About DreamYard

Dream Yard’s mission is to collaborate with Bronx youth, families and schools to build pathways to equity and opportunity through the arts. DreamYard Project is the largest arts provider in the Bronx, and uses project-based arts learning to ignite the transformative spirit in youth, public schools and communities. Dream Yard’s school-based and out of school programs are based on 21st century learning and social justice pedagogy principles. Our work is aligned with the NYC Department of Education Blueprint for the Arts and the NY State Learning Standards, and encourages young people to pursue educational pathways toward higher learning, meaningful careers and social action. Our nationally recognized programming has grown tremendously in response to student interest and community needs. Co-Executive directors Jason Duchin and Tim Lord founded DreamYard in 1994. Since then, DreamYard has worked with more than 100 public schools and over 100,000 young people and families. DreamYard has developed a robust educational community in the Bronx – from its network of over 45 partnering public schools including the DY Preparatory High School to year-long programs at the DY Art Center.

The Position

The PS 32/DreamYard DYCD Compass After School Program Group Leader will report to the Program Director and work closely with staff (including group leaders, school teachers and other staff) to support the after school program at PS 32 serves approximately 149 students. The Group Leader position under the DYCD COMPASS Elementary Grant operates on a year-round dual-schedule model. School Year Schedule (Sept – June): Monday through Friday, part-time afternoons (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM), including coverage for up to 13 designated school holidays and 3 hours of meeting or professional development time per week. Summer Programming Schedule (July – August): Monday through Friday, full-day shifts (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM), running as a full-time summer camp model for 7 weeks.

Overall Responsibilities

• Working to support young people's development in an active, positive way that reflects DY values and school norms

• Supporting program systems including attendance, incentives, safety procedures, special events, etc.

• Providing effective instruction for a structured activity (arts, sports, technology, etc.), including creating written lesson plans, planning projects that help youth build skills over time. Lessons plans must be turned in biweekly and reflect progression of activity and student learning; coaching will be available by on-site Educational Specialist

• Punctuality, dependability, and professional communication are highly important to successful operation of program

• Participating in staff meetings and other trainings required (all are paid at the regular hourly rate)

• Other duties as required by management 

Key School Year Primary Responsibilities 

Supervision & Safety: Monitor student behavior, ensure physical safety, and escort children safely during transitions, arrivals, snacks, bathroom breaks, and dismissal.

• Activity Facilitation: Lead hands-on, engaging recreational and academic enrichment activities, including homework help, games, team-building, and enrichment curricula (such as STEM or literacy) for groups of 10 participants. Written lesson plans are submitted on a monthly basis to provide sequential, project-based curriculum.

• Positive Youth Development (PYD): Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment that encourages Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), leadership, and positive self-image.

• Administration: Take daily attendance, track headcounts during transitions, and collaborate professionally with co-workers and activity specialists.

• It is important that Group Leaders be able to act as a positive role model and mentor to the young people they work with, and to develop a positive, supportive culture and an effective way of dealing with challenges with students that may arise.

Expanded Summer Key Responsibilities

In addition to standard school-year academic support and supervision, the Group Leader takes on distinct camp-style duties during the summer cycle:

• Full-Day Group Management: Supervise a designated cohort of youth continuously for up to 10 hours a day, keeping energy high, maintaining hydration, and tracking headcount rigorously.

• Camp Activity Facilitation: Lead hands-on thematic summer projects integrating STEM, literacy, physical fitness, and health/nutrition curricula to prevent summer learning loss.

• Field Trip Chaperoning: Escort and manage student safety during off-site local day trips, park outings, swimming, and cultural excursions throughout the five boroughs.

• Meal Logistics: Coordinate and oversee the distribution and clean-up of free breakfast, lunch, and snack routines provided by the summer program.

The program site is at PS 32 The Belmont School (690 E 183rd St, Bronx, NY 10458.)

Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate effectively with other after school staff

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills

• Commitment to fostering a student-centered, safe, respectful, and productive environment for all participants, families and school partners

• All staff must pass NYC Dept of Education fingerprinting clearance before beginning work

Compensation 

The DYCD Compass After School Group Leader is a part-time, non-exempt position with a rate of $18.00 per hour. Other benefits include paid sick time. 

To Apply

Please use the link below to submit a resume and cover letter.

DreamYard is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of arts education,

educational reform and social justice, and fashions its programs to specifically address the

needs of urban communities that are typically underrepresented because of race, sex, ethnicity,

and socioeconomic status. Accordingly, we welcome and encourage applications from a diverse

range of individuals. 

Bronx based and Spanish-speaking applicants are strongly encouraged to

apply. DreamYard Project, Inc. employs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion,

national origin, age, disability, or any other attribute not related to superior performance.

COVID19 Protocol: Please note that proof of vaccinations will be required as a DreamYard COVID 19 health and safety protocol.

Disclaimer:

Job duties and requirements are ever changing based on the demands of the client, industry

and company. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of

activities, duties or responsibilities, but is an overall picture of job requirements, that is subject to

modification at the company’s discretion.