Before & After School Program Lead

YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford • Burlington, ON

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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).

Nice To Haves

• Degree or diploma in 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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree