Youth Program Instructors: Fall 2026
About The Position
The YMCA is seeking enthusiastic and nurturing Youth Program Instructors to lead engaging enrichment classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. In this role, you will create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children develop confidence, independence, social-emotional skills, and physical abilities through music, movement, creative play, beginner gymnastics, and age-appropriate learning experiences. The ideal candidate enjoys working with young children and families, has a passion for youth development, and can create fun, developmentally appropriate experiences that support learning and growth. While Youth Program Instructors support a variety of programs within the Youth Program Department, we are specifically seeking instructors who can lead programming for the following classes: Swim, Gym & Fun: A dynamic early childhood enrichment program that combines art, music, imaginative play, story time, gym activities, and swim instruction (provided by YMCA Aquatic Instructors): Tues, Wed, Thurs: 9:00 - 11:00 am Early Childhood Gym & Music Class: Mon - Fri 2:30 - 5:30 pm
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Experience working with young children in an educational, childcare, recreation, or youth development setting.
- Knowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate learning practices.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences.
- Ability to safely lead active movement and physical activities.
- Successful completion of required background screening.
Nice To Haves
- College coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Recreation, Physical Education, Music Education, or a related field.
- Experience leading parent-child programs, preschool enrichment classes, gymnastics, music and movement classes, or youth fitness programs.
- CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications (or willingness to obtain).
Responsibilities
- Lead engaging, age-appropriate enrichment activities for children of various ages and abilities.
- Plan and facilitate activities that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of individual participants.
- Encourage creativity, confidence, participation, and learning.
- Build positive relationships with children and their families.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Communicate important program and participant information with caregivers and supervisors.
- Provide active supervision and maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment.
- Use positive behavior guidance and follow YMCA policies and procedures.
- Prepare and organize materials, equipment, and activity spaces.
- Prepare lesson plans and activities as needed.
- Maintain attendance and required program documentation.
- Assist with setup, cleanup, special events, and other youth programs as needed.
Benefits
- Paid Sick Time
- Free YMCA membership, including access to our brand-new, state-of-the-art Health & Fitness Center, group fitness classes such as Pilates, Yoga, Cycling, and more.
- Enjoy our regulation-size pool, exclusive member discounts, and special member-only opportunities!
- Internal career growth opportunities and pathways for professional development.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
