Aftercare Specialist at EducareDC – Washington, District of Columbia

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Educare DC serves over 350 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art early childhood education center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved. Its focus is to eliminate the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare DC draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Aftercare Specialist supports the Head Start and extended-day program (9:30am-6:00pm) for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Responsible for ensuring a safe dismissal of children, secure conclusion of the program day, and preparation of the classroom in compliance with organizational and licensing standards. Working cooperatively with the site team, the Specialist helps implement daily routines and activities that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Under the reflective supervision of the Mentor Teacher, the Specialist ensures that the aftercare environment is safe, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to the diverse needs of young children. The Specialist assists with feeding, diapering/toileting, rest routines, and structured play while fostering a nurturing environment that reflects Educare DC’s philosophy and curriculum.

Responsibilities
Program Core Features of the Educare Model:
Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model
Provide a high-quality early learning program that incorporates evidence-based curriculum and instructional activities
Implement, document, and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of multiple perspectives and have the skills to be successful in their interdisciplinary efforts
Maintain professional competence through in-service education activities provided by Educare of Washington, DC, the Educare Learning Network, and through other professional growth activities

In Classroom Support
Assist in the planning and implementation of aftercare activities, including literacy, arts, physical play, and social-emotional learning.
Provide continuity of care to help children develop secure relationships and a sense of routine in the extended-day setting.
In conjunction with the Lead and Assistant Teachers, guide and facilitate activities of the children, providing responsive care giving, with a focus on the children’s social and emotional well-being during Head Start hours
Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in the school's child guidance policy
Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the school, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children
Incorporate child choice and interest-driven activities to align with Creative Curriculum’s emphasis on exploration and hands-on learning.
Use aftercare routines (snack, outdoor play, clean-up, transitions) as opportunities to reinforce self-help, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills.
Provide enrichment experiences that build on the day’s lessons, such as story extensions, creative arts projects, dramatic play, and guided small group games.
Collaborate with Teaching Staff to maintain continuity between daytime lesson plans and aftercare activities.
Document observations of children’s learning and engagement during aftercare to support ongoing assessment and planning.
Support transitions (arrival, supper, dismissal) to ensure safety and consistency.
Foster independence by encouraging self-help skills, problem-solving, and positive peer interactions.
Maintain an inviting and safe aftercare environment that encourages exploration and creativity.
Ensure active supervision of children at all times, using strategic positioning and engagement.
Assist in conducting safety and environment checks, including playground supervision.
Support nutrition practices by helping with snacks/supper and modeling healthy habits.

Family & School Connections
Support communication with families during aftercare pick-up, reinforcing positive updates about the child’s participation.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure continuity of routines, strategies, and support from the school day to aftercare.

Professional Development & Team Collaboration
Participate in required training and reflective supervision related to aftercare programming.
Work cooperatively with the Aftercare Teaching Staff, school staff, and volunteers to maintain smooth program operations.

Other Duties
Assist with attendance, incident reporting, and program documentation.
Help maintain cleanliness, order, and materials in the aftercare space.
Perform other duties as requested to support children’s well-being and program quality.
Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.
Ensure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored
Perform other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
1 to 2 years of relevant experience
Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
Knowledge of City and State licensing requirements
Successful experience working in a team setting
Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Teacher Assistant, and Teacher Aide assisting him/her in increasing professional knowledge and skills
Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
Ability to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities
Knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, emergent literacy and social emotional development
Personal qualifications such as emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health, which does not interfere with responsibilities
Experience collaborating with parents in the education and care of their children.
Supervisory experience with teaching staff (preferred)
Develop and implement individual education plans for children which encourage their social, emotional, physical, linguistic, and intellectual development in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development.
Ensures the teaching team (Teacher, Teacher Assistant and Aide) provides a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for children enriched by a high-quality early language experience and an emphasis on social and emotional growth.
Responsible for implementing all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or in a related field with a Child Development Accreditation.

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
Clearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations.
Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations.
Annual physical exam, drug screen, TB test, and COVID 19 vaccinations are required as a condition of immediate and continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written
Must be able to lift 40 pounds
Must be able to travel
Experience working successfully with a culturally diverse staff and clients