Aftercare Associate

Aftercare Associate

The Pingry School: Short Hills Campus Division: Auxiliary Programs Reports To: Aftercare Lead Teacher FLSA Status: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt (10-Month School Year) Schedule: MondayFriday, 2:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

The Pingry School seeks enthusiastic, dependable, and student-centered Aftercare Associates to join our Auxiliary Programs team at the Short Hills campus. This is a part-time, 10-month hourly position running Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., playing a vital role in the daily lives of our Lower School students.

The Aftercare Associate creates a safe, warm, and engaging post-academic environment where elementary students can unwind, socialize, complete homework, and play. Reporting to the Aftercare Lead Teacher, this role balances active outdoor and indoor activity supervision with organized arrival and dismissal logistics, ensuring every child transitions smoothly from the school day to aftercare and home. The ideal candidate brings a high-energy "can-do" attitude, a deep commitment to student well-being, and an inclusive mindset that helps every child feel seen, valued, and supported.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Student Supervision & Program Execution

• Active Engagement & Activity Coordination: Supervise elementary-aged students across snack time, outdoor recess, organized group games, and quiet indoor activities, cultivating a joy-filled and structured environment.
• Homework Support: Provide gentle guidance and structured quiet space to assist students with daily homework and academic tasks.
• Inclusive Environment: Foster a welcoming atmosphere grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and restorative practices, helping children build positive peer relationships.

2. Logistics, Arrival & Dismissal

• Arrival Check-In: Manage the afternoon transition and daily attendance tracking for all students participating in Auxiliary Aftercare programs.
• Controlled Dismissal: Coordinate safe, organized student handoffs to parents/guardians during carpool pickup and supervise student boarding for the inter-campus shuttle.

3. Safety, Protocol & Compliance

• Safety Protocols: Maintain vigilance and enforce all safety guidelines in alignment with school protocols and Standard Response Plans (SRP).
• Behavior Management: Proactively manage student dynamics using restorative, positive reinforcement approaches that uphold Pingry's values and Honor Code.

4. Team Collaboration & Communication

• Proactive Partner: Work in close partnership with the Aftercare Lead Teacher, site coordinators, and campus staff to ensure seamless daily operations.
• Digital Workflow: Utilize Google Suite tools (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar) to maintain accurate attendance logs and stay updated on program communications.

Candidate Profile & Core Competencies

The ideal candidate is an upbeat, dependable youth advocate who thrives in an active, elementary school setting. Whether an aspiring educator, experienced childcare provider, or community leader, they bring warmth, structure, and joy to the after-school hours.

• The Student Champion: Brings authentic energy, empathy, and patience to interactions with young children. Easily connects with elementary students, whether encouraging them through a tough homework problem or leading an active game on the playground.
• The Reliable Safety Anchor: Possesses high attention to detail and unwavering vigilance when it comes to student accountability, attendance logs, and dismissal protocols. Remains calm, organized, and focused during busy pickup windows.
• The Inclusive Culture Builder: Demonstrates a meaningful commitment to DEIB principles and restorative approaches. Skilled at creating a sense of belonging for diverse constituency groups and helping children navigate social interactions thoughtfully.
• The Collaborative Team Player: Brings a positive, "can-do" work ethic, adapts quickly in a fast-paced environment, and communicates effectively with colleagues, parents, and school leadership.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with elementary-aged children in after-school programs, camps, daycare settings, or educational environments.
• Dedication to supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of young learners.
• Robust interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) with an upbeat, engaging personality.
• Comfort incorporating technology into daily workflows, including Google Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar) and video platforms (Zoom). Experience with school databases (e.g., Veracross, Finalsite) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• Demonstrated experience supporting an inclusive, equitable culture using restorative practices and community-building approaches.
• High level of personal responsibility, punctuality, and accountability.