Youth Development Leader - Lorah Park Elementary School

Big Ideas Educational Services; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Ideas Educational Services is seeking a Teacher Assistant / Activity Leader to support daily program operations in our after-school and summer program in Miami, FL. You will assist certified teachers, supervise students, prepare instructional materials, and help create a safe, engaging learning environment.

The role includes leading fitness, SEL experiences, and enrichment activities while providing homework support and snack distribution.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or college coursework in Education or a related field preferred, but not required.
• 1–2 years of experience working with elementary-aged children in an educational, childcare, recreation, or youth development setting.
• Ability to complete a Level II Background Screening.
• Ability to complete Florida DCF 40-Hour Introductory Child Care Training (if required).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to multitask and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism, integrity, reliability, and accountability.
• Passion for helping children reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Assist certified teachers with daily instruction and small-group activities.
• Prepare lesson materials, classroom resources, and supplies.
• Provide homework and academic support during designated learning periods.
• Lead physical fitness and recreational activities.
• Reinforce social-emotional learning throughout programming.
• Maintain direct supervision of students to ensure safety.
• Support positive student behavior through redirection.
• Assist with indoor and outdoor activities including STEM and arts.
• Distribute snacks following health and safety procedures.
• Assist with daily site setup and breakdown and organize spaces.
• Follow daily schedules and support transitions between activities.
• Collaborate with leadership and instructional staff for a positive experience.
• Communicate professionally with parents, guardians, and school staff as appropriate.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Follow all policies in the Employee Handbook.
• Perform other duties to support program operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Time management

Professionalism

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree or coursework in Education

Job description

Teacher Assistant / Activity Leader

About Big Ideas Educational Services

Big Ideas Educational Services provides high-quality after-school and summer programming in a safe, structured, and engaging environment. Our programs are designed to support the whole child by integrating academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, physical fitness, STEM exploration, and recreational activities.

Through intentional, standards-aligned programming, students strengthen their academic skills, build positive relationships with peers and adults, develop confidence, and participate in meaningful learning experiences beyond the traditional school day.

We are committed to creating positive, engaging, and high-quality out-of-school experiences that help every child discover their potential and achieve success in school and in life.

Position Summary

The Teacher Assistant / Activity Leader plays an essential role in supporting the daily operation of the program by assisting certified teachers, supervising students, preparing instructional materials, and creating a safe, engaging learning environment.

This position supports academic instruction while also leading physical fitness activities, social-emotional learning experiences, recreational games, homework assistance, snack distribution, and daily site operations. The Teacher Assistant serves as a positive role model who helps ensure students remain safe, engaged, and excited to learn throughout the program day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist certified teachers with daily instruction, classroom management, and small-group learning activities.
• Prepare lesson materials, classroom resources, bulletin boards, demonstrations, and student supplies.
• Provide homework and academic support to students during designated learning periods.
• Lead physical fitness and recreational activities that promote healthy lifestyles and teamwork.
• Reinforce social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies embedded throughout daily programming.
• Maintain direct supervision of students at all times to ensure a safe and structured environment.
• Support positive student behavior using appropriate redirection and encouragement.
• Assist with indoor and outdoor activities, including games, STEM projects, arts, and enrichment experiences.
• Distribute snacks while following all health and safety procedures.
• Assist with daily site setup and breakdown, including organizing materials and preparing activity spaces.
• Follow daily schedules and support smooth transitions between activities.
• Collaborate with site leadership and instructional staff to ensure a positive experience for all students.
• Communicate professionally with parents, guardians, and school staff when appropriate.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Follow all Big Ideas policies, procedures, and chain of command as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support successful program operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or college coursework in Education or a related field preferred, but not required.
• 1–2 years of experience working with elementary-aged children in an educational, childcare, recreation, or youth development setting.
• Ability to successfully complete a Level II Background Screening.
• Ability to successfully complete the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) 40-Hour Introductory Child Care Training (if required for the position).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to multitask and work independently while remaining flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, reliability, and accountability.
• Passion for working with children and helping every student reach their full potential.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A positive, energetic, and student-centered attitude
• Excellent classroom and behavior management skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration
• Patience, flexibility, and sound judgment
• Dependability and punctuality
• The ability to build positive relationships with students, families, school staff, and coworkers
• Commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to:

• Work both indoors and outdoors throughout the program day.
• Supervise students during instructional, recreational, and transition periods.
• Stand, walk, bend, lift, and actively participate in student activities.
• Occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Big Ideas Educational Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and students are respected, valued, and provided equal opportunities to succeed.

Employment History & Reference Requirements

Pursuant to Section 402.302(13), Florida Statutes, all child care personnel are subject to an employment history review as part of the required background screening process.

Applicants must provide:

• Employment history in chronological order (most recent employer first).
• At least one (1) previous employer, even if employment extends beyond the past two years.
• If employed by more than three employers within the past two years, all employers during that period must be listed.
• Volunteer applicants must provide a minimum of one professional reference.