Program Leader - Specialized Child Support

Foothills Park & Recreation District; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free recreation/fitness access

Free drop-in fitness classes

Flexible schedule

Accrued sick time

Wellness program points

Scholarship program

Job summary

Foothills Park & Recreation District is hiring a Program Leader - Specialized Child Support to support children with diverse needs in before/after school, summer camps, and preschool settings.

The role involves direct support, collaboration with families, and implementing individualized inclusion plans in District childcare programs at Governor's Ranch and Hutchinson Elementary Schools. A strong emphasis on safety, inclusivity, and professional development is required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Minimum 480 hours of verifiable full time or equivalent part-time experience working with children in similar settings.
• Ideal candidate will have education in behavioral health, counseling, education, social work, recreation therapy or related fields.
• Must meet State of Colorado DHS requirements including CBI and FBI background checks, TRAILS check, FEMA training, playground safety, injury prevention, and annual reporting of abuse and neglect, among others.
• First Aid & CPR training every 2 years; Medication Administration training annually; 15 hours of ongoing professional development annually.

Responsibilities

• Ensure child safety and maintain a secure environment at all times.
• Provide direct support to children with behavioral, social, emotional, mental health, or developmental needs.
• Collaborate with families and staff to implement individualized inclusion plans.
• Provide accommodations and support during activities and transitions as needed.
• Engage children with developmentally appropriate activities and models of positive behavior.

Skills

Childcare experience

Inclusive education

Team collaboration

Education

Behavioral health education

Counseling background

Job description

Job Description

Position: Program Leader - Specialized Child Support

Pay Rate: $22.25/hour

Application Deadline: 11/13/2026

Specialized Child Support Leaders are responsible for supporting individual students to ensure a safe, inclusive, and successful experience in ou r before and after care, summer camp or preschool setting . This position supports students who may have diagnosed or undiagnosed disabilities, mental or behavioral health challenges, difficulty adjusting to program routines, or who come from diverse or challenging life circumstances. Specialized Child Support Leaders will work collaboratively with families and camp leadership to implement individualized support plans for student s who require additional assistance .

Current opportunities are in Before and After School Care at Governor's Ranch Elementary School and Hutchinson Elementary School.

Job Duties

• Responsible for the care and safety of the children; ensuring that children are in a safe environment at all times.
• Position will support children that have been identified as needing additional support when attending Foothills childcare programs.
• Provide direct support to children with behavioral, social, emotional, mental health, physical, or developmental needs. Promote successful participation in program activities by providing direct support, modeling, and intervention as needed and fostering a positive, welcoming, and inclusive program culture.
• Collaborate with families, other program staff, and program leadership to gather relevant information, support individualized inclusion plans and adjust plans as needed based on camper progress and ongoing observation.
• Recommend and implement appropriate accommodations, which may include: additional support during physical or group activities, extra time or assistance during transitions, support during high-noise or high-stimulation activities and implement sensory, behavioral, or social-emotional strategies.
• Use program resources to implement developmentally appropriate activities for children and engage in active and sedentary indoor and outdoor lessons, games and activities with the children both on-site and on field trips and serve as a role model participant.
• Support daily programs by supporting children in activities, snacks, restroom routines, playground supervision, pool supervision, and rest time; maintaining a clean and orderly environment; safeguarding program supplies and materials.
• Use positive behavior reinforcement and developmentally appropriate guidance techniques to encourage appropriate behavior, inform supervisor if assistance is needed with behavior management, and provides documentation of inappropriate behavior.
• Communicate with parents about children’s daily activities, inform parents of program activities, procedures and upcoming events, and serve as a program liaison.
• Collect forms and information from parents/guardians as required by the program; maintain confidentiality of child and parent information.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and site events as requested.
• Report incidents of suspected child abuse to proper authorities.
• Position may be asked to float throughout all District childcare programs as support needs change or if children are absent.
• Hours and schedule may fluctuate if support needs change or if child is absent.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis; subs for co-workers when available.

Required Experience

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Minimum 480 hours of verifiable full time or equivalent part-time experience working with children in a similar setting with children of same age as position assignment.
• Ideal candidate will have education in behavioral health, counseling, education, social work, recreation therapy or other related fields and/or experience caring for individuals with disabilities or work experience within a significant support needs (SSN) setting or inclusive recreation program environment.
• Must meet requirements/qualifications and provide all documentation as required by the State of Colorado’s Department of Human Services upon hire, including:
• CBI and FBI Criminal Background Checks
• BIU Facility Child Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) Check
• Multihazard Planning for Childcare Disaster Preparedness Training through FEMA
• Playground Safety for School Age
• Injury Prevention for School-Age Programs the Regularly Use a Playground
• Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect (Annually)
• Standard Precautions Training (Annually)
• First Aid & CPR Training (Every 2 years)
• Medication Administration Training (Annually)
• 15 hours of ongoing professional development annually

Benefits

As a Part-Time Foothills employee, benefits include:

• FREE use of our recreation/fitness centers, swimming pools, and ice arena
• FREE drop-in fitness classes (includes but is not limited to yoga, Zumba and aerobic classes)
• Golf discounts ($3 - $14 for 9 holes depending on day of week, free driving range and more!)
• Discounts on childcare and other recreation programs/classes
• Flexible schedule
• Accrued sick time (1 hour for every 30 hours worked)
• Wellness Program- earn points for additional program discounts/free classes
• Scholarship Program (eight $500 scholarships awarded per year)
• Eligible to participate in 401(k) plan
• 30% off childcare tuition

About Us

Creating Community, Enhancing Health, Inspiring Play! We fulfill our mission by providing a variety of recreational services, programs and activities for both youth and adults. We operate three recreation centers, two golf courses, a two-sheet ice arena, swimming pools, and two indoor sports facilities. In addition, we maintain 68 park sites and over 30 miles in trails. Joining our team means you will contribute to the well-being of your community.