Before & After School Program Lead

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

In addition to working with an amazing team in an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success, we offer an array of total rewards to recognize loyalty, longevity, and passion for the work we do:

• • Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
  • Competitive total compensation packages
  • Group health and benefits plans (includes medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility)
  • Generous pension plans with employer matching
  • Free YMCA HBB Health & Fitness Memberships
  • Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships and incentives
  • Reduced rates for YMCA HBB Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility)
  • Mental Health on Demand (MHOD)
  • Opportunities for career advancement

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Manager, Early Learning & Child Care, the Before and After School Program Lead is responsible for providing out-of-ratio support to the day-to-day operation of a designated before and after school program with enrolment of over 100 children. In this role, the Program Lead will support staff on site in developing and implementing a program that meets the development needs of children 3.8 – 12 years of age, while adhering to YMCA quality and Pedagogical standards, as well as Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) regulations.

The Before and After School Program Lead may be required to work in program and provide administrative support as required. They will liaise with school personnel, YMCA staff, and parents; thereby enhancing collaboration and relationships.

This is a great development opportunity for an individual with a high level of interest in advancing their career with the YMCA HBB.

What You’ll Do:

Program Leadership & Delivery:

• Support and mentor staff, helping them navigate challenges and develop their skills, while also ensuring the effective delivery of the program and supervision of children.
• Develop and maintain strong positive relationships with staff, children, parents, school personnel, Ministry and community partners.
• Assist program educators in planning, organizing, and leading activities for children aged 3.8 to 12 years to meet their developmental needs, while also ensuring a structured and engaging environment is promoted based on the daily activities and plans developed.
• Maintain the safety and well-being of children at all times, including monitoring all equipment and supplies to ensure that they are used appropriately.
• Utilize appropriate behaviour guidance techniques in all interactions with children and monitor educators for same.
• Ensure the designated centre and team are in compliance with all YMCA HBB policies, CCEYA requirements, Health and Safety policies as well as Child Safety and Protection procedures.
• Represent the YMCA on School Council.
• Assume frontline responsibilities as required (i.e. adhere to ratios, fill gaps).
• Some program areas may be based out of shared spaces within community schools, therefore, requiring movement and set up of equipment on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis.
• This position requires the ability to work a split-shift schedule (before and after school hours), as well as the flexibility to work early mornings, late afternoons, and evenings if required. Hours of work may fluctuate to meet the operational needs of the department.

Administrative Duties:

• Complete office pick-ups and drop offs for assigned centre.
• Assist the Manager, Early Learning and Child Care in the delivery of monthly staff team huddles, as needed.
• Support with the planning of PA Days and Break programs.
• Work within an established budget to maintain the inventory of supplies needed.
• Observe the program in action, review records, and ensure compliance with Ministry regulations.
• Provide administrative support to the Child Care department, where needed.
• Perform other administrative duties, as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:

• Post-secondary education in a child & youth related field, or the equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a licensed child care setting, obtained through paid work experience, volunteering, placements, or a combination of the above.
• Current Director’s Approval as a Centre Designate.
• Knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs of children ranging from ages 3.8 to 12 years, as well as YMCA curriculum and pedagogical practices, as they relate to Early Learning and Child Development.
• Understanding of all regulatory requirements such as the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) as well as requirements set out by Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, the YMCA, and others.
• Working knowledge of potential hazards, and the ability to put a preventative plan in place.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport with children, families, staff/volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to provide mentorship on effective program set-up and program delivery
• Proven problem-solving & conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability effectively liase with school personnel, parents, and community partners.
• Working computer knowledge.
• Access to reliable personal transportation is required.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C & AED certification (Level C).

A Major Asset If:

• You have a degree or diploma in one of the following:
  • Early Childhood Education, with certification in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
  • Bachelor of Education with Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification
  • Child and Youth Studies
  • Recreation and Leisure services

This position requires a commitment to the YMCA HBB mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth
All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Organizational Overview
As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.

We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.

If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department at [email protected]

Ready to Make a Difference?
YMCA HBB is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone thrives, we want to hear from you!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure
Artificial intelligence ("AI") may be used to support the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position. All hiring decisions involve human review.