AfterCare Leader

Bennett Day School • Chicago, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Program Team Member plays a critical role in providing dynamic, engaging, and enriching experiences for students outside of the traditional school day. Bennett Day School is seeking energetic, flexible, and student-centered individuals who are deeply invested in a collaborative work environment. Auxiliary team members bring enthusiasm and creativity to their daily work, ensuring that participants have a fun, age-appropriate, and joyful experience in a safe and nurturing environment. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about youth development who prioritize student well-being and are excited to learn and implement positive classroom management techniques. Key Specialized Roles Candidates will be considered for one of the following specialized pathways based on their expertise and interest: STEM Expert: Leads and teaches hands-on, inquiry-based science, technology, engineering, and math programming across multiple grade levels (PreK–4th) to spark curiosity and problem-solving. Art Expert: Coordinates and supports creative expression, visual arts, design, and multi-grade creative projects (PreK–4th), encouraging self-expression and managing art materials. AfterCare Lead (PreK / JK): Manages daily care, structured play, and safe routines tailored specifically for our youngest early childhood learners. AfterCare Lead (SK / 1st Grade): Manages classroom behavior, oversees transition routines, organizes active group games, and recreational activities for kindergarten and first-grade students. AfterCare Lead (2nd – 4th Grade): Manages classroom behavior, oversees transition routines, guides older elementary students in balancing independent choice time, collaborative activities, and positive peer engagement.

Requirements

• Prior experience working with children in group settings (such as camp, after-school programs, childcare, or education).
• High energy, patience, enthusiasm, and a natural ability to prioritize the needs and safety of students.
• Exceptional flexibility and a positive attitude when navigating changes across different grade levels and environments.
• Willingness to receive feedback and actively learn new classroom management and student engagement techniques from teachers, directors, and other Bennett faculty.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate in a team atmosphere.
• Commitment to the continual development of one’s cultural competence.
• Physical strength to independently lift light equipment or materials (15–20 lbs) and move around active environments.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or Bachelor's degree or working towards a degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, engage with, and motivate a diverse group of students spanning PreK through 4th grade throughout the afternoon.
• Lead age-appropriate games, enrichment projects, and activities aligned with your specific path (STEM, Art, or age-group AfterCare).
• Establish routines, enforce safety procedures, and provide positive guidance for a respectful environment using school-approved classroom management techniques.
• Organize and conduct timely and smooth student arrival, transition, and dismissal/check-out procedures.
• Cultivate welcoming, first-class relationships with families, students, and staff through positive, professional daily interactions.
• Participate actively in staff training sessions and team planning meetings.
• Communicate daily regarding relevant information about students, staff, and early dismissal procedures.
• Maintain safe, organized, and clean programming spaces; other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree