Bright Futures After School Program

The Bright Futures Program is an expanded and rebranded version of YWCA’s Riverbend Reading Club, which has provided after-school and summer programming since 2022. The program has consistently demonstrated success in improving literacy competency among youth year after year. Bright Futures will continue to prioritize reading instruction as its core focus, while also integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL), a variety of planned enrichment activities and lessons, and designated time for homework support.

Bright Futures will run Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at YWCA, serving youth ages 5 to 12 from October 2025 through May 2026.

Job Summary
We are seeking passionate and dedicated Instructors to join our Bright Futures After School Program. Ideal candidates will have a background in education and a strong commitment to creating a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. This role involves working directly with students to deliver high-quality instruction, support academic growth, and contribute to their overall social and emotional development.

Instructors will lead and encourage students, stimulate critical thinking, provide guidance, and deliver small-group reading instruction (4–6 students) using the Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention curriculum and Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) curriculum. The ability to connect and relate well to students is essential.

In addition to reading instruction, Instructors will coordinate and facilitate planned enrichment activities and lessons outside of designated literacy time, assist with snack distribution, provide homework support, and help with clean-up at the end of each session.

Other responsibilities include completing weekly session reports and maintaining communication with parents/guardians, the school district, and YWCA staff regarding program progress and updates.

This is a part-time opportunity averaging 70 hours per month. This is a year-round position.

Minimum Qualifications

• 21 years +

• Minimum Requirements Certified school district aide or substitute teacher, associate degree plus preferred

• Experience working with youth ages 5-12 in a group setting

• Must maintain confidentiality

Duties

• Deliver high-quality, effective Fountas and Pinnell and SIPPS literacy curriculum instruction

• Observe closely and provide strong individual support to students

• Keep all children in the group highly engaged throughout the 35-45 minute reading lessons

• Use precise language to prompt for effective reading strategies while listening to individual readers

• Observe closely and interact with children as they write to support the development of writing strategies

• Facilitate the implementation of YWCA’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, along with other planned enrichment lessons, as scheduled each week.

• Assist students with homework as needed

• Maintain efficiency in time management

• Take attendance at each session

• Distribute snacks for students at each session if needed

• Complete detailed instructor reports for each session and submit weekly to YWCA staff, identifying any issues, concerns, obstacles or successes

• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding their child weekly

• Communicate with Alton School District and Alton Housing Authority personnel when needed

• Coordinate with YWCA for needed materials, supplies, snacks, and drinks

• Collaborate with YWCA staff and/or Lead Teacher for program enhancements, issues, and evaluations

• Facilitate engaging classroom discussions and activities that promote critical thinking and active participation

• Maintain an organized and positive learning environment conducive to learning

Desired Skills

• Brings energy and creativity to both literacy instruction and enrichment activities

• Experience with reading intervention strategies and literacy curricula

• Ability to effectively manage and instruct small groups (4–6 students) with diverse learning needs.

• Ability to remain calm, positive, and flexible in a dynamic after-school environment.

• Experience working with youth ages 5 -12 in a group setting

Personal Qualities

• Must be punctual, reliable, and consistent

• Shows care and concern for students' well-being and learning challenges

• Demonstrates professionalism, respect, and integrity in interactions with students and peers

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting and transport of supplies to and from the YWCA may be required

• Reliable transportation

Ideal Candidates will be passionate about the mission of YWCA to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, and dignity for all persons.

YWCA Southwestern Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or disabled veterans' status.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 17.5 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person