Just for Kids, awarded Employer of the Year by Buffalo State and the University at Buffalo, is looking for enthusiastic, creative, and motivated staff who have a passion for working with today’s youth and whose everyday priorities align with Just for Kids core values: to provide an engaging, enriching, and safe out of school experience.

Company Information

Just for Kids is a community-centered non-profit organization that offers before and after school and summer programming in the Amherst, Cheektowaga Central, Cheektowaga Sloan, Cleveland Hill (Cheektowaga), Grand Island, Sweet Home, and Williamsville Central School Districts. We also offer programming at The Park School of Buffalo, Saints Peter and Paul School in Hamburg, St. Benedict School in Amherst, St. Mary's School in Swormville, and Nardin Academy in Buffalo.  

Position Summary

The Pre-K  Specialist is responsible for developing and managing additional learning   opportunities through play, enrichment activities and social interaction for   the before and after school programs for pre-kindergarten children (ages   4-5). This role focuses on creating a   safe, engaging and educational environment that complements the curriculum of   the Program Manager and the regular school day. Coordinate with the Program Manager to   determine responsibility for administrative tasks. Support the point person for site needs during   Program Manager’s absence.

• Design, plan and implement age-appropriate daily activities that align with early childhood education principles and foster children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
• Create diverse activities such as arts, crafts, music, movement, literacy and science that are all development appropriate and engaging that reinforce classroom learning and are in in line with the Program Managers curriculum. 
• Maintain general housekeeping of all program areas including program spaces and storage areas and schedule spaces for groups of children based on size, activity and maintaining ratios.
• Provide guidance on implementing Pre-K activities, managing behavior and ensuring a high-quality program.
• Support daily communication with participating families and staff.
• Maintain accurate record keeping (i.e. group trackers/attendance records, injury reports, etc.) 

Schedule

After school programs follow the District/School calendar, Monday through Friday, from dismissal through the close of program (5:30pm or 6:00pm).  Morning programs run from 7:00am/7:15am through the start of school. Five day availability preferred, but not required. 

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate
• Performance, Attendance, and Referral Bonuses
• Paid Sick Time
• Stellar Dental Discount Plan
• Tuition Discount through Just for Kids School-Age Discount Program
• 401(k) Plan

Recognition

Just for Kids takes pride in the services we offer the community and our staff. We have won multiple awards for our childcare services and the manner in which we treat our staff. 

• Buffalo Business First – Best Places to Work Finalist – (2015, 2019, 2023)
• Network for Youth Success – Quality Leadership Award (2022)
• Child Care Provider of the Year, Child Care Resource Network (2015)
• Employer of the Year – Buffalo State (2012) + University at Buffalo (2015)
• UB Nonprofit Internship Site of the Year (2015)

• Before employees are eligible to start working, they must be cleared through NYS OCFS. This includes the completion of several background checks, medical clearance, and fingerprinting.
• Regular and predictable attendance

Experience And Education: Must be 18 years of age or older. Education and/or experience per NYS OCFS regulations.

9 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field, with a plan of study leading to a:

• Child Development Associate Credential -or-
• Other Office-recognized credential specific to the preschool developmental period -or-
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field
• And additionally, two years of experience related to caring for children

Physical Requirements: This position is very active and requires walking, bending, kneeling, running, twisting and squatting. This position includes prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending. Generally, must be able to lift up to 10 pounds at a time. Ability to engage actively with children in a classroom like setting.