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.

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.

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

1
Review your local child care licensing requirements and create a weekly compliance routine
2
Develop a standard activity plan template and use it consistently for four weeks
3
Create a staff onboarding checklist and run a short training session
4
Set two program metrics and track them weekly
5
Schedule monthly family updates using a consistent communication format
6
Build partnerships with two local organizations for enrichment activities
7
Update your resume with outcomes such as enrollment growth, improved attendance, or fewer incidents
8
Pursue relevant credentials such as CPR and First Aid and mandated reporter training