Activity Specialist, Early Life COMPASS Elementary
About The Position
The Activity Specialist supports the daily operation of the Early LIFE COMPASS Elementary school-age classroom and leads enrichment activities in a specialty area such as arts, STEAM, financial literacy, fitness, technology, dance, drama, music, or robotics. The role delivers high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that supports children’s academic, social-emotional, and creative growth. The Activity Specialist works with the Group Teacher/Leader and Program Director to maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment aligned with organizational values. The position is part-time, non-exempt, and hourly, with a pay range of $17.00–$19.23 per hour. Work is primarily on weekday afternoons during after-school hours, with additional hours potentially required for training, planning, or family engagement events. The role is located at Early LIFE Gates in Brooklyn, New York.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience working with school-age children in a classroom, camp, or youth development setting.
- Demonstrated skill or interest in at least one enrichment specialty area, such as arts, STEAM, sports, or technology.
- Warm, patient, energetic, and child-centered approach.
- Strong communication skills and willingness to work collaboratively.
- Ability to maintain a safe and organized learning environment.
- Ability to stand, walk, sit on the floor, and actively engage with children.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to participate in recreational or movement-based activities depending on specialty area.
Nice To Haves
- Some college credits in education, child development, youth development, or a related field.
- Coursework in education, psychology, recreation, the relevant specialty area, or a related field.
- Experience delivering structured enrichment lessons or leading group activities.
- CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it.
- Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and inclusive education.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Group Teacher/Leader with supervising and supporting students during classroom routines, transitions, and enrichment activities.
- Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and provide active supervision.
- Support homework help, literacy time, independent learning, and group activities.
- Reinforce classroom expectations through positive guidance, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning strategies.
- Plan and lead enrichment sessions in a specialty area.
- Coordinate with community partners and service providers to implement activities.
- Design hands-on, inclusive, engaging activities aligned with program goals, incorporating creativity, innovation, social-emotional learning, and project-based learning.
- Adapt activities for diverse learners, including children with disabilities or sensory needs.
- Prepare materials and supplies and maintain an engaging learning environment.
- Model empathy, self-awareness, emotional expression, and teamwork.
- Assist with conflict resolution, problem-solving, and behavior support.
- Recognize and respond to individual student needs using trauma-informed and inclusive practices.
- Help ensure classroom compliance with licensing, health and safety requirements, and organizational standards.
- Follow sign-in/out, attendance, incident-reporting, emergency-drill, and supervision protocols.
- Keep spaces clean and organized and sanitize materials as needed.
- Promptly report concerns to the Group Teacher/Leader or Program Director.
- Greet families and support positive, professional interactions; refer questions or concerns to the Group Teacher/Leader or Program Director as needed.
- Demonstrate respect, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
- Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, trainings, and professional development.
- Coordinate schedules and activities with the teaching team and partner providers.
- Reflect on practice and seek constructive feedback to improve.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
