Childcare Lead Teacher - After School

Childcare Lead Teacher

Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a Childcare Lead Teacher for our After School Program at Blue Ridge Elementary School in Ararat, VA for the 2026–2027 school year.

LOCATION: Blue Ridge Elementary School in Ararat, VA

PAY: $15.50–$17.00 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Follows the school calendar Afternoon Program: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

JOB STATUS: Part-time, non-exempt

Do you love working with kids?

Key Success Characteristics:

• Loves working with children and helping them learn through play and positive experiences
• Brings energy, kindness, and patience to each day
• Enjoys encouraging children's curiosity, creativity, and confidence
• Works well with teammates and communicates effectively with families
• Reliable, organized, and committed to providing exceptional care

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is especially well-suited for:

• Parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day
• Education majors or future teachers looking for hands-on experience with children and classroom management
• Retirees who enjoy staying active, mentoring children, and giving back to the community

If you enjoy building relationships, supporting student growth, and being part of a mission-driven team, you'll feel right at home.

Position Responsibilities

• Facilitate hands-on activities following the Healthy Kids Curriculum which includes fitness, STEAM, academic, art, and other group activities as well as homework completion.
• Provide a safe, healthy, and fun environment and acting as a positive role model for children in the program.
• Observe state guidelines, Healthy Kids Extended Day Program policies, and host school policies.
• Support program operations, which may include attendance records, registration, and staffing responsibilities.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Virginia-Approved Qualification Pathways (must meet ONE):

Option 1: Meets one of the Virginia Program Director qualification pathways

Option 2: Bachelor's degree in a child-related field

Option 3: Minimum 3 months programmatic experience plus one of the following:

• One-year early childhood certificate (=30 semester hours)
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent
• Certification from a recognized Montessori organization

Option 4: 48 semester hours (or 72 quarter hours) from an accredited college/university with at least 12 semester hours (or 18 quarter hours) in child-related subjects and minimum 3 months programmatic experience

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to pass a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) background check.
• Must be medically cleared to perform all job duties and free of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis (TB).
• Demonstrates a warm, friendly, and positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills when working with children, parents, and team members.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism; dependable and punctual.
• Physically able to bend, stretch, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs., and actively engage in all activities required to safely supervise and keep up with children.

PART-TIME BENEFITS:

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working with us
• Telehealth, vision, and dental coverage
• AFLAC supplemental plans
• 401(k) for eligible employees
• Paid sick time
• On-demand pay – access earned wages before your scheduled payday for added financial flexibility
• Career development and growth opportunities

About Healthy Kids Programs

Healthy Kids Programs is more than a childcare provider—we're shaping the future of childcare. As one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing organizations, we provide Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations. As a certified Benefit Corporation, our mission is to make childcare accessible and affordable while creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, and our team members.

Healthy Kids Programs is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.