| FAQs
What qualifications, education or experience is necessary?
Program Specialists should have two things. The first is experience working with children in a recreational setting. The experience can be either paid or volunteer. Being a tutor, youth sports coach or camp counselor all qualify as acceptable experience. For educational qualifications, the ideal candidate will have either Early Childhood I and II classes from a two-year college or a 3-credit class in child development, child psychology, developmental psychology or individuals with disabilities from a four year college. Some of the club positions do not require this coursework.
Site Supervisors should also have two things. In addition to the above listed Program Specialist qualifications for experience and education, candidates should have experience managing and supervising adults, whether in a paid or volunteer capacity. A Bachelor's degree in a child related field is preferred
These are the minimum qualifications for the positions. Individuals with additional experience and/or education are preferred.
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How many days do I need to be available to work?
Priority is given to people who are available all five weekday mornings or afternoons, but this is not a requirement. People with as few as two available mornings or afternoons per week may be hired depending on existing openings in the programs. Candidates who are available on only one day per week are typically placed on the substitute list.
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What times do the programs run? Where are they located?
Program start and end times vary from school to school. Review the location pages above for specific information.
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Do I need a car to get these schools?
Not necessarily. programs are located throughout the county and may allow you to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation. Some of our programs are located in schools on bus lines. Schools in Madison on bus lines include Crestwood, Franklin, Hawthorne, Muir, Randall, Shorewood, Stephens, Thoreau, Van Hise and Wingra. In Waukesha County the Waukesha School District programs are located close to bus lines. In either county please refer to current bus schedules for suitability to program locations.
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What does a typical day at AFTER SCHOOL look like?
It varies from site to site, depending on the needs of the children and the school. Typically staff arrives at the school about 5-10 mimutes before program time to set up the program space. As the children arrive they are greeted and presented with a colorful inviting environment that beckons them to come and stay, play and discover. Independent activities, active group activities, quiet games and puzzles, homework help and best of all...snack! Weather permitting, outdoor activities are also a part of most days. At all times, offering a choice and a voice in program activities, is important to engaging the children's interests and enthusiasm. After clean up kids may play a group game or take part in some other special activity.
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What sort of training is offered?
At the beginning of the school year, a multi-day orientation session is offered that covers policies and procedures related to program planning and operations, personnel, saftey and risk management, health and wellness policies, licensing regulations, program relations, child guidance and supervision of children. This is also a great opportunity for site teams to get to know one another, for friends to reconnect after the summer break, and to learn about any new changes within the organization. For staff starting mid-year, a series of training modules are offered that provides for similar preparation.
Throughout the year other training is offered during supervisor meetings, scheduled all staff training events, and in partnership with other organizations. In addition staff are encouraged to attend the annual WAA (Wisconsin Afterschool Association) and other local conferences.
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What is the pay rate?
The starting pay rate range for Program Specialists is $8.75 - $9.85 per hour, depending on education and experience. Site Supervisors are salaried; salaries are determined by hourly wage, hours per week worked and number of weeks worked during the year. The salary is based on a beginning hourly wage with a current range of $10.50 - $12.00 per hour, depending on education and experience.
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Is work study available?
Yes. If you are eligible for work study money, you can call the Director of Administration at 608-276-9782, extension 15 for more information about getting your work study money through AFTER SCHOOL.
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