After School Program Assistant

About the Role

You are the bridge between a structured school day and a relaxing, engaging afternoon! Your mission is to safely transport children from school to the Family Room, facilitate connection and child-led play, and foster an environment of emotional safety and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning).

We are looking for creative, energetic individuals motivated by the mission of providing an environment that creates a life-long love of learning. You aren't just watching kids; you are building a community.

Your Priorities

• Safety & Transitions: Safe pickup from school and a secure walk to the Family Room.
• Emotional Safety & SEL: Fostering connection, using "Time-Ins" rather than strict penalties, and supporting kids as they decompress.
• Child-Led Play: Facilitating (not forcing) imaginative and cooperative play or quiet time.
• Parent Connection: Warmly greeting parents and sending secure updates/photos.

What You’ll Do (Your Shift Checklist)

Phase 1: Safe Pickup & Arrival

• The Meet-Up & Roll Call: Arrive on time at the designated school pickup spot. Take accurate attendance—do not leave until every scheduled child is accounted for.
• The Walk & Snack: Safely guide the group to Family Room Fit & Fun. Have students drop off their bags and serve the daily whole-food snack.

Phase 2: The Afternoon Flow (Student's Choice)

• Facilitate Choices: Help kids transition into Open Play, Independent Calm Time, Guided Activity, or the outdoor Playlot.
• Engage & Scaffold: Actively engage in child-led play, providing guidance without taking over their games. Confidently run a classroom alone while remaining a collaborative team player.
• SEL & "Time-Ins": Assess and solve problems associated with elementary-aged children. Use "Time-Ins" to help kids reflect, discuss feelings, and repair relationships.
• Parent Updates: Send secure communications and photos via our private channel.

Phase 3: Pick-Up & Wrap Up

• Parent Greetings & Sign-Out: Warmly welcome parents, providing excellent customer service. Ensure every child is properly signed out by an authorized adult.
• Reset the Space: Have the kids help tidy up, and do a final sweep/reset of the classrooms and gyms.
• End of Shift Note: Leave a quick summary in our staff system highlighting important parent/child interactions or low supplies.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience working with school-age youth (ages 3–12) in a school, after-school, or camp setting.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required. (College degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field is a huge plus!)
• Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Skills: Exceptional communication skills (oral, written, and visual) with both adults and children. Ability to command respect, maintain professional standards, and create a fun, caring environment.
• Requirements: Ability to meet school district, local, city and state-specific requirements, including background checks, CPR certification, Mandated Reporter training, vaccinations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to actively engage with children indoors and outdoors, which includes standing, walking, running, bending, reaching, and kneeling for extended periods in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Visual and auditory ability to observe and respond to critical incidents and ensure student safety.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive for extended periods, especially during transitions and pick-up/drop-off times.

The Perks

• Career and professional development opportunities.
• Training in relevant childcare and SEL subjects.
• A collaborative team environment with schedule flexibility and a focus on work-life balance.

How to Apply: Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview as soon as possible.

Family Room Chicago LLC embraces diversity of people, cultures, and ideas and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay: $16.60 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60657 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18