Afterschool Instructor - Heritage YMCA

YMCA of Orange County • Tustin, CA

5d • $17 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

We’re looking for a passionate and reliable Expanded Learning Program Afterschool Instructor to join our team at Heritage Elementary School in Tustin. This role plays a key part in providing safe, engaging, and enriching afterschool experiences for students in our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). An ideal candidate will bring a calm, grounded approach that offers consistency and reassurance to students. They will have experience working in environments where clear routines and structure are essential, and demonstrate a trauma-informed lens with sensitivity toward students navigating behavioral challenges or periods of change. The ideal candidate is committed to building trust and meaningful relationships with students and families, while also showing flexibility and professionalism when collaborating with diverse teams and school staff.

Requirements

• Previous experience working in a group childcare or classroom setting is required
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Patience, consistency, and a positive attitude
• Must meet all licensing requirements (including background check, drug screening, physical exam, TB test, etc.)
• Be over the age of 18
• Assistant: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Assistant: 6 months experience working with children preferred
• Teacher 1: 6 units in Child Development or a related field; and continuous enrollment in a minimum of 2 units per semester toward completion of 12 units required
• Teacher 1: 6 months working with children required
• Experience working with children ages 5-12, in a daycare, after-school program, or camp required. (6 months for Teacher 2 and 1 year for Teacher 3
• Teacher 2: 12 units in Child Development or a related field.
• Teacher 3: 12 college units with 6 units in Child Development an/or Education. 6 units may be in Psychology, Sociology, Recreation, Physical Education, Art, and Music. 15-hour preventative health practice certifications within 90 days of employment. Complete YMCA Core trainings within first 60 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Strong behavior management skills are highly preferred
• Background in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) or familiarity with special education strategies is a big plus

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and oversee curriculum-aligned activities for participants, including homework assistance, social-emotional learning, arts and crafts, STEM/STEAM, and physical education.
• Foster youth success through mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, actively encouraging program engagement and participation.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of programs, services, and activities to uphold participant safety, maintain program excellence, and always ensure a well-maintained facility or classroom environment.
• Support participants in making positive choices, implementing appropriate disciplinary actions when needed to create a stable and nurturing atmosphere conducive to their success.
• Communicate and work effectively with participants, staff, parents, school personnel, and community partners.
• Attend and actively participate in all required staff development workshops, meetings, and trainings.
• Record and maintain daily attendance and other documentation as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees