Summer Camp Early Childhood

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Park & Recreation (DPR) Early Childhood Recreation Unit is seeking Substitute Directors/Lead Teachers to support camp, stay and play programs and preschool programs and activities; including art, music, storytelling, outdoor games, and physical activities. This Unit operates two half-day summer camps and two full-day preschooler programs for children ages 3-5 years old and three stay and play programs for children ages 1-3.

These positions will direct programs, care for children, work in a team environment, perform administrative duties and lead daily operations for summer camp, stay and play programs and our full day preschooler programs in a substitute capacity.

Staff must commit to working from June 22 - August 14  (core camp dates). Training will begin in mid to late May through June, which includes virtual online courses and in-person trainings during weekday evenings and a few Saturdays.

Successful candidates will have good character and integrity, effective communication skills, reliable transportation, including the ability to complete tasks, take initiative, and work successfully in a team environment.

Minimums:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent; plus
• Considerable experience administering recreation programs including some experience leading/supervising recreation programs with a preference for experience in a preschool or day care environment.

Substitution: Completion of some college coursework may substitute for the experience requirement.

Licenses/Certifications: 

• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire (Training provided by Department.)
• MAT Certification

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates in one or more of the following:    

• Working in Summer Camp programs or Arlington Camp; and
• Willingness or experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Working knowledge of Arlington County and Virginia State licensing regulations
• A degree in Early Childhood or a related field
• Experience as a teacher/teaching assistant in a preschool or day care environment - OR - in a job related to the care of preschool children.

Special Requirements

If selected, all summer staff may be required to:

• Agree to a criminal background check (for applicants 18 years and older).
• Provide references, which will be requested at time of interview.
• Provide negative TB results or submit to a TB screening.
• Attend all required training, wear a uniform, and ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Stand and walk for a prolonged periods of time during the work shift.
• Provide personal care as needed to campers (training provided).
• Arlington County requires that all employees have a bank account to accept direct payroll deposits.  

Additional Information

Work Hours: These positions vary in days and hours of work, from part-time 20-25 hours to full-time 40 hours (for full day preschool programs) per week. Camps operate from 9:30a.m. - 12:30pm, stay and play operates 9:30am – 11:00am and preschool programs operate 8:00am – 6:00pm.

The official title of this position is Recreation Assistant IV.

Employee Discount: Summer camp employees can receive a 20% discount on camp fees for their children To learn more go to: Summer Camp Employment FAQs – Official Website of Arlington County Virginia Government ).

Interviews will be conducted on a continuous basis. Interested applicants should apply as soon as possible. Written notifications will be sent to applicants who applied but were not hired once all positions are filled. Generally, these notifications are sent in mid-July.  

Applicants may attach a resume in addition to completing the online application. Attaching a resume without completion of the application will be considered "an incomplete application". 

Want to work at Early Childhood Camps but don't have enough experience to be a Recreation Assistant IV? Please apply to the General Camp Counselor position here and select that you'd like to work at an Early Childhood Camp in the supplemental questions of the application.

For further information about the selection process or specific job duties: Email  

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