YMCA Buffalo Niagara·Buffalo, New York
The Program Assistant facilitates daily lesson plans and provides direct supervision to a group of children in a creative environment. They are also responsible for maintaining program cleanliness, ensuring safety compliance, and fostering positive relationships with children and families.
Join the YMCA Buffalo Niagara Team!
Enjoy a complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara membership, discounted program fees, and the opportunity to work in a welcoming, mission-driven environment where you can make a difference every day.
Part-time employees are immediately eligible to enroll and contribute to the Y Retirement Fund’s 403(b) plan, with a generous 12% employer-paid retirement contribution available after eligibility requirements are met.
Additional benefits include paid sick leave, leadership development opportunities, ongoing training, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for career growth and advancement.
YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The School Age Child Care Program Assistant facilitates lesson plans to an assigned group of children. GENERAL WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, before and after school, about 20 hours per week. Additional hours may be required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Facilitates the daily/weekly lesson plan to children in a creative and stimulating environment. Provides direct supervision and leadership to the assigned group of children. Follows department protocol to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of program/work areas. Ensures PPE compliance. Provides a safe environment for all activities. Enforces safety rules and reports/treats any injuries. Develops and maintains positive relationships with children, parents, staff, and school administration. Maintains all required certifications. Attends and participates in staff meetings and training sessions. Carries out other tasks as assigned.
Must be at least 16 years of age and have valid NYS Working papers if under 18. Must have experience working with elementary school age children. Knowledge, experience, and skills in the areas of group work, child development, values, education, and group activities are preferred. Meets qualifications in compliance with licensing requirements of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Successfully completes the OCFS comprehensive background clearance requirements before beginning work at the program site.
Candidates must be at least 16 years old and possess experience working with elementary school-aged children. Applicants must also meet NYS Office of Children and Family Services licensing requirements and pass a comprehensive background clearance.
Market context
In New York, School Age Child Care Program Assistant roles often draw steady interest because families and providers need dependable coverage before and after school, during breaks, and on school closure days. Competition can be shaped by age, child-care experience, and readiness to complete OCFS background clearance and NYS licensing requirements. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your experience with elementary-age children and availability for flexible scheduling before applying.