Before Care Youth Development Professional The Before Care Youth Development Professional provides safe, attentive, and engaging supervision for school-age youth before the school day begins. This position welcomes youth, assists with breakfast, facilitates light morning activities, and ensures children are safely transitioned to their assigned school buses or other authorized transportation. The ideal candidate is dependable, energetic, patient, and able to maintain a calm and positive environment during early-morning hours. Youth Supervision and Safety Actively supervise youth at all times, including during arrival, breakfast, activities, transitions, and bus departure. Welcome youth and help them begin their day in a positive and supportive environment. Follow established sign-in, attendance, and youth-release procedures. Know the bus assignment and departure schedule for each youth in the assigned group. Escort or direct youth to the correct bus and verify that each child departs according to the approved transportation plan. Conduct regular headcounts and remain aware of the location of assigned youth. Immediately report injuries, behavioral concerns, transportation issues, missing youth, or other safety concerns to the Program Supervisor. Follow all organizational policies regarding youth safety, mandated reporting, emergency procedures, and professional boundaries. Breakfast and Morning Activities Assist with setting up, serving, and cleaning up breakfast. Follow food safety, sanitation, allergy, and dietary procedures. Lead or support simple, age-appropriate activities such as board games, reading, drawing, puzzles, movement activities, homework support, or group conversations. Adapt activities to different ages, interests, abilities, and bus departure times. Help youth clean up materials and prepare for school. Encourage respectful behavior, cooperation, independence, and positive peer interactions. Behavior Support and Youth Engagement Build positive and appropriate relationships with youth. Clearly communicate expectations and reinforce program routines. Use positive behavior-management and de-escalation techniques. Respond to youth behavior calmly, consistently, and respectfully. Support youth who may be tired, anxious, frustrated, or having difficulty transitioning into the school day. Seek assistance from the Program Supervisor when behavior or safety concerns require additional support. Teamwork and Communication Arrive on time and be prepared to begin assigned responsibilities immediately. Follow daily assignments and direction provided by the Program Supervisor. Communicate important information about youth, attendance, transportation, or program concerns. Work cooperatively with coworkers to maintain appropriate supervision and smooth transitions. Interact professionally with families, transportation personnel, school representatives, and other partners. Maintain confidentiality regarding youth, families, and staff. Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming program space. Expected Hours of Work Position adheres to school calendar; hours are generally 7 am – 9 am Monday through Friday from late August to mid-June. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential responsibility of this position.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the ability to actively supervise and respond to youth throughout indoor and outdoor program spaces. Essential functions may involve moving throughout the facility, positioning oneself at youth level, accompanying youth during activities and transitions, using program equipment, and responding promptly to safety concerns. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusion and diversity. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience working with school-age youth in a school, childcare, camp, recreation, mentoring, or youth-development setting preferred.
Ability to engage youth in simple, age-appropriate activities.
Ability to maintain patience, attentiveness, and sound judgment in a busy environment.
Strong dependability, communication, and teamwork skills.
Ability to follow attendance, transportation, safety, and emergency procedures accurately.
Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
Must successfully complete all required background checks and organizational training.
Reliable transportation and consistent early-morning availability are required.
