Director of Extended Day Program
Job Description
Job Description
Title: Director of Extended Day Program
Reports to: Primary School Head
Hours: Approximately 3:00–6:30 PM, Monday–Friday, while school is in session (includes Faculty Development Days and one week of Spring Break)
Role Impact & What Success Looks Like: You are the leader who ensures the Extended Day Program runs each day seamlessly. Through strong planning, staffing, and communication, you create a safe, structured, and welcoming environment where students thrive, and families feel confident in their child’s care.
Success in this role means your team is dependable, supported, and aligned with clear expectations. Students are actively engaged, well-supervised, and enjoying their time before and after school. Families experience consistent, professional communication and trust the program as an extension of the school day.
Your leadership brings organization, energy, and accountability, ensuring that the program operates smoothly, reflects The Prairie School’s values, and remains a positive and essential part of the school community.
Core Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Ownership
- Lead all aspects of the Extended Day/ Stay and Play Program
- Take full ownership of daily operations, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging environment
- Serve as the primary point of contact for families, staff, and school leadership
- Assume responsibility for the building during after-school hours
- Meet regularly with the Primary School Head
Staffing, Scheduling & Team Leadership
- Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard Extended Day Program Staff
- Build and manage staff schedules to ensure consistent, reliable coverage
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to maintain high expectations and a positive team culture
- Partner with Human Resources to ensure compliant hiring practices
Student Experience & Program Quality
- Plan and oversee age-appropriate activities for students ages 3–13
- Create a balanced program that includes active play, creativity, and downtime
- Provide visible, active supervision to ensure safety and inclusion
- Guide student behavior using school-supported approaches such as 1-2-3 Magic
Operations & Organization
- Maintain accurate records, including attendance, staffing, billing, and incident reports
- Keep program materials organized and ensure supplies are stocked and accessible
- Communicate clearly and professionally with families daily
- Respond to challenges with flexibility, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset
Skills That Support Success
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Clear, calm, and professional communication
- Confidence in leading and holding a team accountable
- Ability to multitask and make decisions in a fast-paced environment
- A proactive, “see it and solve it” mindset
- Warmth, approachability, and a genuine enjoyment of working with children
Experience We Value
- Experience working with children in a school, childcare, or youth program setting
- Previous leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience
- Experience with scheduling, staffing, or program coordination
- Familiarity with basic employment practices or willingness to learn
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and general administrative tasks
- High school diploma required; additional coursework in education or a related field is a plus