Program Assistant - Elementary School Programs

Kids for the Future; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Horton’s Kids, Inc. in Washington, DC is seeking an Elementary Program Assistant to support after-school programming for elementary-aged participants. The role involves supervising groups, helping with homework, leading enrichment activities, and maintaining a safe, structured environment.

The position is part-time, with hours 3:30–6:30pm Monday to Wednesday, and some flexibility for related duties. A HS diploma and prior child experience are required; CPR/First Aid is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of prior experience working directly with children in elementary and/or middle school.
• Experience with children from similar backgrounds is preferred.
• Strong behavior management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to facilitate whole group and small group lessons.

Responsibilities

• Plan and assist with enrichment activities (arts, games, STEM, SEL).
• Implement PBIS strategies consistently across program time.
• Recognize and redirect challenging behaviors using positive approaches.
• Set up and clean up activity spaces before and after programming.
• Communicate professionally with parents/guardians and staff regarding participant needs.
• Serve as a positive, reliable role model for young children.

Skills

Behavior management

Communication

Patience & warmth

Teamwork

CPR/First Aid (plus)

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

• Location 2233 Hunter Place Southeast,Washington, DC, 20020,United States
• Base Pay $19.00 - $22.00 / Hour
• Employee Type PT Non-Exempt
• Manage Others No

About Horton's Kids

Horton’s Kids is a community-based organization working to drive positive change in the lives of 600 children and their families in grades K – 12 living in two of the most under-invested communities in southeast Washington, DC - Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks. These communities are home to children and families with big dreams and the potential needed to achieve them. However, decades of disinvestment and systemic racism have created unfair barriers to access for these families. Horton’s Kids works to remove these barriers, and even the playing field by providing comprehensive academic, social-emotional, health and wellness, and family and community engagement support. As an organization that exclusively serves people from low-income neighborhoods, we recognize that systemic oppression disproportionately impacts the most marginalized people in society, including BIPOC people, people with disabilities, people from low-wealth backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ+ people. We intentionally center these communities in our work and encourage people from these and other marginalized communities to apply for this position.

Position Summary

The Elementary Program Assistant plays a hands-on role in the daily operation of Horton's Kids' after-school programming for elementary-aged participants. This person should be equipped to run a group or program independently — supervising and engaging children, supporting homework help, leading enrichment activities, and maintaining a safe, structured, and encouraging environment, even without another staff member present.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• At least 1 year of prior experience working directly with children in elementary and/or middle school in either a classroom or OST setting.
• Experience working with children from a similar background to Horton’s Kids participants is preferred.
• Strong behavior management and relationship building skills.
• Ability to facilitate whole group and small group lessons.
• Comfortable working on a team, adapting quickly to changes, and receiving feedback

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and assist with enrichment activities (arts, games, STEM, social-emotional learning, etc.)
• Implement Positive Behavior Incentive Systems (PBIS) strategies consistently across program time
• Recognize and redirect challenging behaviors using positive, trauma-informed approaches
• Set up and clean up activity spaces before and after programming
• Communicate professionally and consistently with parents/guardians and full-time staff regarding participant needs, progress, or concerns
• Serve as a positive, reliable role model for young children

Qualifications

• Experience working with elementary-aged children (school, camp, childcare, or youth program setting preferred)
• Comfortable independently managing a small group (5–10 children)
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults (parents/caregivers and staff)
• Patience, warmth, and consistency in behavior management
• Available Monday–Wednesday, 3:30–6:30pm (some flexibility for related duties before/after program hours)
• Reliable transportation to HK centers/Hub
• CPR/First Aid certification a plus (or willingness to obtain)

Any offers made to candidates will be contingent upon undergoing standard screening requirements including an FBI background check, and Child Protection Register check. Must be 18 or older to apply. Horton’s Kids, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.