Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Program Director/Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising afterschool educational programming for elementary students (primarily grades K-5). This role includes curriculum oversight, classroom instruction, supervision and mentoring of teacher aides, data collection and reporting, family communication, and ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment. The position requires application of Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and adherence to organizational policies and best practices in education.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is performed primarily indoors in classroom settings and outdoors on playgrounds and recreational areas.
• Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to high due to the presence of elementary students (grades K-5) engaged in various activities.
• Work involves regular exposure to typical childhood illnesses and requires adherence to health and safety protocols.
• May be exposed to varied weather conditions during outdoor supervision (heat, cold, rain).
• Fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and the need to respond to multiple student and staff demands simultaneously.
• Work schedule is part-time during afterschool hours and early release days, Monday through Friday during the school year (October through May).
• May encounter emotionally challenging situations involving student behavioral issues, family concerns, or trauma-related disclosures.

Work Schedule

• Afterschool programming and early release days, Monday to Friday
• From October 1, 2025 through the end of May 2026 (2025-26 school year)
• There are 6 early release days during the 2025-26 school year
• Part-time schedule with 3-4 hour shifts after school Monday-Friday, with longer shifts on early release days

ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Youth Empowered to Prosper is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants and employees who require accommodation should contact Lisa Cobb, Executive Director to request an accommodation. The organization will engage in an interactive process to determine effective accommodations, absent undue hardship.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment with Youth Empowered to Prosper is at-will, and either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Youth Empowered to Prosper is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are essential to this position. Employees must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Plan and implement daily lesson plans based on prescribed curriculum for elementary students (grades K-5) in all subject areas.
• Use varied teaching methods and strategies appropriate to diverse learning styles and student developmental levels.
• Assess levels of student achievement through observations, assignments, and assessments; analyze results and prescribe actions for improvement.
• Oversee curriculum planning and assessment implementation for all afterschool program classrooms.
• Apply current trends, research, and best practices related to education in program design and delivery.
• Incorporate current technology into instruction as appropriate for student learning objectives.

Student Supervision and Classroom Management

• Maintain appropriate student supervision to ensure students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn.
• Handle student problems, concerns, and emotional distress with sensitivity and appropriate interventions.
• Apply knowledge of child growth and development and characteristics of students in assigned age group (grades K-5) to inform instructional decisions and behavior management.
• Supervise students during indoor classroom activities and outdoor recreational activities.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect student data including academic achievement, attendance, and behavioral incidents from the school district; measure and report individual and collective trends to Executive Director and families.
• Prepare written reports on student progress, program outcomes, and curriculum effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, behavior, and academic performance using written and/or electronic documentation systems.

Staff Supervision and Mentoring

• Monitor and mentor teacher aides with clear direction on how to support instruction and students.
• Provide guidance to teacher aides on curriculum implementation, student supervision, and behavior management.
• Supervise teacher aides, provide coaching and feedback, and assess aide performance.
• Collaborate effectively with teacher aides, program staff, and administrative staff.

Communication

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with students, parents, teacher aides, program staff, and administrators.
• Provide timely updates to families regarding student progress, behavior, and program activities through phone calls, emails, and written communications.
• Report incidents, safety concerns, and student issues to Executive Director in a timely manner.

Program Planning and Implementation

• Plan, establish priorities, and implement creative activities and techniques for maximum educational effectiveness.
• Oversee classroom instruction across all afterschool program classrooms.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, School Board policies and practices, and Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.
• Follow and enforce organizational policies and procedures consistently.

Professional Development

• Attend required training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain current knowledge of Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and Teacher Competencies.
• Stay current with educational trends, research, and best practices.

Marginal (Non-Essential) Functions

The following duties may be performed occasionally but are not fundamental to the position.

• Assist with general administrative tasks or program documentation.
• Participate in special organizational events or fundraising activities.
• Support setup and cleanup of classroom spaces or materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission of the afterschool program.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution.
• Valid Florida teacher certification in appropriate area.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience teaching in grades K-5 or relevant subject areas.
• Satisfactory Level 2 background screening as required by Florida law and drug screening.
• Valid CPR certification and valid first aid certification prior to start date or within 30 days of hire.
• Access to reliable transportation to report to work location as scheduled.
• Ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the position as outlined below.
• Knowledge of Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and Teacher Competencies.

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.

Frequent (more than 50% of work time):

• Stand and move throughout the classroom and outdoor activity areas for extended periods (up to 3-4 hours per shift).
• Use hands and fingers to handle and manipulate teaching materials, technology equipment, art supplies, and instructional resources.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with students, parents, teacher aides, and administrators; must be able to give clear instructions, provide feedback, and respond to questions.
• Observe and monitor student behavior, safety, and academic engagement; requires adequate vision to see activities throughout classroom and outdoor areas.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to interact with students at eye level, retrieve materials from storage, and assist students with activities.

Occasional (up to 50% of work time):

• Lift and carry instructional materials, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds (e.g., boxes of books, art supplies, instructional materials, student work).
• Sit at desk or table to complete lesson planning, grading, data entry, and administrative tasks.
• Walk on uneven surfaces during outdoor activities or playground supervision.
• Demonstrate physical activities during instruction or recreational time.

Rarely (less than 10% of work time):

• Move or rearrange classroom furniture or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Respond quickly to emergency situations involving students, including evacuations, medical emergencies, or behavioral crises.
• Assist students with mobility needs, which may require supporting or guiding a student weighing up to 75 pounds.

Mental Demands

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Exercise sound professional judgment in managing student behavior, addressing family concerns, making instructional decisions, and supervising teacher aides.
• Multi-task and maintain focus while supervising multiple students and teacher aides engaged in different activities simultaneously.
• Demonstrate patience, emotional regulation, and positive interactions when working with students who may exhibit challenging behaviors or diverse learning needs.
• Analyze student achievement data, identify trends, and develop appropriate interventions or instructional adjustments.
• Follow and apply Florida Educator Accomplished Practices, organizational policies, and educational best practices with consistency.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information, family circumstances, and personnel matters.
• Adapt quickly to changing student needs, behavioral situations, schedule adjustments, and program requirements.
• Provide clear guidance and mentoring to teacher aides while managing multiple supervisory and instructional responsibilities.
• Prioritize competing demands including instruction, supervision, data collection, family communication, and staff mentoring.

• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish or English/Haitian Creole).
• Experience with afterschool programming or extended learning programs.
• Training in trauma-informed practices or social-emotional learning.
• Experience supervising or mentoring teaching staff.