After School Play Leader

Job summary

The After School Play Leader is an intentional, engaged, and supportive guide for a child-led, imaginative, and cooperative after-school experience. This role facilitates free play and creative exploration, positioning the leader to "lead from behind" rather than giving direct commands. By encouraging children's innate decision-making and curiosity, the leader helps develop their executive thinking and cooperative play skills. Using techniques informed by play-based learning and therapeutic practices, this team member creates a safe space for limitless possibilities and emotional development. This is a role that works on a team and reports to the Youth Program & Site Manager.

Key responsibilities

  • Facilitate child-led imaginative and cooperative play. Encourage children to take the lead in their own play, allowing them to follow their interests and build on each other's ideas in imaginative scenarios.

  • Provide guidance through "scaffolding" and responsive interaction. Instead of directing play, enrich the activity by asking open-ended questions, introducing new vocabulary, or suggesting simple games when needed. Examples include "Simon Says with a twist," imaginary dodgeball, freeze tag, or small group activity break-outs that demonstrate how possibilities are endless.

  • Develop children's executive function and decision-making skills. Create an environment where children can practice planning, creative problem-solving, and self-regulation. This approach helps build their resilience and confidence by trusting them to lead their own learning.

  • Promote healthy social-emotional development. Foster cooperative play and provide a safe and nurturing space for children to explore feelings, negotiate with peers, and learn conflict-resolution skills. The leader's role-modeling of positive behaviors strengthens emotional bonds and enhances empathy.

  • Observe, document, and communicate. Listen to and observe children's play to understand their interests and document group dynamics. Communicate regularly with parents, sharing stories of the children's collaborative successes and creative growth.

  • Maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Organize and manage equipment and supplies to ensure a clean, safe, and organized space for all activities, both indoors and outdoors.

  • Ensure student safety at all times. Monitor play activities, enforce safety rules, and document any incidents or issues that occur.

  • Uphold program philosophy and attend trainings. Actively engage in required staff meetings and trainings to stay current on child development principles, safety standards, and play-based learning best practices.

  • Excited to play/supervise traditional sports and physical activity for kids who want to run and play soccer after school.

Skills and qualifications

  • Proven experience working with school-aged children in a less structured, play-based setting.

  • Patience, creativity, and enthusiasm for empowering young people.

  • First Aid and CPR certification (required).

  • Ability to be physically active for extended periods while supervising and participating in play activities.

  • Reliable, dependable, and a respectful role model for positive behavior and healthy emotional regulation.

Key responsibilities

  • Help plan, organize, and lead a variety of sports and recreational activities, such as flag football, basketball, and track and field.

  • Help develop a balanced program of structured sports and free play that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate new skills.

  • Supervise and ensure the safety of all students at all times, monitoring play activities and enforcing rules to prevent injury.

  • Provide positive guidance and act as a role model, promoting positive behavior and conflict resolution among students.

  • Help students develop skills in teamwork, healthy competition, and leadership through participation in activities.

  • Help organize and manage all necessary equipment and supplies, ensuring a clean and safe environment for activities.

  • Keep accurate daily attendance records and document any incidents or issues that occur.

  • Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and guardians regarding student behavior and progress.

  • Attend all required staff meetings and training workshops to stay current with teaching methods and safety standards.

  • Engage with parents and school staff to build strong relationships and promote the program's benefits. 

Working conditions

  • Part-time position with hours taking place after the regular school day.

  • Work is conducted both indoors, such as in a gymnasium, and outdoors on fields or playgrounds.

  • The employee must have the physical stamina to lead active sessions and may be exposed to various weather conditions. 

Compensation and benefits

  • Expected pay: $17 USD per hour

  • Additional compensation: Potential for Bonus and Commission

  • Benefits: Paid time off, Paid sick leave

  • Perks: Career development

Equal Employment Opportunity

Family Room Chicago LLC and Family Room Chicago Fit and Fun LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Reasonable Accommodation

Family Room Chicago LLC and Family Room Chicago Fit and Fun LLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at connect@familyroomchicago.com.

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