role of a Recreation Leader

YOU ARE IMPORTANT!

Every day, parents trust you with the most important person in their life—their child. That trust is no small thing. Your role is incredibly meaningful. While children are in our care, you are acting in place of the parent, and that comes with a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

What Do Parents Expect From Us?

• • That their child is safe—physically and emotionally

  • That their child feels happy, included, and supported

  • That they feel confident in choosing our program

When parents pick up their child, they should see someone who is engaged, caring, and professional. They should leave feeling reassured that their child is in good hands.

Be the Professional

Yes, you're here to have fun—but you're also here to lead. Children need both joy and structure. Build strong, trusting relationships with them, and remember:

• Set clear boundaries

• Maintain professionalism at all times

• Show kindness, patience, and consistency

You Are a Role Model

Children are always watching—and imitating. Your attitude, language, clothing, and leadership send powerful messages. Ask yourself:

Would I want a child to copy this behavior right now?

“Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.”

Make It Count

Working with children can be challenging—but it's also one of the most rewarding jobs you'll ever have. You may not always see immediate results, but know this:
Your presence matters.
Your encouragement matters.
YOU make a difference.

Even on tough days, you have the chance to be the best part of a child’s day—and sometimes, that’s all it takes to change a life.

So keep showing up. Keep smiling. Keep leading with heart. 💛

"Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story."

Recreation Leader Essential Functions

Below are the key responsibilities outlined in the Recreation Leader Job Description.

• Create, plan, organize, prepare, and facilitate safe, fun, age appropriate, and enriching activities, lessons, or programs for all age groups as assigned, and in accordance with applicable CARD guidelines.

• When working with children, independently able to supervise groups of children by simultaneously observing and interacting with children while also addressing behavior and safety issues.

• Learn, understand, and follow any program instructions or guidelines including behavior management systems and procedures for addressing safety.

• Actively engage with program participants; provide guidance and support; and adhere to established adult/child ratios where applicable.

• Be pro-active in addressing the needs of the program without requiring specific direction.

• Provide quality customer service; have positive and effective communication and interaction with program participants, parents, co-workers, program partners, and the public, and maintain a professional demeanor.

• Maintain and submit reports and records as required.

• Attend meetings, training sessions, and assigned programs as required.

• Ensure materials and supplies are used properly.

• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Prohibited Conduct & Disciplinary Action

CARD seeks to promote efficiency, productivity, and cooperation among employees. Although it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of all types of impermissible conduct, the following are some examples:

• Items not allowed at work include:

• Guests (without approval from Supervisor)

• Animals

• Food or candy for children

• Remember that you are a role model and children look up to you. Please model healthy behaviors. If you bring soda, energy drinks, sweets, etc. for yourself, please be discreet and not have them out in front of the children.

• Personal food delivery to work while clocked in is not permitted.

• Irregular attendance: repeated tardiness, unreported or unexcused absence, abuse of sick leave, leaving one’s job area without permission during working hours.

• Altering or falsifying any timekeeping record.

• As guests on the school campuses, we must follow school rules. This includes not bringing alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, or weapons on the campus. 

• Insubordination, including but not limited to, improper conduct or refusal to perform tasks assigned by a supervisor in the appropriate manner.

• Possession, distribution, sale, use or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs while on a school campus or while working.

• Any communication or interaction with customers or coworkers that is deemed as disrespectful, vulgar or unprofessional.

• Engaging in harassment or discrimination with another employee or customer.

Violation of policies and rules may warrant disciplinary action that may include any of the following: verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension, or termination all at the District’s sole discretion. 

Performance Check Ins

The Performance Check In form outlines many of the performance standards that are expected. This may be reviewed with you as a check in or to use as a coaching tool.