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

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

2d • 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

• High school diploma or GED
• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees