After School Program Coordinator

After-School Program Coordinator – (Jan.-June 2013)

Volunteer Position- Room and board provided.

Located on the beautiful Sarapiquí River, the SCLC depends on long-term volunteers to run its day-to-day programs and operations.  The volunteers must be highly committed, self-motivated, willing to work full-time, and responsible for coordinating the entirety of the EFL program.   The SCLC is focusing on realizing its original mission of establishing itself as a center for resources for the Sarapiquí community and a place where the community comes to support and help each other.  Due to the nature of the Center and the mission to reach and work with the local community, all volunteers should have an intermediate level of Spanish and feel comfortable communicating in this language.

The volunteer who commits to coordinate the program and participate in the day to day operations of the Center, for a minimum of six months, will be provided with a private room in a local family's home, all meals, laundry service plus a bicycle.

The ASP (After-School Program) was originally developed to offer kids the possibility to be assisted with homework and provide them with space where they can learn about different topics: English, arts, environmental sciences, music, technology, etc.  This is a special opportunity for kids as there are no supplementary skill learning opportunities for kids in the area.

Please note that teaching is only a part of this position; this is a Community Development and Outreach Center in which it is absolutely necessary for volunteers to participate in all of the Center’s projects and missions.

Job Description

• Coordinate a whole education After-school Program in two schedules (one am and one pm) Monday through Friday for students ages 7–13.
• Develop and conduct programs for students that integrate environmental concepts into activities and subjects such as art, movement, computers, reading, math, geography, social science and daily life.
• Develop semester goals, objectives and activities that ensure SCLC is completing its mission.
• Incorporate English and technology into lessons weekly.
• Promote conflict resolution techniques such as communication and class discussions.
• Provide a safe and positive environment for learning.
• Provide supplementary education opportunities for local school children.
• Act as the liaison between local elementary schools participating in the program and the SCLC. 
• Communicate with teachers and director of the participating schools to exchange information about integrated lessons plans, activities, and schedules.
• Assist with SCLC gardens
• Assist with SCLC Bird Club

Job Requirements

• Fluency in Spanish and English
• Experience teaching and managing children (K–6) in classroom and outdoor setting
• Experience teaching environmental education and developing curriculum and programs
• Enjoy working with children
• Conflict resolution, CPR, or First Aid training a plus
• Leadership skills
• Creativity
• Motivation and self-starting initiative
• Ability to work on own and as part of a team
• Willing to sign contract detailing responsibilities and commitments, with $100 refundable deposit to adhere to these commitments

If you are interested in applying for this position or would like general information about the Center, please contact us at: volunteer@learningcentercostarica.org