Part Time Youth Program Instructor in ARLINGTON, Texas at Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County

POSITION SUMMARY:

Tarrant County Kids is an esteemed childcare program that exists to support working families who need a safe and nurturing place after school. Part of The YouthVantage Alliance family, and affiliated with Girls Inc. of Tarrant County and Vantage Point, Tarrant County Kids is made up of dedicated individuals passionate about working with children. We're on a mission to provide a nurturing after-school environment where kids aged 4-12 can flourish. The Youth Program Instructor is assists in creating an enriching experience for the children in our care. This position works Monday thru Friday, 3:00-6:15 or 6:30, depending on the site.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Implementation & Curriculum Support:

· Support the implementation of a high-quality before and/or afterschool care program that incorporates academic enrichment, arts, physical activities, social-emotional learning, and character development in alignment with The YouthVantage Alliance curriculum framework and TCK program expectations.

· Facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage creativity, curiosity, teamwork, problem-solving, and personal growth.

· Follow daily lesson plans and activity guides while adapting activities to meet the interests, abilities, and needs of individual children.

· Provide meaningful learning experiences through hands-on activities, group discussions, games, projects, and opportunities for children to explore their strengths and interests.

· Support curriculum reflection by communicating activity successes, challenges, and ideas for improvement with the Youth Program Supervisor.

Child Safety, Engagement & Development:

· Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where children feel safe, respected, valued, and ready to learn.

· Build positive relationships with children by demonstrating patience, encouragement, and genuine interest in their experiences and development.

· Encourage children to explore their potential, build confidence, develop independence, and strengthen skills that will support their future success.

· Promote positive behavior through relationship-based guidance, consistent expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.

· Maintain active supervision of children at all times and ensure a safe environment by following TCK safety procedures, classroom expectations, and licensing requirements.

· Support children’s social-emotional development by encouraging communication, cooperation, empathy, and respectful interactions.

Classroom Management & Daily Operations:

· Assist in maintaining an organized, engaging, and welcoming learning environment that supports children’s participation and success.

· Support daily routines, including arrival, dismissal, transitions, activity rotations, snack/mealtimes, homework time, and enrichment activities.

· Help maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios and follow all supervision requirements outlined by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Minimum Standards.

· Assist with preparing materials, organizing supplies, and maintaining a clean and inviting program space.

· Follow established procedures for attendance, safety checks, emergency situations, and daily operations.

Licensing & Quality Assurance:

· Follow all TCK policies, procedures, and expectations, as well as DFPS Minimum Standards for School-Age and Before or After-School Programs.

· Maintain required training certifications and participate in ongoing professional development opportunities.

· Assist in maintaining Texas Rising Star (TRS) quality standards through intentional interactions, engaging activities, organized environments, and positive child experiences.

· Complete required documentation, including attendance records, incident reports, behavior documentation, and other records as assigned.

· Support a culture of continuous improvement by being open to feedback and contributing ideas that enhance the program experience.

Team Collaboration & Professionalism:

· Work collaboratively with the Youth Program Supervisor and fellow Youth Program Instructors to provide a consistent, high-quality experience for children and families.

· Communicate regularly with team members regarding student needs, classroom dynamics, activity implementation, and program concerns.

· Receive coaching and feedback from the Supervisor and actively participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

· Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to the mission and values of The YouthVantage Alliance.

· Serve as a positive role model for children by demonstrating respect, responsibility, kindness, and integrity.

Child Behavior Support & Positive Guidance

· Use positive guidance strategies to support children in developing self-control, problem-solving skills, and positive relationships with peers.

· Redirect challenging behaviors in a calm, respectful, and consistent manner while following TCK behavior expectations and policies.

· Support individualized approaches for children who may need additional encouragement, structure, or assistance.

· Communicate behavior observations and concerns to the Site Supervisor in a timely and professional manner.

Family Communication and Customer Service:

· Create positive interactions with children and families by providing a welcoming and supportive program experience.

· Share appropriate daily updates with families regarding activities, child accomplishments, and general program information as directed by the Supervisor.

· Support a positive customer service experience by treating families, school partners, and community members with professionalism and respect.

· Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and program operations.

Other Responsibilities

· Assist with special events, family engagement activities, and program activities as assigned.

· Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

· Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the TCK program and the children served.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· High School Diploma or GED

· A genuine passion for helping children grow and thrive

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to adapt to varying needs

· Ability to provide professional references and clear extensive background checks

· Maintain certification in first aid and CPR, and a current tuberculosis screening

· Possess reliable transportation and a valid Texas driver’s license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position requires the ability to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment, and the physical ability to perform light lifting. This person must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with professionals and program participants. Work is performed in an office or school gym setting. This person may be required to travel to various locations throughout Tarrant County. Generally, the working conditions have little or no exposure to extremes in safety hazards or hazardous materials.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Girls Inc. of Tarrant County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other discrimination prohibited by law. The agency complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances prohibiting employment discrimination.