Childcare Lead Teacher - After School

Description

LOCATION: Blue Ridge Elementary School in Ararat, VA

PAY: $15.50–$17.00 per hour, based on experience

Schedule: Follows the school calendar
Afternoon Program: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

JOB STATUS: Part-time, non-exempt

Do you love working with kids?

Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a Childcare Lead Teacher for our After School Program at Blue Ridge Elementary School in Ararat, VA for the 2026–2027 school year.

Key Success Characteristics:

• Loves working with children and helping them learn through play and positive experiences
• Brings energy, kindness, and patience to each day
• Enjoys encouraging children's curiosity, creativity, and confidence
• Works well with teammates and communicates effectively with families
• Reliable, organized, and committed to providing exceptional care

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is especially well-suited for:

• Parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day
• Education majors or future teachers looking for hands-on experience with children and classroom management
• Retirees who enjoy staying active, mentoring children, and giving back to the community

If you enjoy building relationships, supporting student growth, and being part of a mission-driven team, you’ll feel right at home.

Position Responsibilities

• Facilitate hands-on activities following the Healthy Kids Curriculum which includes fitness, STEAM, academic, art, and other group activities as well as homework completion.
• Provide a safe, healthy, and fun environment and acting as a positive role model for children in the program.
• Observe state guidelines, Healthy Kids Extended Day Program policies, and host school policies.
• Support program operations, which may include attendance records, registration, and staffing responsibilities.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Virginia-Approved Qualification Pathways (must meet ONE):
Option 1: Meets one of the Virginia Program Director qualification pathways
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in a child-related field
Option 3: Minimum 3 months programmatic experience plus one of the following:

• One-year early childhood certificate (=30 semester hours)
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent
• Certification from a recognized Montessori organization

Option 4: 48 semester hours (or 72 quarter hours) from an accredited college/university with at least 12 semester hours (or 18 quarter hours) in child-related subjects and minimum 3 months programmatic experience

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to pass a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) background check.
• Must be medically cleared to perform all job duties and free of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis (TB).
• Demonstrates a warm, friendly, and positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills when working with children, parents, and team members.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism; dependable and punctual.
• Physically able to bend, stretch, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs., and actively engage in all activities required to safely supervise and keep up with children.

PART-TIME BENEFITS:

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working with us
• Telehealth, vision, and dental coverage
• AFLAC supplemental plans
• 401(k) for eligible employees
• Paid sick time
• On-demand pay – access earned wages before your scheduled payday for added financial flexibility 
• Career development and growth opportunities

About Healthy Kids Programs
Healthy Kids Programs is more than a childcare provider—we're shaping the future of childcare. As one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing organizations, we provide Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations. As a certified Benefit Corporation, our mission is to make childcare accessible and affordable while creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, and our team members.