Immediately, in my interview with Jocelyn Hallroan, her composure was something I noticed. This was when I realized working daily at an after school program for elementary schoolers requires lots of patience.
We were talking in her classroom when right away she was interrupted by a mom, trying to get her attention. She stopped her thought and answered the question making sure the parent felt supported, and continued right back to where she left off in the interview. This wasn’t the only instance.
Following this interaction, a student walked by ready to leave. She stopped the conversation again and made sure the student got the proper goodbye, then finished her train of thought again.
She would get interrupted, answer the question, and then focus back on the interview. I was impressed.
Being interrupted is a daily occurrence for Hallroan, so she has to remember her ideas, while making sure every student is getting the attention they desire. All day consists of composure, patience, and kindness in order to support the children. This is something she doesn’t mind because she loves kids.
“I have always treated the kids like they are my own,” says Hallroan. “Sometimes I can be more tough on someone because of what they have done, or more compassionate because they need a little more love.”
The passion she has had for taking care of kids dates back to her high school years, where she attended what is now Archie Williams. She explains, “I have always liked kids, I babysat through high school.”
At that point in her life, she still was unsure of what her future would look like, and it wasn’t answered in college.
“I went down to school at Santa Barbara State College, and got my AA, but I came back because I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do yet.” Uncertain of her future, she came across a local job opportunity and took advantage of it. “I was talking to a friend of mine and she said the city of San Rafael was hiring. She asked if I wanted to do childcare,” said Hallroan.
So, with lots of childhood experience, she accepted the job, started out working preschool for two years, and then went back to school at COM to get a degree in child development. This ultimately led her to the Glenwood aftercare program.
Now, 31 years later, she has just received her 30-year service award from the city and has expanded a program that has seen improvement in her 25 years as the head of Aftercare. “I would say my numbers have probably doubled in the last ten years,” says Hallroan. “I think it has to do with when my kids were in school, I was one of the only working moms. Now, to live here it is so expensive, and if you live in Marin County both parents have to work. They have to have childcare.”
Hallroan has two daughters, Mackenzie and Riley, who are now in college and both SRHS alumni. She credits lots of her affection for kids to her own, and has missed parenting now that they are older. When her kids were in elementary school a long time ago, times were different. Now though, as it has become more expensive to live here, most of the time both parents are required to work to support their families. As a mom, she is understandable, and has welcomed more students into the program to make it easier for their parents. She currently has 96 students registered in the program.
Although Hallroan may never admit it, her kindness and generosity has been noticed throughout the program. “She is super social with all the parents, and is always offering extra hours for parents who need more help,” says Samantha Carter, a senior at SR who has been working for Hallroan for two years. She was once a student in the program. “Watching her interact with the children inspires me to work with kids, and really helps develop the love for them as well.”
In my little time getting to know her, I saw this about her too. Whether she is helping a kid clean up, or even offering a hug for a student that needs one, this little effort can really go a long way for the students and creates a space for kids to be comfortable. It also gives them a break from all the chaos surrounding their lives. Her dedication and commitment to this program has been shown repeatedly, and she has created a safe and entertaining environment where parents can send their kids.
However, Hallroan is aware not everything lasts forever. “I always joke and say, when kids start coming back with their own kids, that might be time for me to retire.” She has predicted that in the next five years she will stay with the program, but as it starts to hit that 10 year mark, that is when she may call it. “In 10 years, I’m hoping to retire… I hope in 10 years I’m a grandma.”
When it does come to that time when she will have to step away from the head of the program, she hopes it will continue and still has optimism for the future of Aftercare at Glenwood. “I think it’s super important for kids to have somewhere to be, and you know continue this legacy.”
Jocelyn Hallroan has spent half her lifetime in this program, and when asked about her passion for it, she had a simple answer: “I’ve been here so long; I’m a lifer.” She truly has put so much into this program, and with that, created a space where kids can escape the screens we have become so reliant on as a society, and enjoy the outdoors together. She has become such an important figure in our community and is recognized around SRHS by the sizable population of students who attended her program at Glenwood. Hallroan has created more than just an afterschool program, she has created a community.
