After-School Program Aide
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Supervise children during activities, transitions, and free time
- Support homework help and learning activities
- Set up and clean up activity spaces and materials
- Lead small group games, arts, and enrichment activities
- Monitor attendance and follow sign-in and sign-out procedures
- Encourage positive behavior and help resolve minor conflicts
- Follow safety rules and respond to incidents appropriately
- Assist with snack distribution and basic food safety practices
- Communicate daily updates to the lead staff member
- Support inclusion for children with different needs and abilities
Top Skills for Success
Child Supervision
Safety Awareness
Positive Behavior Support
Communication
Patience
Reliability
Conflict Resolution
Activity Planning
Teamwork
Cultural Awareness
Documentation
First Aid
Career Progression
Can Lead To
After-School Program Leader
Youth Program Coordinator
Recreation Leader
Teacher Assistant
Child Care Lead Teacher
Transition Opportunities
Early Childhood Educator
Elementary School Support Staff
Camp Counselor
Behavior Support Aide
Social Services Assistant
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Classroom ManagementDe-escalation TechniquesChild Development BasicsIncident ReportingActivity FacilitationFamily Communication
Development SuggestionsAsk to shadow a program leader for behavior strategies, complete basic child safety training, practice running one short activity per shift, and use simple templates for attendance and incident notes.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level$14 to $18 per hour
Mid Level$18 to $23 per hour
Senior Level$23 to $28 per hour
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by working families, school-based enrichment programs, and expanded community youth services. Hiring can be seasonal and strongest during the school year.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Public School DistrictsCity Parks and Recreation DepartmentsYMCABoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaCommunity CentersAfter-school enrichment providersChild care centersNonprofit youth organizations
Industry Sectors
EducationYouth ServicesNonprofitLocal GovernmentCommunity RecreationChild Care
Recommended Next Steps
1
Get CPR certification if the employer requires it2
Complete a child safety training course offered by the employer or local agencies3
Build a small activity toolkit with 5 to 10 age-appropriate games and crafts4
Request regular feedback from the program leader on supervision and behavior support5
Track hours and key accomplishments to support promotion to program leader6
Update your resume with measurable examples such as group size supervised and activities led