WELCOME blast coordinators!

Welcome to your new position as a BLAST Coordinator! This is a dynamic job that will create limitless opportunities for you to show your teaching, mentoring, and administrative abilities. You are about to embark on a challenging but rewarding journey!

The Coordinator is the highest leadership role at an after school site and has a broad variety of responsibilities. Staff, students, and families will look to you as the decision maker. Difficult situations will occur at your site and it is critical to address these issues immediately and professionally, as the program’s success is ultimately your responsibility. The Coordinator is responsible for program safety, communication with all stakeholders, coaching and mentoring of staff, program organization, and direct supervision of staff. 

Constant communication is the most important role you have as a Coordinator. You will need to create positive working relationships with your staff, families, school staff, and principal. Holding weekly site meetings with staff, attending the weekly Coordinator meetings, checking in with your Principal and supervisor, and connecting with families daily will strengthen these relationships and provide opportunities to share information.

Organization is an essential component of the Coordinator position. Coordinators must stay organized both personally and at the program. You will be responsible for communication between the program and District Office and need to make sure deadlines are met and paperwork is appropriately completed and filed. Additionally, you will be responsible for appropriate grouping of students, daily schedules, and continued communication between the after school program and the regular school day.  At the program, you are responsible for creating a structured and organized setting for the staff, students, and families.

The Coordinator is the direct supervisor of site staff. You will set and communicate clear expectations to your staff and hold them accountable. It is important to remember that they look to you to set an example and you will need to follow the same expectations you have for them. Taking time to observe and coach your staff will help them grow and improve as a leaders as well as create a more successful program.

Learning to supervise staff while creating a strong team can be challenging. It is important to remember your site is a team not a dictatorship. All team members will need to work together to create the best program for the children.