Elementary Program Instructor

OAKLAND LEAF FOUNDATION•Oakland, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Elementary Program Instructor is the frontline heartbeat of Oakland Leaf's expanded learning program at the elementary level. This role is responsible for facilitating engaging, youth-centered academic and enrichment based activities for 20 elementary-age students. At Oakland Leaf, our work is rooted in three core enrichment focuses — Health & Wellness, Arts & Culture, and STEAM — brought to life through staff who build authentic relationships with every child, nurture students' social-emotional growth, and contribute to a site culture that is warm, inclusive, and full of life. Program Instructors at Oakland Leaf do not just supervise children. The Elementary Program Instructor structure, warmth, play, and patience every single day, showing up fully for students who are still learning what it means to be part of a community, navigate conflict, and discover what they love. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about working with young children, wants to make a real difference in the lives of Oakland youth, and is looking for a meaningful entry point into the field of youth development or education.

Requirements

Strong commitment to Oakland Leaf's mission and belief in the power of youth leadership and equity in education
Genuine enthusiasm for working with TK–5th grade students with the patience, warmth, and energy that elementary-age children need and deserve
At least 6 months of experience working with children or youth in a program, school, childcare, camp, or community setting, formal or informal experience considered
Ability to facilitate engaging group activities and manage group dynamics in a structured program environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships with students, families, and colleagues that are warm, professional, and consistent
Basic understanding of child development and age-appropriate expectations for elementary-age students
Reliability, punctuality, and follow-through; students and site teams depend on instructors showing up fully every day
High cultural competency and a commitment to building inclusive, youth-centered program environments
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must pass a background check in accordance with California law and Oakland Unified School District requirements
High school diploma or equivalent required

Nice To Haves

Expanded learning, school-based, or childcare experience a plus
Some college coursework in Child Development, Education, Youth Development, or a related field preferred
Units toward a Child Development Permit a plus

Responsibilities

Implement and facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive curriculum for assigned elementary student groups following Oakland Leaf's program framework and daily schedule
Prepare for activities in advance including gathering materials, reviewing curriculum lesson plan, and arriving ready to deliver a high-quality experience for students every day
Bring creativity, energy, and genuine enthusiasm to activity facilitation including facilitating experiences that spark curiosity, invite participation, and reflect the interests and identities of the students in the group
Deliver assigned curriculum with fidelity including any enrichment content, social-emotional learning activities, or structured programs assigned by the Site Coordinator/Manager.
Adapt activities in real time based on student engagement, group dynamics, and the natural energy of the afternoon staying responsive and flexible while maintaining structure and purpose
Build authentic, caring, and consistent relationships with every student in the assigned group including learning names, interests, strengths, and challenges, and showing up as a trusted adult presence every day
Create a group environment where every elementary-age student feels seen, welcomed, and excited to participate especially students who are shy, new to the program, or struggling to connect
Support students' social-emotional development actively helping them navigate friendships, conflict, frustration, and big feelings with patience, empathy, a restorative lens and developmentally appropriate guidance
Recognize and celebrate student strengths, efforts, and growth building confidence and a positive sense of identity in every child in the group
Maintain professional, warm, and culturally responsive relationships with families at pickup including communicating student highlights and concerns to the Site Coordinator/Manager as appropriate
Maintain active, attentive supervision of all students in the assigned group at all times ensuring every child is accounted for, safe, and appropriately engaged throughout the program day
Ensure an emotionally safe space for all students by maintaining strong behavior and classroom management that is restoratively and culturally responsive.
Follow Oakland Leaf's safety protocols for student transitions, outdoor activities, bathroom breaks, emergency procedures, and incident reporting
Respond to student injuries, illnesses, and safety concerns immediately and calmly notifying the Site Coordinator/Manager and following established protocols without delay
Contribute to a physically safe program environment by keeping activity spaces organized, hazard-free, and appropriate for the ages and needs of students served
Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to contribute every program day
Participate actively in site staff meetings, required training sessions, and professional development opportunities bringing a growth mindset and a collaborative spirit to every team interaction
Support daily site operations as directed by the Site Coordinator including activity transitions, space setup and cleanup, snack distribution, and end-of-day dismissal
Communicate student concerns, behavioral observations, and program challenges to the Site Coordinator/Manager clearly and promptly, never holding important student information until it becomes urgent
Contribute to a positive, inclusive site team culture supporting colleagues, celebrating wins, and approaching challenges with solutions rather than complaints