Aftercare Coordinator

El Rio Community School is a community-based independent public charter school located in the culturally rich area of Northeast LA that is guided by the core principles of Public Waldorf Education through the lens of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

We seek to cultivate a relationship-based school culture that supports joyful, collaborative learning and leadership. Students’ curiosity and imagination are fostered through an arts-integrated, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate curriculum. By engaging children’s heads, hearts and hands, we strive to develop free-thinking individuals with respect for themselves, their community, and the planet.

El Rio is actively committed to using a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging lens to examine traditional Waldorf practices. We are dedicated to creating a school culture and curriculum that honors and reflects our community. Within this community, we seek to nurture children in their strengths while fostering a growth mindset and the ability to work through challenges.

Using experiential learning and an arts-infused curriculum, we strive to instill in our students a sense of reverence and responsibility for all life on earth and a deep understanding of our interconnectedness as global citizens. We are focused on graduating lifelong learners and innovative, compassionate human beings who lead their lives and communities with purpose and integrity.

The Aftercare Coordinator leads the planning, supervision, and daily operations of the school’s aftercare program. This includes directly supervising a team of Aftercare Assistants, maintaining a safe and enriching environment for students, and coordinating schedules, programming, and communication with staff and families.

As an Aftercare Coordinator, you will nurture a safe, inclusive, and creative space for TK–8th–grade students, fostering imagination, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. You’ll bring Waldorf-inspired, family-centered values—creativity, community, equity, and environmental stewardship—into the afterschool experience.

Availability Requirements

Regular Hours: Monday–Thursday: 1:50–5:30 PM + Friday: 12:20–5:30 PM

Lunch/Recess Supervision: Monday–Friday: 12:30–1:30 PM (or 11:45–12:30 on Fridays)

Seasonal Camps: Be available to coordinate and work shifts (8:00–12:30 or 12:30–5:00) during Winter, February, Spring, and Summer Breaks.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experienced working with children ages 4–12 in group settings
• Calm, confident leadership style with gentle authority and clear boundaries
• Able to hold space for assistants’ growth and accountability
• Skilled in conflict mediation, play-based learning, and building community
• Culturally responsive and committed to equity and inclusion
• Familiarity with or interest in Waldorf or arts-integrated approaches to education

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership
• Plan and oversee the daily aftercare structure, balancing free play, arts/crafts, storytelling, homework time, and rest.
• Create a warm, responsive, and developmentally appropriate environment for students rooted in Waldorf principles.
• Implement school-wide expectations with clarity, gentleness, and consistency.

Staff Supervision & Support

Directly supervise Aftercare Assistants, including:

• Assigning daily roles (indoor vs. outdoor coverage, cleanup rotations, etc.)
• Modeling best practices in student care, conflict resolution, and communication.
• Holding daily check-ins and periodic staff meeting
• Support staff in addressing student behavior, interpersonal challenges, or safety concerns in alignment with El Rio’s approach.
• Supervised Staff Duties (Aftercare Assistants)

The Coordinator will train and support Aftercare Assistants to:

• Call students to attention and escort them calmly through transitions
• Supervise safe and respectful play (e.g., discourage rough or unsafe practices)
• Lead structured games or activities when appropriate
• Respond to minor injuries or distress with care and attentiveness
• Monitor bathroom needs, hydration, and sun exposure
• Ensure students are signed out by authorized adults only
• Relay updates to the Coordinator and communicate with families as needed
• Clean up play areas, wipe tables, and dispose of leftover food or trash
• Rotate between outdoor yard supervision and indoor TK/K activity stations

Daily Operations

• Coordinate transitions, such as dismissal from classrooms and movement between indoor and outdoor areas.
• Ensure consistent coverage during recess/lunch duties and aftercare blocks.
• Monitor student sign-outs and maintain clear records for safety and accountability.
• Communicate regularly with families at pick-up and follow up on incidents or student needs as necessary.

Safety, Cleanliness & Culture

• Oversee snack distribution, injury response, and environmental adjustments (shade, hydration, etc.).
• Ensure the physical environment is safe, clean, and welcoming by delegating and actively participating in daily cleanup tasks.
• Uphold a shared culture of attentiveness, inclusion, and care.

Required:

• At least 1 year of experience supervising or coordinating youth programs
• Ability to lead a team of 3–5 Aftercare Assistants
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• DOJ background clearance (LiveScan) and TB clearance
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)

Preferred:

• Experience in Waldorf
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Experience working with neurodiverse students and/or trauma-informed practices