Pre-K Afterschool Group Leader

Job description:

Who We Are

St. Nicks Alliance is a premier North Brooklyn community-based organization dedicated to transforming the lives of low- and moderate-income residents through comprehensive services in education, employment, housing, elder care, and social support.

As a vital civic anchor, we deliver high-impact, outcome-driven programs for children, adults, and seniors while fostering a vibrant, sustainable community through the arts, environmental advocacy, and urban planning.

About the Youth & Education Division

Established in 1994, St. Nicks Alliance’s Youth & Education division serves more than 6,000 young people across North Brooklyn each year. Through a wide range of dynamic programs, we empower children and youth to successfully navigate each stage of their education and transition into young adulthood equipped with the core competencies needed to thrive.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking passionate, creative, and energetic Seasonal Pre-K Afterschool Group Leaders to design and facilitate dynamic, engaging activities for young learners. In this role, you will lead structured three-hour afternoon sessions focused on supporting early childhood development, academic growth, and social-emotional learning in a safe, nurturing environment.

Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesCurriculum Implementation & Activity Delivery

• Age-Appropriate Programming: Implement a structured daily schedule, lesson plans, and enrichment activities tailored to the developmental needs of Pre-K children.
• Early Childhood Learning: Deliver engaging early learning experiences that promote growth across core areas, including literacy, STEM, science, language, social-emotional skills, physical education, and creative arts.
• Daily Activities: Lead core session components, including read-alouds, sing-alongs, center-based learning, creative arts (e.g., painting), gross motor play (playground/dance), snack time, and group meeting time.
• Individualized Support: Adapt activities to accommodate diverse learning styles, developmental stages, and individual student abilities.

Classroom Management & Youth Safety

• Active Supervision: Maintain continuous, active supervision to ensure a safe, nurturing, and structured environment at all times.
• Full Engagement: Actively monitor and participate with youth across all program components, including lessons, meals, transitions, field trips, clubs, recreation, and dismissal.

Collaboration & Relationship Building

• Family & Youth Engagement: Cultivate positive, supportive relationships with young learners and their families to foster holistic child development.
• Team Operations: Collaborate closely with colleagues and program supervisors to maintain smooth daily operations and rigorously enforce all safety standards and protocols.
• Professional Standards: Serve as an inspiring role model by maintaining professional language, conduct, and attitude.
• Continuous Growth: Actively participate in required staff meetings, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications & Core CompetenciesEducation, Requirements & Certifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Currently pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and/or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is strongly preferred.
• Compliance & Clearances: Must meet and comply with all New York State School-Age Child Care (SACC) regulations, including passing comprehensive background checks and medical clearance procedures.

Schedule & Availability

• Hours: Available during afterschool program hours, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday (approximately 16 hours per week).

Skills & Program Expertise

• Academic & Youth Development: Interest and experience in youth development and academic enrichment, including math, science, English Language Arts (reading/writing), leadership, financial literacy, or technology.
• Specialized Activity Skills (a plus): Skills or interest in sports, recreational activities (e.g., cooking, sewing, knitting, jewelry making), or the arts (e.g., dance, music, drama).

Professional Attributes & Team Dynamics

• Communication: Strong, effective communication skills with the ability to build respectful relationships with diverse youth, families, and school staff.
• Adaptability & Collaboration: Dependable team player with an open mindset, capable of fostering cooperation and adapting flexibly to program needs.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience: At least one (1) year of prior experience working with young children in a structured setting is highly preferred.
• Language Skills: Bilingual capabilities are a plus, though not required.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a tailored cover letter to dirizarry@stnicksalliance.org with "Pre-K Group Leader" in the subject line.

Location & Relocation

• Location: Brooklyn, NY 11211
• Requirement: Must be able to relocate to Brooklyn, NY 11211 prior to starting work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

St. Nicks Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, disability, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.