School Age Group Leader in Springfield, Massachusetts at Playful Minds LLC

Position Summary
The School Age Group Leader’s first responsibility is teaching and providing the best
possible environment for the children assigned to their classroom. In collaboration with
the Site Coordinator, the School Age Group Leader is responsible for ensuring compliance
with all regulations, Playful Minds policies and procedures, and for striving for continual
improvement.
Reports To Site Coordinator
Supervisory Responsibility Group Assistant & Volunteers
Schedule Part Time
Starting Salary Range $16.00-$19.00/hour
Benefits
Sick Leave
First Aid, CPR and Background Check reimbursements
Training Expense reimbursements
Education & Experience
CPR & First Aid Certification
Option 1:
o Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree and
o 3 months of experience working with school-age children
Option 2:
o High School diploma or GED and
o 6 months of experience working with school-age children, including 3 months
of supervised experience at a school-age childcare program
Option 3:
o 9 months of experience working with school-age children, including 3 months
of supervised experience at a childcare program.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Must be 21 years of age or older
Must enjoy working with children
Knowledge of child development
Classroom management skills
Understanding of, and commitment to, best practices in education
Strong active listening skills: ability to give full attention to what others are saying,
take time to understand, ask questions as appropriate and respond at the appropriate
time.
Playful Minds Learning Center LLC, SA Group Leader Job Description Updated 6/2026
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Documented completion of medical exam within 1 year of employment and statement
from a physician that the applicant is physically capable of doing the job
Must provide evidence of mandatory vaccinations, including MMR, or immunity to
communicable diseases, including TB
Background checks required
Key Responsibilities
All Staff Responsibilities
Uphold the philosophy of Playful Minds and serve as a positive representative of the
organization
Establish and maintain high quality relationships with children and families
Establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with other Playful Minds
staff
At all times, speak to children with respect
Maintain an appropriate and safe environment for children at all times
Consistently implement all licensing requirements, including but not limited to
maintaining supervision ratios at all times
Maintain all required documentation and record keeping accurately and in a timely
manner including, but not limited to, attendance records, Incident & Injury Reports,
meal records and progress reports
Consistently follow all Playful Minds’ policies & procedures
Consistently attend work according to your established schedule
Attend all required staff meetings and trainings
All staff are Mandated Reporters
Ensure the health and safety of all children
Health & Safety
Maintain safety, organization and cleanliness of the classroom: includes washing,
vacuuming and other light housekeeping tasks, keeping all dangerous materials out of
children’s reach and reporting any broken equipment
Follow all dismissal procedures, including but not limited to, only dismissing children
to approved pick-up adults
Report all health or safety related incidents, including but not limited to medical and
behavioral issues, to the Site Coordinator
Administer medication to children in accordance with licensing regulations and
Playful Minds policies and procedures
Assist with food program preparation, set up and clean up as assigned
Playful Minds Learning Center LLC, SA Group Leader Job Description Updated 6/2026
Curriculum
Establish a classroom environment which is content and sensory rich, intentional,
organized, appealing, responsive to the needs and interests of the children and
approved by the Site Coordinator
Through careful, documented observations, get to know the individual children in
your group, including their needs, skills and interests, and individualize your teaching
and interactions accordingly
Implement the recommendations of specialists for individual support, as approved
by the Site Coordinator
Support the growth of all developmental skills, meeting each child where they are
developmentally
Help children to properly utilize classroom materials
Assist Site Coordinator with creating high-quality, developmentally appropriate,
engaging lesson plans which are aligned with best practices, PMLC curriculum
guidelines, state and federal licensing regulations, and tailored to the needs, skills
and interests of the children in the group
Share lesson plans with the Group Assistant and any volunteers, and provide
implementation guidance
Implement child guidance in accordance with PMLC policies and procedures,
individualizing your responses based on the needs and abilities of each child
Create a community of inclusion and respect among the children and adults in the
classroom
Communications
Conduct parent-teacher conferences as needed or assigned
Assist Site Coordinator with updating classroom bulletin board at least monthly,
according to schedule
Notify the Site Coordinator or Program Director of any parent complaints
Direct, mentor and collaborate with the Group Assistant and any volunteers
Other Duties as Assigned
Additional Information
Work Environment
Classroom
Outside play areas
Office
Physical Demands
Must be able to lift children (up to 75 lbs.), speak to children at eye level, sit on the
floor, run and engage in active play
Ongoing Training & Certification Requirements
Annual First Aid & CPR
Playful Minds Learning Center LLC, SA Group Leader Job Description Updated 6/2026
Maintain certification with MA EEC and/or CT OEC
Annual professional development
Limitations & Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties and skills required for the position. This job description reflects PMLC
administration’s assignment of essential functions; and nothing in this herein restricts
PMLC administration’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at
any time.
All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate
individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct
threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be
performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow
any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by
their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To
perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to
perform each duty proficiently.
Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.