Fall Youth Development Professional (After School) - TK & Kinder

Youth Development Professional - TK and Kinder (YDP-TK/K)

As a Youth Development Professional, you'll create a nurturing, playful, and engaging after-school environment where young children can explore, grow, and build confidence. Through hands-on activities, guided play, and positive reinforcement, you'll support their early learning, social-emotional development, and foundational skills in a way that feels fun and exciting.

This role directly contributes to Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro by fostering a safe and enriching space that promotes curiosity, creativity, and positive relationships. What makes this role unique is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood development, work with a diverse and supportive team, and make a lasting impact during one of the most critical stages of a child's growth.

Essential Functions:

• Engaged Supervision – Maintain constant supervision and create a secure, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, comforted, and supported as they explore and grow.
• Facilitate Engaging Activities – Lead interactive, play-based learning experiences that encourage language development, sensory exploration, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.
• Adapt and Implement Lessons – Deliver hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities that build early literacy, math concepts, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation, adapting based on individual needs and interests.
• Create a Positive Learning Environment – Establish predictable routines, model positive behavior, and use gentle, proactive strategies to guide social skills, emotional expression, and conflict resolution.
• Build Positive Relationships – Foster trust and attachment by offering warmth, encouragement, and individualized attention that supports children's emotional security and confidence.
• Manage Daily Operations – Oversee smooth transitions between activities, snack time, rest periods, toileting needs, and play, ensuring a structured yet flexible routine that supports young children's development.
• Collaborate with Your Team – Work closely with colleagues to share observations, adjust strategies, and create a cohesive, developmentally supportive environment.
• Be Flexible and Support Where Needed – Step in to assist with various needs, including comforting children, modifying activities, or adjusting the day's structure to ensure a positive and enriching experience.

Our Values in Action:

Transformative Leadership: We aspire to transform possibilities into probabilities. By embodying emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and empathy, we foster positive change with humility, authenticity, and continuous self-improvement.

• What that looks like in this role: Supporting both students and colleagues with a team-first mindset, fostering a collaborative and positive environment that nurtures young learners. Every interaction should be guided by patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence to ensure children feel safe, valued, and encouraged. Modeling curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning through play-based experiences. By embracing challenges with creativity and adaptability, team members create meaningful moments that build confidence and inspire exploration.

Resilience: We approach every situation with a growth mindset, demonstrating flexibility and courage, reframing challenges as opportunities. We acknowledge our current state, embrace change, and adapt as needed, maintaining a solutions-oriented approach throughout our growth journey.

• What that looks like in this role: Embracing the energy and unpredictability of each day with patience and enthusiasm, staying positive and engaged despite challenges. Creating a nurturing environment by setting clear expectations, using proactive strategies, and supporting young children as they learn to manage big emotions and new routines. Building trust with children, collaborating with colleagues, and adjusting approaches to meet developmental needs. Viewing obstacles as opportunities to enhance learning experiences, strengthen skills, and create a joyful, supportive space for early growth.

Youth Centered Approach: Every organizational action or maneuver is designed to directly impact and benefit the youth we serve. We value and prioritize the youth perspective, making decisions with a focus on their needs and well-being, rather than adult convenience.

• What that looks like in this role: Prioritizing the safety, well-being, and development of every club member. Building strong relationships by understanding each child's interests and incorporating their voices into programming to maximize engagement. Facilitating age-appropriate activities that promote educational growth while offering mentorship, patience, and guidance each day. Advocating for and empowering young people, ensuring their needs and well-being remain at the heart of every decision.

BGCSL Core Competencies:

Commitment to Safety & Quality

• Ensuring every child is supervised at all times, maintaining a safe and structured environment where they can explore and grow.
• Proactively addressing potential hazards, keeping play and learning spaces clean, organized, and free from risks.
• Teaching and modeling safe behaviors, guiding children in following routines, using equipment properly, and developing self-care habits.

Accountability and Integrity

• Taking ownership of the learning environment, showing up consistently, and being fully engaged in each child's experience.
• Upholding high ethical and professional standards by treating all children, families, and staff with respect and fairness.
• Following through on commitments, communicating honestly about challenges, and seeking solutions that support program integrity.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Thinking quickly and creatively to resolve conflicts, guide social-emotional learning, and maintain a positive classroom environment.
• Adjusting activities and engagement strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners and varying attention spans.
• Identifying patterns in behavior or challenges and working with colleagues to develop proactive support strategies.

Communication & Listening

• Actively listening to young children, making them feel heard and valued, and responding to their needs with warmth and patience.
• Engaging with parents and caregivers professionally, sharing meaningful updates about their child's day.
• Collaborating with fellow staff members, ensuring alignment in approach and clear communication for a cohesive team.

Cultural Competency

• Creating an inclusive environment where all children feel welcome, celebrated, and encouraged to express themselves.
• Incorporating diverse perspectives, languages, and experiences into activities to ensure representation and belonging.
• Demonstrating respect for different family structures, traditions, and values in interactions with children and caregivers.

Leadership

• Acting as a positive role model, demonstrating kindness, patience, and emotional regulation in all interactions.
• Guiding children in developing independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills through age-appropriate activities.
• Supporting fellow team members by offering assistance, sharing best practices, and working together to enhance program quality.

Teamwork

• Actively collaborating with other staff members to ensure smooth transitions, engaging activities, and a supportive work environment.
• Assisting in daily routines such as snack time, clean-up, and group play to keep the program running efficiently.
• Contributing ideas, feedback, and solutions to improve the overall experience for both children and staff.

Results Orientation

• Setting and achieving goals for child engagement, participation, and developmental milestones within the program.
• Continuously reflecting on and improving teaching methods, making activities more effective and enjoyable.
• Measuring success by the growth, happiness, and confidence of the children in the program.

Change Management & Adaptability

• Adjusting quickly to changes in schedule, activities, or student needs while maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented attitude.
• Staying flexible when supporting children through transitions, new experiences, or emotional challenges.
• Embracing feedback, learning from experiences, and implementing new strategies to improve daily interactions and outcomes.

Requirements:

Qualifications & Experience:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and emotional intelligence in working with young children
• Ability to maintain a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate environment
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing transitions, playtime, and structured learning with flexibility and patience.
• High emotional intelligence and integrity, with a deep understanding of how to support early social-emotional development.
• Ability to connect authentically with young children, building trust