About this role
Status & FLSA Class: Full Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)
Hours: 30 hours a week (schedule varies)
Reports to: Team Captain
Location: Castro Valley, CA
Pay Range: $26 - $28/hour, depending on experience.
About PlayCV
PlayCV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Castro Valley students by providing high-quality afterschool programs rooted in joyful play, hands-on learning, and whole-child development.
We partner with elementary and middle schools within the Castro Valley Unified School District to deliver meaningful enrichment experiences that include arts, science, music, STEM, recreation, social-emotional learning, and academic support.
Our programs support students in building confidence, exploring creativity, strengthening social skills, and forming meaningful relationships. We strive to create safe, inclusive spaces where students feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
Our work is guided by PlayCV’s Community Agreements, which shape how we show up for students, families, school partners, and one another.
About the Program
The Full PLAY (TFP) is PlayCV’s afterschool program, operating from the last bell of the school day until 6:00 p.m. Each day begins with students checking in and receiving a nutritious snack. Students then rotate through enrichment classes, homework support, outdoor games, STEAM activities, and social engagement opportunities.
Position Summary
The TKK Lead Instructor will lead a team of support Instructors to provide high quality before and after-school programs for youth and their families. In a structured and supportive environment, and mentoring a support team, the TKK Lead Instructor facilitates enrichment, recreation, educational opportunities, and fun experiences for students aged 4-6yrs, including arts and crafts, outdoor games, and social support. The position might be perfect for you if you like working with and leading a team of Instructors to develop students' social-emotional skills, and improving the ability of students to learn and have fun, while strengthening the program's connection with students, families, and school staff. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment, knowledge of Early Childhood Development best practices, and problem-solving skills are essential.
The program is open from 8am - 6pm every school day. The TKK Lead Instructor is a critical role that provides feedback towards PlayCV's continuous improvement efforts, responding to parents, school administration, curriculum development team and inclusivity team in response to program effectiveness. Above all else, the TKK Lead Instructor is responsible for ensuring the safety of our students and acting as the safety manager for the site.
Essential Job Functions
Program & Student Experience
• Lead and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the needs and interests of TK and Kindergarten-aged children.
• Lead enrichment activities by providing hands-on guidance and support, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking skills.
• Establish and maintain a positive, supportive classroom environment.
• Implement effective behavior management strategies, modeling positive social interactions and conflict resolution skills.
• Communicate and implement best practices in early childhood education on site, ensuring all activities support the developmental needs of TK and Kindergarten-aged children.
• Model positive behavior and interactions for both staff and students.
• Work closely with the TK/K Curriculum & Program Designer to align and implement program goals and objectives, seeking guidance and support as needed to enhance program quality and effectiveness.
Safety & Supervision
• Ensure the safety of all students by maintaining appropriate student-to-instructor ratios and adhering to program schedules.
• Monitor students to ensure compliance with PlayCV program guidelines and rules.
• Serve as a point of contact for TKK Support regarding safety concerns, accident prevention, cleaning procedures, and proper use of PlayCV facilities and equipment.
• Be knowledgeable of and enforce all emergency procedures and safety guidelines.
• Report and document incidents, including accidents or rule violations, and communicate details to parents/guardians and the Team Captain as required.
Teamwork & Collaboration
• Maintain close communication and collaboration with parents and guardians, in partnership with PlayCV leadership.
• Collaborate with other program instructors to coordinate schedules, share resources, and ensure consistency in program delivery.
• Serve as a team leader by supporting, guiding, and mentoring TKK Support staff on site.
• Maintain open and direct communication with the Team Captain regarding staff performance, safety concerns, disciplinary matters, and behavioral issues.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities as required.
Operations & Administrative Responsibilities
• Organize and manage daily program operations, including assigning staff roles on site.
• Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring all staff understand their responsibilities and expectations.
• Manage and adjust TKK Support roles based on curriculum needs, student needs, or operational requirements.
• Ensure smooth daily program operations and alignment with PlayCV policies and procedures.
Community Agreements
All PlayCV team members are expected to model and uphold our Community Agreements:
• Keep our students at the center of our decisions and actions
• Be open to feedback and operate with a growth mindset
• Be kind and respectful
• Own our attitude
• Support each other and hold each other accountable
• Respect everyone’s privacy
These agreements guide daily interactions, decision-making, and overall site culture.
Qualifications & Experience
• Have min of 12 ECE units - or are currently in progress.
• Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred OR 2+ years of equivalent in class experience with school aged children while pursuing degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent GED
• Desire to develop oneself professionally through self driven continued growth and interest towards newly developed curriculum for assigned age groups.
• Minimum of 6 months experience supervising or leading staff of at least 3.
• Able to commit to working Monday through Friday at least 6 hours per shift, including Summer Program.
• Demonstrated creativity and professionalism in providing meaningful opportunities for students and staff. Passionate about team growth through staff development, delegation of responsibilities and understanding of PlayCV policies and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to de-escalate conversations with students, staff or parents where appropriate. Must maintain communication with parents, Team Captain and/or Coach and Directors to ensure program guidelines for students and staff are being enforced.
• Shows dedication to PlayCV’s mission through expectations of self and staff to nurturing the whole development of all students regardless of their placement in PlayCV’s programs.
• Models fair, responsible, dependable, patient, compassionate, kind and consistent standards for themselves and others.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is an experienced early childhood professional who demonstrates strong leadership, sound judgment, and a commitment to creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for TK and Kindergarten-aged children. This individual is confident leading both students and staff, maintains high standards for program quality and safety, and communicates effectively with families, team members, and PlayCV leadership.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, and move continuously throughout program hours (including outdoor play and transitions between locations)
• Ability to actively engage with students through physical activities such as games, sports, playground supervision, and movement-based enrichment
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, sit on the floor, and get up from the floor frequently
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull program supplies, equipment, or materials weighing up to approximately 5–30 pounds
• Ability to visually supervise large groups of children and respond quickly to dynamic situations
• Ability to hear and respond to student needs, verbal cues, and emergency signals in indoor and outdoor environments
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to sustain focus and energy while supervising students for extended periods of time
Conditions of Employment
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOJ/FBI Live Scan clearance
• Proof of negative TB test within required timeframe
• Ability to attend required PlayCV trainings and meetings
• Ability to work assigned schedule and program calendar
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
PlayCV is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. $26 - $28/hour, depending on experience.