Extended Care Instructor

Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Paid time off

Training

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center, Inc. in Newark, NJ is seeking an energetic Extended Care Instructor to provide high-quality after-school care in a safe, nurturing environment that supports social-emotional development.

You will lead engaging activities, supervise transitions, and help children unwind, connect with peers, and learn through play, while communicating professionally with families and colleagues.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children in school, child care, camp, recreation, youth-development, or community setting.
• Strong understanding of or commitment to supporting social-emotional development in group settings.
• Enthusiasm for planning and leading hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Ability to maintain appropriate expectations while building warm, responsive relationships with children.
• Dependability, sound judgment, flexibility, and strong communication skills.
• Successful completion of all required background checks, health clearances, and program training.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging activities that may include art, literacy, STEM, music, movement, games, and outdoor play.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and emotionally supportive environment where children can unwind, build friendships, and develop positive social skills.
• Promote healthy social-emotional development by modeling respectful communication, supporting conflict resolution, and encouraging empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation.
• Maintain active supervision and account for children throughout activities, transitions, meals, and dismissal.
• Use positive, age-appropriate guidance strategies to support appropriate behavior, independence, and group participation.
• Follow established schedules, lesson plans, safety procedures, and individual child-support information.
• Prepare activity materials and maintain clean, organized, and inviting program spaces.
• Assist with snacks or meals and follow all health, sanitation, and food-safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with children, families, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Complete attendance, incident, dismissal, and other required program records accurately and on time.
• Participate in required training, meetings, and ongoing professional development focused on quality care and child development.

Skills

Social-emotional development

Creative activities

Child engagement

Communication skills

Dependability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in education valued

Job description

About Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center, Inc.

Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center, Inc. is a nonprofit early childhood education organization dedicated to preparing children for lifelong success through exceptional educational experiences, strong family partnerships, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children through a variety of high-quality early childhood programs designed to foster academic achievement, social-emotional development, and school readiness.

Our team is united by a commitment to professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and excellence. We believe that every child deserves educators who are knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to creating safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environments where children can thrive.

At Clinton Hill, we invest in our employees through professional development, coaching, and opportunities for growth while maintaining high expectations for performance and ethical conduct. We seek individuals who embrace continuous learning, demonstrate initiative, communicate with professionalism, and are passionate about making a lasting impact on children, families, and our community.

About the role

The learning day may be ending, but children still need a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they can continue to grow.

Clinton Hill is seeking an energetic and dependable Extended Care Instructor to provide high-quality care in an environment that promotes appropriate social-emotional development . In this role, you will support children as they transition from the school day into a structured, supportive, and joyful extended care setting where they can relax, connect with peers, and continue learning through play and exploration.

This position is ideal for someone who understands the importance of relationships, emotional safety, and consistent, positive interactions in helping children thrive beyond the classroom.

What you'll do

• Lead engaging activities that may include art, literacy, STEM, music, movement, games, and outdoor play.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and emotionally supportive environment where children can unwind, build friendships, and develop positive social skills.
• Promote healthy social-emotional development by modeling respectful communication, supporting conflict resolution, and encouraging empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation.
• Maintain active supervision and account for children throughout activities, transitions, meals, and dismissal.
• Use positive, age-appropriate guidance strategies to support appropriate behavior, independence, and group participation.
• Follow established schedules, lesson plans, safety procedures, and individual child-support information.
• Prepare activity materials and maintain clean, organized, and inviting program spaces.
• Assist with snacks or meals and follow all health, sanitation, and food-safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with children, families, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Complete attendance, incident, dismissal, and other required program records accurately and on time.
• Participate in required training, meetings, and ongoing professional development focused on quality care and child development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children in a school, child care, camp, recreation, youth-development, or community setting.
• Strong understanding of or commitment to supporting social-emotional development in group settings .
• Enthusiasm for planning and leading hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Ability to maintain appropriate expectations while building warm, responsive relationships with children.
• Dependability, sound judgment, flexibility, and strong communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respond constructively to feedback.
• Successful completion of all required background checks, health clearances, and program training.

College coursework or credentials in education, early childhood education, child development, recreation, social work, or a related field are valued.

At Clinton Hill, extended care is more than supervision—it is a critical part of a child’s day where high-quality care and intentional support for social-emotional development help children feel safe, valued, and successful.

You will join a team committed to creating enriching environments where children build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop lifelong skills.

• Eligible employees may receive benefits, paid time off, training, and opportunities for continued growth.

Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to children, families, and the Newark community.