Before & After School Care Instructor

Crossroads YMCA•Whiting, IN

About The Position

The Before & After School Care Instructor supports elementary-aged children before and after school by providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment. The instructor supervises children, leads age-appropriate games, crafts, STEM activities, outdoor play, and enrichment experiences, assists with homework, encourages positive social interactions, and builds relationships with children, families, school staff, and coworkers. The role also involves ensuring proper sign-in and sign-out procedures, verifying authorized pickups, maintaining required documentation, following program policies and licensing requirements, and participating in meetings and training. This is an active position requiring patience, flexibility, sound judgment, and consistent attention to children's safety. The stated pay starts at $12.00 per hour, with higher pay based on experience.

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.
Patience, flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to stay calm and manage multiple priorities while maintaining children's safety.

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 pickup.
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 multiple children and adapt to changes in schedules, weather, or activities while maintaining safety and program expectations.