Before & After School Care Instructor

Crossroads YMCA•Griffith, IN

About The Position

The Before & After School Care Instructor helps elementary-aged children start and end their school day with safe, positive, and engaging experiences. The role involves supervising groups of children, leading activities, assisting with homework, encouraging positive social interactions, and building relationships with children, families, school staff, and coworkers. Instructors maintain a clean and welcoming environment, follow program policies and licensing requirements, manage sign-in and pick-up procedures, document attendance and incidents, and participate in meetings and required training. This active position requires patience, flexibility, sound judgment, and consistent attention to children's safety. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, including in varying weather conditions.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, coworkers, and school staff.
Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
Willingness to complete required orientation, safety, CPR/First Aid, and ongoing training within established timeframes.
Ability to actively participate in children's activities, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and occasional running.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors, including during varying weather conditions.
Ability to observe, hear, and communicate effectively in a busy childcare environment.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with children is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise and engage groups of school-age children before and after school.
Plan and lead age-appropriate games, crafts, STEM activities, outdoor play, and enrichment experiences.
Assist children with homework and encourage positive social interactions.
Build positive relationships with children, families, school staff, and coworkers.
Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while following program policies and licensing requirements.
Ensure children are signed in and out properly and verify authorized individuals during pick-up.
Observe children's behavior, encourage positive choices, and address conflicts respectfully.
Maintain attendance, incident, and other required program documentation.
Participate in staff meetings, required training, and professional development.
Supervise children indoors and outdoors, adapting as schedules, weather, or activities change.