BEFORE SCHOOL - CHILDCARE SITE STAFF

MAINE RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department is seeking childcare site staff for the Before the Bell program. The role runs weekday mornings at Rowe, Presumpscot, Reiche, or Lyseth schools, 6:30am‑8:45am, about 12 hours per week during the 2026‑2027 school year.

Work with Kindergarten through 5th grade students to provide safe, engaging activities. Applicants gain early‑morning program experience, with training available.

Qualifications

• Customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain order and enforce rules.
• Knowledge of recreational activities (games, sports, arts, crafts).
• Ability to direct activities and provide supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and program activities for Kindergarten through 5th grade students in the Before the Bell program.
• Maintain safety and order in a school setting and enforce rules.
• Deliver a positive, engaging morning program with a focus on character development, health and wellness, reading, and fun.

Job description

Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, Recreation Division

Approximately 12 hours per week for the 2026-2027 School Year; 6:30 am - 8:45 am, Monday - Friday. Participating schools are Rowe, Presumpscot, Reiche or Lyseth.

About the Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department: The Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department is comprised of 160 full-time and over 250 seasonal staff dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Portland, Maine. They achieve this by operating cultural venues, running community programs (including Before and After School, Swim Lessons, and Senior Adult programs), and maintaining public buildings, waterfront infrastructure, 70 parks, 40+ miles of trails, 13 cemeteries, and 30 playgrounds. Their diverse team, including Park Maintainers, Lifeguards, Event Managers, Horticulturalists, and many others, works collaboratively to provide spaces and opportunities for social connection, recreation, and community development.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives? Do you thrive in a fun and engaging environment?

Portland Recreation is seeking childcare site staff to join our Before the Bell program, which offers exciting and enriching activities for Kindergarten through 5th Grade students, right in their own school!

About The Program

Our Before the Bell Recreation Program is designed to give the children safe space to prepare for their day at school. With a variety of quiet group and individual activities, our program focuses on character development, health and wellness, reading, and of course, fun!

Why Join Us

Gain Valuable Experience for Your Future Career: Whether you’re aspiring to be a teacher, childcare provider, social worker, or youth sports coach, our program offers hands‑on experience that will prepare you for your future career. You'll develop essential skills and build a strong foundation for your professional journey.

Maybe you are a retiree that would like to work with kids in the mornings.

Learn About Parks & Recreation: Start your career journey in parks and recreation with an entry‑level role that offers a comprehensive understanding of the field. You'll gain insights into program planning, activity coordination, and community engagement, setting the stage for future growth.

Make a Positive Impact in Your Community: Be part of the solution by contributing to a program that makes our community a better place to live, work, and play. Your efforts will directly impact the lives of children and their families, fostering a sense of community and well‑being.

Stay Engaged and Energized at Work: If you thrive in a dynamic and interactive environment, our program is the perfect fit. Each day brings new activities and opportunities to engage with children, ensuring that your morning flies by.

Hours/Available Schedules

This is an ongoing school year program that could extend into summer camp work making it a year round position if desired.

Expected start date is upon completion of hire.

The required schedule is 6:30am-8:45 am Monday - Friday at Rowe, Presumpscot, Reiche or Lyseth schools

Please note there will be additional staff meetings and trainings throughout the year that would pertain to this position.

Requirements

Good customer service skills and ability to work with a diverse population.

Ability to maintain order and enforce rules and regulations and to impart enthusiasm in a positive and productive atmosphere.

Knowledge of a variety of recreational activities including games, sports, arts, crafts and group activities.

Ability to direct such activities. Initiative and willingness to learn a variety of additional recreational activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, program participants, school staff, and the general public.

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification or the ability to obtain within the first six months of appointment date. We are happy to train you for this so you can gain additional skills.

Applications accepted until filled.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary

Pay rate: $18.00 per hour.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at [e-mail] or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email [e-mail].