Lead Child Specialist (Community Learning Center)

Overview

As one of Nebraska's leading child-serving organizations, CEDARS helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. We provide programs and services that help kids and families navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build brighter futures.

Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive, we work alongside families, foster parents, community partners, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.

At CEDARS, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels like their identities are embraced and valued. When we practice empathy, and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our employees, it fuels innovation and creates an environment where we can attract a broad range of candidates and our employees are empowered to do their best work.

Job Skills / Requirements

Reports To: Program Director   

Classification: Non-Exempt   

Rate of Pay: $16.75/hour    

Schedule: Monday-Friday 12:00pm-5:00pm, some AM shifts required

CEDARS Community Learning Centers (CLC) offer on-site before-and-after school childcare and specialized clubs that enhance academic performance for elementary school children at Clinton, Hartley, Roper, and Randolph Elementary. The CLC programs provide students with positive experiences, enrichment, and academic clubs that help them become lifelong learners. The CLC programs also focus on family engagement and community outreach.    

Responsibilities   

• Create a safe, nurturing, and culturally appropriate environment.
• Provide effective supervision of children and positive behavior management with individualized support.
• Responsible for developmentally appropriate program activities and lesson plans that are aligned with school-day curriculum and provide opportunities for enrichment.
• Must be knowledgeable of all State of Nebraska Childcare Licensing regulations and relevant accreditation standards.
• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of relevant program documentation.
• Provide parents with relevant child-specific information and follow through on reasonable parent requests.
• Assist with day-to-day program operations, be responsible for cleanliness and upkeep of the program environment and manage storage and supply needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of CEDARS Youth Services.
• Maintain confidentiality of clients served by this organization and professional boundaries in the provision of services. Treat all clients with dignity and respect.

Job Skills/Requirements   

• 19 years of age or older.
• Associate’s degree or two years of college.
• At least six months of working with elementary school children and families is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Basic understanding of routines and expectations for school age children.
• A genuine interest in and concern for all youth and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent classroom management skills. 

Education Requirements (All)

Associate's Degree Required

Additional Information / Benefits

As a full-time active employee, you are eligible to participate in the following benefits:

• medical, dental, and vision coverages

• flexible spending accounts and health spending accounts

• personal leave, emergency leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays

• retirement plan up to 5% company match

• life & long-term disability insurance

• employee assistance program

• wellness and engagement program

• early childhood childcare discount

• opportunities to collect overtime hours if desired

• shift differentials for overnight hours worked and holidays

• mileage reimbursement

• extensive training and professional development opportunities

Benefits: Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, 401K/403b Plan, Childcare Discount