Youth Program Specialist
About The Position
The Youth Program Specialist role are Classroom teachers that play a central role in delivering high-quality literacy, academic enrichment, and culturally responsive programming rooted in the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School model. These roles combine classroom teaching, youth development, and family engagement to create a joyful, safe, and culturally affirming environment for K-8 elementary scholars. The Teacher integrates the CDF Freedom School’s Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), leads Harambee activities, cultivates a love of reading, and embeds social-emotional learning and identity-affirming instruction into daily practice. The teacher builds strong relationships with scholars and families, practices a trauma-informed and culturally sustaining approach, and collaborates closely with staff across BTWCSC to support whole-child and whole-family well-being. This position requires strong classroom management, instructional expertise, creativity, warmth, and a commitment to youth empowerment and literacy justice.
Requirements
- Valid Teaching Credential (Multiple Subject or equivalent).
- Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Education, Child Development, or related field strongly preferred.
- Minimum two years of experience working with young children (K–2nd), preferably in school or youth program settings.
- Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and the unique needs of Black, Brown, and marginalized communities.
- Ability to design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Strong classroom management rooted in compassion, structure, and youth empowerment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, staff, and community partners.
- Emotional maturity, integrity, and commitment to BTWCSC’s mission.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Food Safety/ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds and remain active throughout the shift.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Children’s Defense Fund’s Freedom School, culturally responsive teaching, or literacy intervention models.
- Experience working in community-based organizations or expanded learning programs.
- Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) a plus.
- Valid driver's license preferred.
Responsibilities
- Deliver daily lessons using the CDF Freedom School Integrated Reading Curriculum, supporting scholars’ literacy growth, social-emotional development, and cultural identity.
- Facilitate Harambee as a culturally grounded community-building practice—rooted in the Swahili concept meaning “all pull together” or “let’s work together”—that uses ritual, call-and-response, affirmation, and shared reflection to build collective joy, belonging, and accountability while strengthening students’ social-emotional readiness and engagement in learning.
- Create a safe, structured, and stimulating classroom environment that centers Black joy, belonging, and early childhood development.
- Develop age-appropriate lesson plans and enrichment activities aligned with Freedom School themes and BTWCSC values.
- Support students’ academic success through one-on-one, small-group, and whole-group instruction.
- Model positive behavior and foster consistent routines, expectations, and classroom rituals.
- Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers to support scholar progress and deepen family partnership.
- Implement culturally sustaining pedagogy that honors scholars’ lived experiences and cultural backgrounds.
- Support identity formation for young children, cultivating confidence, curiosity, and self-expression.
- Encourage leadership development through voice, choice, and cooperative learning structures.
- Promote emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy peer relationships.
- Set up and break down the classroom daily; maintain bulletin boards, learning stations, and student work displays.
- Support Level 1 program operations by collecting and documenting basic data, including attendance, participation notes, behavior observations, and supporting the administration of scholar and family surveys as directed.
- Supervise youth during transitions, playtime, field trips, meals, and enrichment blocks.
- Assist with snack distribution, safety protocols, attendance tracking, and emergency procedures.
- Support and participate in field trips, family engagement events, showcases, and center-wide activities.
- Collaborate with enrichment partners and support instructors in classroom management.
- Attend all required staff meetings, professional development, and Freedom School trainings.
Benefits
- 100% employer-covered health, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off, including 15 days of vacation, holidays, and Center seasonal breaks/closures
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Monthly wellness benefit after 90 days
- Access to daily hot meals and snacks
- Commuter benefits after 90 days
- Life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match (1% employee contribution required)
- Professional development opportunities, including conferences, seminars, webinars, and trainings
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
