Youth Development Professional - TK & Kinder

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

3d • $20 - $29 • 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.
Our Values in Action:
Transformative Leadership: We aspire to transform possibilities into probabilities. By embodying emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and empathy, we foster positive change with humility, authenticity, and continuous self-improvement. What that looks like in this role: Supporting both students and colleagues with a team-first mindset, fostering a collaborative and positive environment that nurtures young learners. Every interaction should be guided by patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence to ensure children feel safe, valued, and encouraged. Modeling curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning through play-based experiences. By embracing challenges with creativity and adaptability, team members create meaningful moments that build confidence and inspire exploration.
Resilience: We approach every situation with a growth mindset, demonstrating flexibility and courage, reframing challenges as opportunities. We acknowledge our current state, embrace change, and adapt as needed, maintaining a solutions-oriented approach throughout our growth journey. What that looks like in this role: 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. Building trust with children, collaborating with colleagues, and adjusting approaches to meet developmental needs. Viewing obstacles as opportunities to enhance learning experiences, strengthen skills, and create a joyful, supportive space for early growth.
Youth Centered Approach: Every organizational action or maneuver is designed to directly impact and benefit the youth we serve. We value and prioritize the youth perspective, making decisions with a focus on their needs and well-being, rather than adult convenience. What that looks like in this role: 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 6 months of experience working with children ages 4–6 in a group setting (school, afterschool, preschool, summer camp, etc.)
• 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.

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

• Engaged Supervision – Maintain constant supervision and create a secure, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, comforted, and supported as they explore and grow.
• Facilitate Engaging Activities – Lead interactive, play-based learning experiences that encourage language development, sensory exploration, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.
• Adapt and Implement Lessons – 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.
• Create a Positive Learning Environment – Establish predictable routines, model positive behavior, and use gentle, proactive strategies to guide social skills, emotional expression, and conflict resolution.
• Build Positive Relationships – Foster trust and attachment by offering warmth, encouragement, and individualized attention that supports children’s emotional security and confidence.
• Manage Daily Operations – 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.
• Collaborate with Your Team – Work closely with colleagues to share observations, adjust strategies, and create a cohesive, developmentally supportive environment.
• Be Flexible and Support Where Needed – 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