The Afterschool Group Leader is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging afterschool experience for young children at The CLOUD Early Childhood Center. This role serves as the primary group leader during afternoon hours, bridging the transition from the school day to afterschool programming while maintaining the high standards of care, instruction, and family partnership that define Cloud Early Pathways™. The Afterschool Group Leader leads structured activities, supervises children during free play and transitions, supports snack and routine management, and counts toward staff-to-child ratio at all times. This position reports directly to the Educational Director and works in close collaboration with AM Lead Teachers and program specialists to ensure continuity of care and a consistent child experience throughout the full program day.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Actively supervise all children in assigned group at all times indoors and outdoors.

•  Maintain required staff-to-child ratios; never leave children unattended.

•  Conduct regular head counts during transitions, outdoor play, and activity changes.

•  Follow all OCFS health, safety, and sanitation procedures.

•  Conduct daily safety checks of the classroom, outdoor play areas, and materials.

•  Report all incidents, accidents, and safety concerns promptly to the Educational Director.

•  Lead engaging, developmentally appropriate afternoon activities aligned with Cloud Early Pathways™.

•  Implement activities and programming as directed by the Educational Director.

•  Facilitate structured and unstructured play, learning centers, creative arts, movement, and literacy activities.

•  Support and reinforce skills introduced by AM Lead Teachers to ensure continuity of learning.

•  Assist with themed events, seasonal activities, and family engagement programming as directed.

•  Supervise and facilitate afternoon snack using Family Style Eating practices.

•  Model positive mealtime conversation, table manners, and self-help skills.

•  Manage afternoon routines including arrival, transitions, snack, outdoor play, and dismissal.

•  Ensure smooth, calm transitions between all afternoon activities.

•  Manage safe and organized dismissal; verify authorized pick-up for every child before release.

•  Never release a child to an unauthorized individual; follow program dismissal protocols strictly.

•  Communicate daily highlights, incidents, and child updates to families through the Playground App and in person.

•  Build positive, respectful, and culturally responsive relationships with all families.

•  Notify the Educational Director immediately of any dismissal concerns or custody-related issues.

•  Record daily attendance in the Playground App at the start of each afterschool session.

•  Document daily activities, child observations, and notable moments in the Playground App.

•  Report any behavioral concerns, developmental observations, or family communications to the ED.

•  Maintain accurate and up-to-date records at all times.

•  Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment throughout the afternoon.

•  Ensure materials are safe, age-appropriate, and replenished as needed.

•  Assist with end-of-day classroom cleanup and preparation for the next program day.

•  Communicate daily with AM Lead Teachers regarding student needs, behaviors, and updates.

•  Collaborate with PM specialists (SEL, Math, STEM) to support push-in sessions and smooth transitions.

•  Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.

•  Maintain confidentiality of all student and family information at all times.

•  Model positive, nurturing, trauma-informed interactions with children at all times.

•  Arrive on time and fully prepared for the start of each afterschool session.

•  Uphold The CLOUD Development Network’s professionalism and conduct standards.

Required

•  High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.

•  Minimum 1 year of experience working with young children in a group setting.

•  Strong supervisory and classroom management skills.

•  Ability to engage, motivate, and care for young children in a structured afterschool environment.

•  Strong communication skills with children, families, and colleagues.

•  Fingerprinting, background clearance, and mandated reporter certification required.

•  Experience in an afterschool, childcare, or early childhood classroom setting.

•  Familiarity with Teaching Strategies GOLD, Second Step, or similar early childhood programs.

•  Experience with the Playground App or similar digital documentation platforms.

•  Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

•  CPR and First Aid certified (or willing to obtain).