Program Leader - After-school Care

Colorado Psychiatric; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado Psychiatric in Arvada seeks an After-School Program Leader to create a safe, welcoming environment for school-age children. You will supervise, support homework, and lead enrichment activities while ensuring proper ratios and adherence to Colorado licensing rules.

The role emphasizes positive guidance, communication with families, and collaboration with the Program Director. You will participate in staff meetings, maintain documentation, and help maintain a clean, developmentally

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to work effectively with school-age children.
• At least three months/455 hours of verified experience in care and supervision of four or more children over age four; or hold an Early Childhood Credential Level I or higher Version 3.0.
• Complete required background-check and employment requirements before working with children.
• Complete required Colorado licensing orientation and training within timeframes.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid and other certifications applicable to the position.
• Staff must receive training regarding school-age child care rules and related regulations within the required timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Provide active, direct supervision of school-age children at all times.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and group-size requirements.
• Follow Colorado licensing rules and regulations for School-Age Child Care Centers.
• Create a safe, respectful, inclusive, and positive environment for all children.
• Greet children and assist with transitions from school to after-school program.
• Implement daily activities including homework support, arts/crafts, games, and outdoor play.

Skills

Supervision of children

Communication with families

Teamwork skills

Behavior management

Adaptability

Education

Early Childhood Credential Level I or higher (Version 3.0)

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Position Summary, Duties and Responsibilities

The After-School Program Leader is responsible for providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for school-age children participating in the after-school program. The Program Leader will supervise children, implement developmentally appropriate activities, support children's social and emotional needs, assist with homework and enrichment activities, and maintain compliance with Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licensing requirements and program policies.

The Program Leader serves as a positive role model and is responsible for maintaining appropriate supervision, safety, and child-to-staff ratios at all times.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide active, direct supervision of school-age children at all times.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and group-size requirements.
• Follow all Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing rules and regulations applicable to School-Age Child Care Centers.
• Create and maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and positive environment for all children.
• Greet children as they arrive and assist with the transition from the school day into the after-school program.
• Implement daily activities including: homework support, arts and crafts, games and recreational activities. indoor and outdoor play, enrichment activities, and special activities and programs
• Provide and supervise daily snack according to program policies
• Encourage positive peer relationships and appropriate behavior.
• Use positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior-management strategies.
• Communicate respectfully with children, families, and coworkers.
• Monitor children’s attendance and maintain accurate supervision/accountability of children throughout the program.
• Follow all emergency, safety, health, and incident-reporting procedures.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate program environment.
• Complete required documentation and participate in required staff meetings and training.
• Follow all confidentiality requirements regarding children and families.
• Support the Program Director with daily program operations as assigned.
• Report safety concerns, injuries, behavioral concerns, or other incidents to the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform other duties related to the operation of the after-school program as assigned.

Required Qualifications

- The applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with school-age children.
• At least three months/455 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children over age four who are not related to the individual; or hold a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher, Version 3.0, as determined by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
• Successfully complete all required background-check and employment requirements before working with children.
• Complete required Colorado licensing orientation and training within applicable timeframes.
• Maintain required CPR/First Aid and other required certifications/training applicable to the position.
• Colorado regulations also require staff to receive training regarding the school-Age Child Care rules, General Rules for Child Care Facilities, and applicable Special Activities rules within the required timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in an after-school, school-age, recreation, camp, youth program, or childcare setting.
• Experience leading activities for children ages 5–12.
• Experience with homework assistance and enrichment programming.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple children and activities in a busy after-school environment.
• Experience using positive behavior-support and conflict-resolution strategies.
• CPR/First Aid certification.

Education and Experience

Meet at least one of the Colorado School-Age Child Care Program Leader qualification pathways:

At least three months/455 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children over age four who are not related to the individual; or hold a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher, Version 3.0, as determined by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

At least three months/455 hours of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children over age four who are not related to the individual; or hold a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher, Version 3.0, as determined by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

Successfully complete all required background-check and employment requirements before working with children.

Work Environment

• Work may take place in both indoor and outdoor environments, with exposure to varying weather conditions including sun, heat, cold, snow, and humidity.
• Noise levels range from moderate to loud, often due to active children, group interactions, or busy transportation settings.
• The position may involve exposure to cleaning chemicals, chemically treated water, or other environmental irritants.
• Work may occur in environments with poor acoustics, distractions, or high activity levels.
• Occasional travel by vehicle may be required, with exposure to traffic, road construction, and varying road conditions.
• Some tasks will be performed in wet, humid, or damp environments, such as pools or aquatic facilities.

Physical Activities:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, or sit on the floor as needed during activities or tasks.
• Ability to reach, grasp, and handle small objects, tools, or equipment with precision.
• Ability to climb, crawl, or maneuver in tight spaces to complete maintenance or activity-related tasks.
• Requires adequate hearing to recognize and respond to sounds, signals, or distress in a variety of environments.
• Ability to maintain balance and coordination while assisting with physical activities or working on uneven terrain.
• Duties may require sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, bending, or stooping for extended periods of time.
• Ability to monitor participants, ensure safety, and respond to signals or emergencies.
• Ability to react quickly and appropriately to the physical needs or emergencies of children or participants.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking loudly, when necessary, in noisy or outdoor environments.
• Ability to work most of the day on your feet, performing both active supervision and hands-on tasks.

NOTE: This job announcement outlines the primary responsibilities, but there's always room to grow and shine as part of our team. This position may be involved in additional exciting projects as assigned.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, to apply. Our organization values the unique perspectives and experiences that a diverse workforce brings, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.