School Age Child Care Teacher

Career Guide

A School Age Child Care Teacher supports children, typically ages 5 to 12, before school, after school, and during school breaks. The role focuses on safety, supervision, enrichment activities, positive behavior support, and partnering with families and school staff.

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Key Responsibilities

Supervise children to maintain safety and well-being
Plan age-appropriate activities including arts, sports, homework help, and group games
Set clear expectations and guide behavior using positive approaches
Build inclusive routines that support children with different needs and abilities
Prepare learning and play spaces and keep them clean and organized
Track attendance and follow sign-in and sign-out procedures
Communicate with families about schedules, routines, and child progress
Follow health, safety, and licensing rules including emergency procedures
Support snacks and meals following nutrition and allergy guidance
Document incidents and concerns and report them to the required contacts
Coordinate with site leaders, school staff, and other program partners
Participate in required training and professional development

Top Skills for Success

Child Supervision

Activity Planning

Classroom Management

Positive Behavior Support

Child Development Knowledge

Safety Awareness

First Aid

CPR

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Empathy

Patience

Teamwork

Time Management

Cultural Competence

Professional Boundaries

Record Keeping

Program Organization

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead School Age Teacher

Site Coordinator

Program Coordinator Youth Program Manager Child Care Center Assistant Director

Transition Opportunities

Elementary School Teacher Special Education Paraprofessional Behavior Technician Family Support Specialist

Recreation Program Leader

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Behavior De-escalationTrauma-Informed CareSpecial Needs SupportLesson PlanningGroup FacilitationParent CommunicationRegulatory ComplianceIncident Documentation

Development SuggestionsBuild confidence through short trainings, shadowing experienced staff, and practicing structured activity plans. Ask your supervisor for a behavior support toolkit, clear escalation steps, and feedback on documentation. Consider earning First Aid and CPR certification and completing required state child care trainings.

Market Intelligence Report

School Age Child Care Teacher is part of the Childcare category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUnited States: $25,000 to $33,000 per year

Mid LevelUnited States: $33,000 to $42,000 per year

Senior LevelUnited States: $42,000 to $55,000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by working families, expanded after-school programs, and seasonal school-break care. Hiring is often strongest at the start of the school year and ahead of summer programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

YMCABoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaKinderCareBright HorizonsLearning Care GroupPrimrose Schools

Industry Sectors

School district extended day programsCommunity-based nonprofit programsChild care centers with school-age programsParks and recreation departmentsFaith-based child care programsPrivate after-school enrichment providers

Recommended Next Steps

Earn or renew First Aid certification

Earn or renew CPR certification

Complete required state child care training hours

Prepare a simple activity portfolio with 5 to 10 ready-to-run activities

Practice clear routines for transitions, line-up, and clean-up

Ask to lead one weekly enrichment activity to build leadership experience

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as attendance, activity participation, and safety record

Join a local early childhood or after-school professional association to find openings and training