Group Leader/Teacher, Early Life COMPASS Elementary

Lutheran Social Services of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of New York is seeking a Group Leader/Teacher for the Early LIFE COMPASS Elementary after-school program in Bronx, NY. The role focuses on creating a safe, inclusive environment and delivering enrichment activities aligned with our mission.

Responsibilities include supervising children, implementing engaging activities across STEAM, literacy, arts, and SEL, and fostering family engagement while ensuring compliance with program standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate’s Degree or higher in Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, positive guidance strategies, and school-age program regulations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to plan and lead engaging activities for diverse groups of students.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, active supervision that ensures health, safety, and well-being of all children.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios per regulations.
• Implement trauma-informed and SEL-based behavior guidance techniques.
• Create daily routines and transitions supporting security and belonging.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher in Education/Child Development

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Bronx, NY 10453, Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time, Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.19 Hourly, POSITION: Group Leader/Teacher, Early LIFE COMPASS Elementary

REPORTS TO: Director of Early LIFE Center

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time

EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Non-Exempt / Hourly

SALARY: $18.00 - $20.19/hourly

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Group Leader/Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for school-age children participating in the after-school program. This role supports children academically, socially, and emotionally while delivering high-quality enrichment activities aligned with our mission, core values, and regulatory requirements. The Group Leader/Teacher models professionalism, creativity, and compassion, fostering a classroom culture where all children feel valued, supported, and inspired to learn and grow.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Classroom Leadership & Supervision

• Provide consistent, active supervision that ensures the health, safety, and well-being of all children at all times.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios in accordance with school-age program regulations.
• Implement behavior guidance techniques that are respectful, supportive, and aligned with trauma-informed and SEL practices.
• Create daily routines and structured transitions that support children’s sense of security and belonging.

2. Instruction & Enrichment Delivery

• Plan and facilitate engaging activities across key program areas, including:
  • STEAM & Robotics
  • Homework Support & Academic Enrichment
  • Financial Literacy
  • Creative Arts, Theatre, and Music
  • Health, Wellness, and Movement
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Adapt instruction to meet the developmental needs, learning styles, and interests of diverse learners.
• Foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking through project-based and hands-on learning experiences.

3. Social-Emotional Support & Relationship Building

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, encouraging confidence, empathy, and self-expression.
• Support children in developing social skills, conflict resolution strategies, and peer collaboration.
• Implement inclusive practices that welcome and support children of all abilities, including those with special needs or sensory considerations.

4. Family & Community Engagement

• Greet families daily and maintain positive communication that reflects warmth, respect, and professionalism.
• Share updates on children’s progress, successes, and challenges in alignment with program communication practices.
• Participate in family engagement events, exhibitions, performances, and community activities as needed.

5. Compliance & Program Standards

• Ensure full compliance with state and local school-age childcare regulations, including safety protocols, documentation, attendance procedures, and program quality standards.
• Complete required incident reports, health checks, and daily logs accurately and promptly.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards at all times.
• Participate in required professional development, including mandated training in health and safety, CPR/First Aid, child development, and behavior management.

6. Collaboration & Professional Conduct

• Work collaboratively with co-teachers, specialists, and program partners (e.g., STEM, arts, martial arts instructors).
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions as scheduled.
• Contribute to a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture that reflects the values of Inclusion, Support, Growth, Community, and Innovation.
• Demonstrate reliability, integrity, and commitment to excellence in all aspects of work.

CORE VALUES ALIGNMENT:

Inclusion:

Creates a welcoming environment where all children feel safe, respected, and represented.

Support:

Encourages the overall well-being of children through nurturing interactions and individualized attention.

Growth:

Provides enriching activities that challenge students academically, socially, and creatively.

Community:

Builds strong relationships with families, colleagues, and partners to strengthen the program’s community impact.

Innovation:

Incorporates creative teaching strategies, technology, hands-on learning, and modern enrichment tools to engage children meaningfully.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate’s Degree or higher in Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, positive guidance strategies, and school-age program regulations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to plan and lead engaging activities for diverse groups of students.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience with STEAM, arts, theatre, music, robotics, or fitness programming.
• Experience working in inclusive or special needs settings (e.g., Autism Fitness or adaptive programming).
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, SEL frameworks, and culturally responsive practices.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with school-age children in an after-school, camp, or educational setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to actively participate in movement-based activities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, or floor engagement during activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a school classroom or community center setting.
• Interaction with children, families, staff, and external program partners.
• Afternoon and early evening hours required; extended hours for special events as needed.