Before and After School Group Leader

AlphaBEST Education, Inc; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-time benefits including health

Employee referral program

Program tuition discounts

Job summary

AlphaBEST Education is seeking a Group Leader for its Before & After School Programs in Highland Park, IL. This part-time role covers morning and after-school shifts with no weekends, starting at $18 per hour.

You will guide small groups through world languages, STEAM, fitness, Maker, and arts while prioritizing child safety and inclusive environments. Requirements include a HS diploma and state licensing clearance; CPR/First Aid is required or obtainable.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 19 years old and have full state clearance.
• Registered with state childcare licensing agency.
• Experience in teaching or youth programs preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of students through daily curriculum activities.
• Maintain safety as the top priority in all activities.
• Build relationships with families, teammates, and school staff.
• Keep classroom space clean and organized.
• Support classroom leadership and supervision.

Skills

Teaching or classroom leadership

Staff supervision

Flexible / reliable

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree or AS/AA in related field

1-year credential related to school-age care

20 credits training + 1 year teaching experience

2+ years teaching experience in child care

Tools

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Position Summary

AlphaBEST Education is hiring for a Group Leader role for the Before & After School Programs. The position is part‑time, with shifts from 6:00‑8:30 a.m. and 2:45‑6:00 p.m. No weekends.

Pay starts at $18 per hour. Qualified candidates will receive part‑time benefits and other perks.

School year: 2026/2027. Location: Highland Park, IL.

About the Role

As a Group Leader, you will lead a group of students through daily curriculum activities such as World Languages, STEAM, Fitness, Maker, and Arts. You will make child safety the top priority and help create an environment where kids feel supported and included.

Additional responsibilities include keeping the space clean and organized, building relationships with teammates, families, and school staff, and supporting classroom leadership.

We’re looking for an early learning professional who:

• Enjoys working with children in a structured, high‑energy environment.
• Takes child safety seriously and follows procedures closely.
• Is flexible, reliable, and ready to jump in wherever needed.

Ideal Experience

• Teaching or classroom leadership.
• Experience in youth programs.
• Staff supervision or team leadership.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 19 years old.
• Registered and have full clearance from the state childcare licensing agency.
• Proof of experience required: one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA in a related field) or Associate’s degree (AS/AA in a related field).
  • 1‑year state or nationally recognized credential related to school‑age care.
  • Completion of 20 credits (semester) or 30 credits (quarter) of training at a college/university AND at least 1 year of qualifying teaching experience in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program.
  • 2 or more years of qualifying teaching experience (with at least one year as a teacher) in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to work in a classroom setting with regular bending and lifting (up to 25 pounds).

Benefits & Pay

• $18.00 per hour.
• Part‑time benefits including health services available.
• Employee referral program—up to $150 for each successful new hire you refer.
• Deep discounts on program tuition—bring your school‑age child to work.

Schedule

No weekends. Part‑time shifts: 6:00‑8:30 a.m. and 2:45‑6:00 p.m.

About AlphaBEST Education

AlphaBEST Education provides extended day, summer, and enrichment programs designed to inspire and engage students beyond the school day. We are committed to boosting your potential and providing training and tools for your next career step.

Equal Opportunity

AlphaBEST is an Equal Opportunity Employer.