School Age Program Coordinator

Career Guide

A School Age Program Coordinator plans, runs, and improves before school, after school, and school break programs for children in elementary and middle school. The role balances student safety and engagement with staff leadership, family communication, and day to day operations.

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Key Responsibilities

Design weekly activity plans that support learning and social development
Supervise children and maintain safe, welcoming environments
Hire, schedule, and coach program staff and volunteers
Manage daily attendance, sign in and sign out procedures, and records
Build positive relationships with families and respond to concerns
Coordinate with school staff on space use, student needs, and communication
Support children with behavior guidance using clear expectations
Ensure compliance with licensing rules and organizational policies
Manage program supplies, snacks, and equipment
Track enrollment, waitlists, and program capacity
Support incident response and document accidents or behavioral events
Plan special events and field trips and manage required permissions
Monitor the program budget and approve routine purchases
Collect feedback and use it to improve program quality

Top Skills for Success

Child Supervision

Activity Planning

Behavior Guidance

Safety Management

Staff Scheduling

Coaching

Family Communication

Conflict Resolution

Record Keeping

Program Operations

Budget Tracking

Community Partnerships

Inclusive Practices

Time Management

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead Program Coordinator

Site Director

Youth Program Manager

Student Support Services Coordinator

Family Engagement Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

School Counselor

Child Care Center Director

Nonprofit Program Manager

Education Program Specialist

Recreation Program Supervisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Licensing ComplianceIncident DocumentationBehavior Support PlanningBudget ManagementStaff Performance ManagementData ReportingProgram EvaluationStakeholder Communication

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple compliance checklist, practice clear written documentation, and ask to own one measurable improvement goal such as attendance, behavior incidents, or family satisfaction. Take short courses in child safety, behavior support, and basic budgeting, then apply them to your program routines.

Market Intelligence Report

School Age Program Coordinator 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 LevelUS$35,000 to US$45,000

Mid LevelUS$45,000 to US$60,000

Senior LevelUS$60,000 to US$80,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by working families, expanded after school programming, and increased focus on youth development and enrichment.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

YMCABoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaKinderCare Learning CompaniesBright HorizonsRight At SchoolCity Parks and Recreation DepartmentsPublic School DistrictsCommunity Center Networks

Industry Sectors

Youth Development NonprofitsSchool District Extended Day ProgramsChild Care ProvidersCommunity Recreation ProgramsFaith Based OrganizationsEducation Support Services

Recommended Next Steps

Review your local child care licensing requirements and create a weekly compliance routine

Develop a standard activity plan template and use it consistently for four weeks

Create a staff onboarding checklist and run a short training session

Set two program metrics and track them weekly

Schedule monthly family updates using a consistent communication format

Build partnerships with two local organizations for enrichment activities

Update your resume with outcomes such as enrollment growth, improved attendance, or fewer incidents

Pursue relevant credentials such as CPR and First Aid and mandated reporter training