Fall Youth Development Professional (After School) - TK & Kinder

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro•San Leandro, CA

9d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

As a Youth Development Professional, you’ll create a nurturing, playful, and engaging after-school environment where young children can explore, grow, and build confidence. Through hands-on activities, guided play, and positive reinforcement, you’ll support their early learning, social-emotional development, and foundational skills in a way that feels fun and exciting. This role directly contributes to Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro by fostering a safe and enriching space that promotes curiosity, creativity, and positive relationships. What makes this role unique is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood development, work with a diverse and supportive team, and make a lasting impact during one of the most critical stages of a child’s growth.

Requirements

Strong communication and collaboration skills
Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and emotional intelligence in working with young children
Ability to maintain a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate environment
CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing transitions, playtime, and structured learning with flexibility and patience.
High emotional intelligence and integrity, with a deep understanding of how to support early social-emotional development.
Ability to connect authentically with young children, building trust through warmth, consistency, and engaging interactions.
Extreme patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure, especially when helping children navigate big emotions, social conflicts, or new experiences.
High school diploma + 48 college semester units (˜ 2 years college), OR
High school diploma + an Associate’s (or higher) degree, OR
High school diploma + a passing score on the district’s Paraeducator/Paraprofessional Exam.
Negative TB screen required.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Education, or related field
Bilingual in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the community
Familiarity with play-based, trauma-informed, or social-emotional learning approaches
Multi-conversational language skills are a HUGE plus (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog).

Responsibilities

Maintain constant supervision and create a secure, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, comforted, and supported as they explore and grow.
Lead interactive, play-based learning experiences that encourage language development, sensory exploration, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.
Deliver hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities that build early literacy, math concepts, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation, adapting based on individual needs and interests.
Establish predictable routines, model positive behavior, and use gentle, proactive strategies to guide social skills, emotional expression, and conflict resolution.
Foster trust and attachment by offering warmth, encouragement, and individualized attention that supports children’s emotional security and confidence.
Oversee smooth transitions between activities, snack time, rest periods, toileting needs, and play, ensuring a structured yet flexible routine that supports young children’s development.
Work closely with colleagues to share observations, adjust strategies, and create a cohesive, developmentally supportive environment.
Step in to assist with various needs, including comforting children, modifying activities, or adjusting the day’s structure to ensure a positive and enriching experience.
Supporting both students and colleagues with a team-first mindset, fostering a collaborative and positive environment that nurtures young learners.
Embracing the energy and unpredictability of each day with patience and enthusiasm, staying positive and engaged despite challenges.
Creating a nurturing environment by setting clear expectations, using proactive strategies, and supporting young children as they learn to manage big emotions and new routines.
Prioritizing the safety, well-being, and development of every club member.
Building strong relationships by understanding each child’s interests and incorporating their voices into programming to maximize engagement.
Facilitating age-appropriate activities that promote educational growth while offering mentorship, patience, and guidance each day.
Advocating for and empowering young people, ensuring their needs and well-being remain at the heart of every decision.