Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro·San Lorenzo, California
Create a nurturing and engaging after-school environment that supports the social-emotional and foundational learning of young children. Facilitate play-based activities, manage daily routines, and build positive, trusting relationships with students.
As a Youth Development Professional, you’ll create a nurturing, playful, and engaging after-school environment where young children can explore, grow, and build confidence. Through hands-on activities, guided play, and positive reinforcement, you’ll support their early learning, social-emotional development, and foundational skills in a way that feels fun and exciting.
This role directly contributes to Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro by fostering a safe and enriching space that promotes curiosity, creativity, and positive relationships. What makes this role unique is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood development, work with a diverse and supportive team, and make a lasting impact during one of the most critical stages of a child’s growth.
We approach every situation with a growth mindset, demonstrating flexibility and courage, reframing challenges as opportunities. We acknowledge our current state, embrace change, and adapt as needed, maintaining a solutions-oriented approach throughout our growth journey.
What that looks like in this role: Embracing the energy and unpredictability of each day with patience and enthusiasm, staying positive and engaged despite challenges. Creating a nurturing environment by setting clear expectations, using proactive strategies, and supporting young children as they learn to manage big emotions and new routines. Building trust with children, collaborating with colleagues, and adjusting approaches to meet developmental needs. Viewing obstacles as opportunities to enhance learning experiences, strengthen skills, and create a joyful, supportive space for early growth.
Youth
Centered
Approach: Every organizational action or maneuver is designed to directly impact and benefit the youth we serve. We value and prioritize the youth perspective, making decisions with a focus on their needs and well-being, rather than adult convenience.
What that looks like in this role: Prioritizing the safety, well-being, and development of every club member. Building strong relationships by understanding each child’s interests and incorporating their voices into programming to maximize engagement. Facilitating age-appropriate activities that promote educational growth while offering mentorship, patience, and guidance each day. Advocating for and empowering young people, ensuring their needs and well-being remain at the heart of every decision.
Qualifications & Experience: Required: Strong communication and collaboration skills Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and emotional intelligence in working with young children Ability to maintain a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate environment CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire) Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing transitions, playtime, and structured learning with flexibility and patience. High emotional intelligence and integrity, with a deep understanding of how to support early social-emotional development. Ability to connect authentically with young children, building trust through warmth, consistency, and engaging interactions. Extreme patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure, especially when helping children navigate big emotions, social conflicts, or new experiences. Educational Requirements (Must have one of the following): High school diploma + 48 college semester units (˜ 2 years college), OR High school diploma + an Associate’s (or higher) degree, OR High school diploma + a passing score on the district’s Paraeducator/Paraprofessional Exam.
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Education, or related field Bilingual in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the community Familiarity with play-based, trauma-informed, or social-emotional learning approaches Multi-conversational language skills are a HUGE plus (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog).
Work
Environment: Youth Development Professional – TK and Kinder will work primarily in a school-based site at the Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro. This role may occasionally require flexibility to accommodate organizational events or deadlines.
Key aspects of the work environment include: Frequently required to stand Frequently required to walk Occasionally required to sit Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl Continually required to talk to, see and hear youth Rarely work in high, precarious places (playground equipment height) Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions Occasionally exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials (Communicable diseases in an office environment including COVID-19, common cold, and flu viruses. Negative TB screen required). While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50-70 pounds (with support, a child that has fallen)
Specialized equipment: Walkie Talkie radios for communication The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Leandro is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, disability, sex, age, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or presentation, pregnancy, genetics, veteran status or any other status protected by state or federal law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
The above description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time, nor does it change your status as an at-will employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Market context
In California, after-school TK/Kinder youth development roles are commonly sought in districts and community programs that support early learners beyond the school day. This role is competitive because it combines child development support with clear entry requirements: a high school diploma plus 48 college units, an associate degree, or a passing Paraeducator Exam, along with strong emotional intelligence and CPR/First Aid readiness. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your transcript, exam status, and certification plan before applying.
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