After School Program Coordinator Job Description and Salary

Overview

After school programs play a crucial role in providing children and adolescents with safe, structured, and enriching environments.

The After School Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing these programs’ daily operations, ensuring that they meet quality standards and provide meaningful experiences to participants.

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This position involves managing staff, curriculum development, parental engagement, and program evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

The After School Program Coordinator will undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Program Development and Implementation:
   • Design engaging and inclusive after-school activities that cater to the diverse interests and developmental needs of children.
   • Adapt programs and activities based on participant feedback and outcomes.
   • Collaborate with local schools, organizations, and community groups to enhance program offerings and resources.
2. Staff Management:
   • Recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers, providing ongoing professional development and support.
   • Schedule staff shifts to ensure staffing levels meet program demands.
   • Conduct regular staff meetings to foster communication, share best practices, and address challenges.
3. Participant Engagement:
   • Build positive relationships with participants and their families to encourage involvement and support.
   • Create a welcoming and safe environment that promotes social, emotional, and academic growth.
   • Facilitate conflict resolution among participants and handle behavioral issues according to established protocols.
4. Administration and Organization:
   • Maintain accurate records of program activities, attendance, and incidents to ensure compliance with safety regulations and funding requirements.
   • Monitor and manage the program budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
   • Prepare reports for stakeholders, such as school boards and government agencies, detailing program performance and outcomes.
5. Community Relations:
   • Act as a liaison between the after-school program and the community, fostering partnerships that enhance program resources and visibility.
   • Organize and participate in community events to promote the program and engage potential participants.
   • Communicate effectively with parents, providing regular updates about their child’s participation and progress in the program.
6. Evaluation and Improvement:
   • Develop strategies for assessing participant progress and program effectiveness.
   • Analyze data and feedback to continuously improve program offerings.
   • Implement best practices in after-school programming to align with current educational trends and standards.

Skills and Qualifications

To excel as an After School Program Coordinator, candidates should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Social Work, or a related field is typically required. Experience in youth programs can substitute for formal education.
• Experience: Prior experience running after-school programs or working with children in educational settings is highly desirable. Knowledge of child development principles is beneficial.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with children, parents, and staff. The coordinator must be able to articulate program goals and effectively convey information.
• Leadership Abilities: Proven leadership skills to motivate staff and create a positive program culture. Should possess conflict resolution and team-building abilities.
• Organizational Skills: The capacity to manage multiple tasks and priorities while meeting deadlines. Attention to detail is critical when handling administrative duties.
• First Aid and CPR Certifications: Certification in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is often required to ensure participant safety.

Salary Information

Alongside the responsibilities and qualifications of the After School Program Coordinator position, understanding salary expectations is crucial for both potential applicants and hiring organizations. Below is an overview of salary information for this role:

1. Base Salary:
   • The average salary for an After School Program Coordinator in the United States ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 annually. Salary can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and organizational funding.
2. Location Variance:
   • Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living. For instance, coordinators in metropolitan areas can expect salaries on the higher end of the range, while those in rural settings may earn less.
3. Experience Impact:
   • Entry-level coordinators or those with less experience may begin at a lower salary, around $30,000. With several years of experience, salaries can increase significantly, with seasoned professionals earning upwards of $60,000.
4. Benefits:
   • In addition to base salaries, many organizations offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. These benefits can enhance the overall compensation package.
5. Career Advancement Opportunities:
   • After School Program Coordinators have the potential for career advancement into higher administrative roles such as Program Director or Executive Director within the nonprofit or educational sector, which often come with increased salaries.

Conclusion

The After School Program Coordinator plays an integral role in shaping a positive and engaging environment for children after school. This position demands a combination of leadership, organizational skills, and a passion for youth development. With the growing recognition of the importance of after-school programs, the need for qualified coordinators will likely continue to rise, creating opportunities for those dedicated to this field.