical Requirements

· Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

· Ability to lift 25 lbs.