After School Program Group Leader - West

As an After School Program Group Leader at Healthy Kids, your responsibilities include implementing hands-on activities aligned with our engaging Healthy Kids Curriculum, which emphasizes fitness, STEAM, and homework assistance. You're also responsible for creating a safe and exciting environment where children can thrive every day. Communication is key, so staying connected with parents and family members via the Playground App is essential. Following state guidelines and school policies will ensure everything runs smoothly!

To qualify as an After School Program Group Leader at Healthy Kids, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. While having experience with children under 13 is a bonus, it isn't mandatory. CPR/First Aid training is helpful but not required. A strong commitment to being a positive role model and exceptional interpersonal skills are vital for this role!

The After School Program Group Leader position at Healthy Kids is part-time, allowing for a flexible work schedule that fits around your commitments. Typically, you will work after school hours, enabling you to engage with children during their recreational time. This flexibility can be an excellent opportunity for students or individuals seeking supplementary income while making a difference in the community!

Healthy Kids is committed to your professional growth! We provide various training opportunities for our After School Program Group Leaders, including training related to our Healthy Kids Curriculum and essential safety protocols. Moreover, you will receive support for career development, ensuring you feel equipped and confident in your role. Our focus on providing a nurturing environment extends to our staff, enabling you to grow and thrive alongside the children you mentor.

Part-time After School Program Group Leaders at Healthy Kids can enjoy a range of fantastic benefits! These include on-demand pay, telehealth benefits for convenient access to healthcare, and insurance options for vision and dental health. Furthermore, you can benefit from paid sick time off, 401(k) plans for future financial security, and opportunities for career advancement, making this position as rewarding for you as it is for the children you work with.

To develop an engaging program as an After School Program Group Leader, I would start by considering the interests and developmental needs of the children. Incorporating varied activities that balance academic learning with fun, like arts and crafts along with STEAM projects, would keep the children engaged. Collaborating with parents for feedback and implementing their suggestions can also help tailor the program effectively.

When conflicts arise between children, I believe it's essential to address the issue calmly and ensure both parties feel heard. I would facilitate a discussion to help them express their feelings while guiding them toward finding a mutual resolution. Promoting teamwork and encouraging empathy amongst children can also prevent future conflicts, contributing to a positive environment.

To keep children engaged, I employ interactive and hands-on activities that stimulate their creativity and curiosity. Utilizing themes and challenges to spice things up can make learning exciting. Offering choices within activities also empowers children, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and ensuring they’re enthusiastic about participating.

In my previous role, I often supported children's learning by creating tailored activities based on their interests and skill levels. For example, if a child struggled with math but loved storytelling, I would incorporate math concepts into a storytelling format, helping them see the subject's relevance in a fun way. Celebrating their successes, no matter how small, further encouraged their learning journey.

The most important qualities of an After School Program Group Leader include empathy, communication skills, and adaptability. Building strong relationships with children and their families is crucial, while the ability to adjust programs and activities to meet the dynamic needs of kids can enhance their experience. Being a positive role model is also key in shaping their development.

Ensuring a safe and healthy environment involves closely following state guidelines and Healthy Kids policies. Regularly checking the activity space for safety hazards, promoting good hygiene practices, and monitoring children during play can help maintain safety. I also emphasize the importance of healthy snacks and physical activity, encouraging children to adopt healthy habits.

I would maintain open communication with parents through regular updates via the Playground App, ensuring they’re informed about their child's experiences and progress. Additionally, I would encourage parent-teacher meetings where they can share concerns and celebrate achievements, fostering a collaborative approach to their child's development.

To evaluate the effectiveness of program activities, I gather feedback from both children and parents through surveys and informal conversations. Observing children's engagement levels during different activities also allows me to assess what resonates best. This data guides future programming decisions and ensures we're consistently meeting the needs of the children.

On challenging days, I stay motivated by focusing on the positive impact I’m making in children's lives. Reflecting on their smiles and victories keeps me energized. Seeking support from my colleagues for encouragement and brainstorming solutions can also help lighten the mood and keep everyone motivated.

My inspiration to become an After School Program Group Leader stems from my passion for working with children and making a difference in their lives. I believe that providing a safe, fun, and educational environment can greatly influence their development. Seeing the joy and excitement children express during learning is incredibly fulfilling and drives my commitment to this role.