Creative ArtReach – Rodgers Creative Enterprises
Position Title: TK/Kindergarten Support Staff
Reports To Site Creative Captain, Lead Support, Program Manager
Position Type
Part-Time (School Year & Intersession Opportunities)
Position Summary
The TK/Kindergarten Support Staff provides direct care and supervision for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students enrolled in the Creative ArtReach program. This position creates a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where our youngest students can learn, play, explore, and build confidence through age-appropriate activities.
TK/Kindergarten Support Staff help students transition successfully between the school day and the after-school program while supporting social-emotional development, independence, and positive behavior. Staff work collaboratively with site leadership and fellow team members to ensure every child feels welcomed, supported, and successful.
The ideal candidate is patient, energetic, compassionate, and enjoys working with young children in a structured yet creative environment.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesStudent Care & Supervision
- Provide active supervision of TK and Kindergarten students at all times.
- Maintain required staff-to-student ratios.
- Assist students during daily transitions throughout the program.
- Escort students safely between classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, and activity areas.
- Help students develop independence while providing age-appropriate guidance and support.
- Ensure students are released only to authorized individuals following program procedures.
Program Activities
- Lead and assist with engaging, developmentally appropriate activities.
- Facilitate arts and crafts, creative play, STEM exploration, dramatic play, literacy activities, movement, and outdoor recreation.
- Encourage curiosity, creativity, and positive participation.
- Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs of young learners.
- Support structured routines while maintaining flexibility for individual student needs.
Social-Emotional Learning
- Foster a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
- Help students develop friendships, communication skills, and self-confidence.
- Encourage kindness, empathy, cooperation, and respect.
- Support students in learning conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Reinforce positive behavior through encouragement and praise.
Behavior Support
- Implement Creative ArtReach's Positive Behavior Support system.
- Redirect behaviors using positive, developmentally appropriate strategies.
- Help students identify and express emotions appropriately.
- Communicate behavior concerns to site leadership.
- Assist with documenting significant incidents when necessary.
Health & Safety
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment.
- Follow all health and safety procedures.
- Monitor students during meals, snacks, restroom breaks, and outdoor play.
- Assist students with basic self-care needs while encouraging independence.
- Immediately report illnesses, injuries, or safety concerns to leadership.
- Participate in emergency drills and emergency response procedures.
Family Engagement
- Greet families warmly during arrival and dismissal.
- Communicate routine updates professionally.
- Assist with student sign-out procedures.
- Verify authorized adults and identification when required.
- Refer confidential or sensitive concerns to site leadership.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with the Site Creative Captain, Lead Support, and fellow staff members.
- Assist with classroom setup and cleanup.
- Share ideas for engaging activities and student enrichment.
- Participate in staff meetings and professional development.
- Support fellow staff members as needed throughout the program.
Leadership Expectations
Every TK/Kindergarten Support Staff member is expected to:
- Demonstrate patience, kindness, and professionalism.
- Be a positive role model for students.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration.
- Maintain a calm and encouraging attitude.
- Follow directions while taking initiative when appropriate.
- Foster an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and included.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 48 college credits or Para Educator certification
- Experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, elementary school, recreation, or youth program setting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Mandated Reporter Training (or ability to complete upon hire).
- DOJ/FBI Fingerprint Clearance.
- TB Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's degree or coursework in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Education, Recreation, or a related field.
- Experience working with Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students.
- Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Experience supporting students with diverse learning or behavioral needs.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to actively supervise young children throughout the day.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor frequently.
- Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Participate in indoor and outdoor activities.
- Respond quickly during emergencies.
- Work in varying weather conditions during outdoor supervision.
Work Environment
TK/Kindergarten Support Staff work primarily in elementary school classrooms, playgrounds, multipurpose rooms, cafeterias, and outdoor learning environments. The position requires energy, flexibility, and the ability to engage with young learners in a fast-paced and active setting.
Core Competencies
- Patience & Compassion
- Student Engagement
- Child Development Awareness
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Positive Behavior Support
- Organization
- Safety Awareness
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
Success Measures
A successful TK/Kindergarten Support Staff member consistently:
- Creates a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where young learners feel supported.
- Builds positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Encourages curiosity, creativity, and independence through meaningful activities.
- Supports students' social-emotional growth while reinforcing positive behavior.
- Maintains a clean, organized, and safe learning environment.
- Upholds the Creative ArtReach core values of Creativity, Kindness, Respect, Accountability, and Teamwork, ensuring every child has a positive and enriching after-school experience.
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
