Providing Academic, Cultural, and Artistic Opportunities
Children’s Center
About
The Children’s Center is an outreach ministry of First Baptist Church that provides a safe, stimulating and caring environment in which children may develop their God given gifts and talents.
First Baptist Children’s Center is a safe place for all children to develop their skills and make friends. Our desire is to create an extended family within the families of our center and to support parents as their children grow.
High quality care is important to us. Our center is a licensed program in the state of South Dakota. Our staff complete the required background screenings and trainings before they are allowed to start working with children. The staff also receive ongoing training during their employment.
We have weekly activity themes with lots of opportunities for children to move their bodies, do projects, and play creatively. Snacks are provided.
Where to Find Us
We are located on 22nd Ave and Covell inside Emmaus Road Church. We are across the street from Sanford Hospital and next door to Sonia Sotomayor Elementary school.
Registration
The 2026-27 Afterschool program is full. Click the link below to join the waitlist.
A $25 registration fee is due for each season and child that is registered.
Children must be age 5 and registered for Kindergarten to enroll in our program.
We are not currently operating summer care.
After School Program
The afterschool program operates from 2:45 pm to 6 pm, Monday through Friday and is for elementary children in grades K through 5th. Children are picked up from Sonia Sotomayor or parents may arrange for their child to be transported to the center. Afterschool snacks are provided!
All day care is offered for non-school days for an additional fee. Sign up sheets will be posted for these days and are offered based on staff availability and number of children signed up.
Children are organized into groups by grade, with grade appropriate activities and play. See below for the things we like to do!
STEM Activities
Our staff plan different Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) activities for the children to accomplish. From science experiments to building challenges, the children enjoy these activities!
Creative Play, Interest Area, Free Choice
We value what play does for our children, especially after a day at school or a lesson at the center. Creative play is encouraged and supported in each group.
Each day, children are given the opportunity to choose their activity. Choices range from creative play, board games, stations with toys or activities, crafts or reading. The choices change with the planned projects & activities as well.
Chapel
Miss Amanda from First B joins us each week for Chapel. In Chapel, we learn about who Jesus is and the values that are part of the Christian faith, such as being honest, having compassion, treating others like we want to be treated, and living a life of integrity. We sing songs, watch a video with a lesson, and discuss the video together.
Outside or Gym Time
Moving our bodies is also an important part of what we do each day. We go outside whenever it is possible. When it is not possible, we play in the gym. Activities range from basketball to gaga ball or tumbling on the mats.
Special Activities
Opportunities to Serve
We believe it is important to teach children to help others around them. We have different service opportunities through out the school year. This year we collected items for Lowell Elementary and did a Pi day fundraiser for Arise! Ukraine.
Birthday Bash
Every month we have a birthday party to celebrate the children with birthdays that month. Children receive a birthday balloon, gift, and special guest visitors (First B Staff and church member volunteers) to wish them happy birthday!
Pop Up Days
We enjoy celebrating the random fun “pop up days” throughout the month such as National Doughnut Day or America Recycles Day. Each month we have several days that we will have fun activities for the children to participate in.
Job Opportunity
Join our 2026-27 Afterschool program staff!
Full job description
Position Overview
First Baptist Children’s Center is hiring After School Program Staff members to provide a safe, enriching environment for students outside regular school hours. Under the direction of the Program Director, you will help create a fun, safe, and supportive environment where children can learn, socialize, and grow. This is a part-time position M-F between the hours of 2:00-6:00pm with the opportunity for more hours during non-school days.
Qualifications & Skills
- Must be at least 14 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred (or in pursuit of). Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred (or in pursuit of).
- Certifications: First Aid and CPR certifications (or willingness to obtain upon hiring)
- Background Check: Must clear all federally compliant background screenings (criminal record, child abuse and neglect/sex offender registry, and FBI fingerprinting)
- Experience working with children in a classroom, childcare, or recreational setting preferred
- Attributes: High energy, patience, reliability, collaborative, supportive, and adaptable
- Possess a genuine passion for working with children and a Christian faith
Key Responsibilities
- Supervision: Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times, monitoring indoor and outdoor play areas.
- Academic Support: Guide students through homework assignments and provide assistance when needed.
- Activity Implementation: Implement and lead age appropriate, engaging recreational and educational activities (arts and crafts, sports and gym/outside games, STEM projects)
- Behavior Management: Promote positive behavior and implement conflict resolution strategies among children.
- Daily Operations: Assist with routine tasks such as attendance tracking, preparing/serving snacks, and organizing and cleaning program supplies.
- Parent Communication: Maintain positive and professional communication with guardians regarding their child’s progress and daily activities.
- Follow all procedures in accordance to policies in handbook
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and move around actively with children for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. and participate in physical activities like running, bending, sweeping, and other cleaning duties.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $15.00 per hour
To apply email:
schristensen@firstbaptistsf.org