The Lead Assistant manages daily program operations, including planning engaging activities and supervising staff and children. They are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, handling administrative tasks, and fostering positive relationships with families and school staff.
Requirements summary
Candidates must meet childcare certification requirements and possess a background in child development or family services. Experience in teaching or supervising children is preferred, along with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Category: Kids Club Before/After-School Programs Part Ringmaster, Part Teacher, Part Snack Hero! As a YSS Kids Club Preschool Lead Staff, you’re the heartbeat of our before- and after-school program at the United Elementary location. You’ll lead the daily flow of fun, learning, and structure for our smallest humans (ages 3–5), turning ordinary days into something a little more magical. From school days to summer adventures, holiday breaks to those “wait, school’s closed today?” moments—you’ve got it covered. You’ll design engaging activities, keep things running smoothly, and make sure every child is safe, supported, and having a blast. What You'll Do... Everyday you’ll partner with the Site Supervisor and a team of staff and volunteers to create an environment that’s not just well-run—but genuinely meaningful for everyone involved.
You'll also: Lead and implement day-to-day program operations. Teach, play, and engage with kids throughout the day Supervise and schedule staff, and help find subs when needed. Plan creative activities, field trips, and summer programming. Directly supervise children and foster a safe, supportive environment. Ensure safe check-in/check-out procedures Partner with parents, school staff, and community resources. Administer child assessments and keep accurate records. Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks. Handle administrative tasks, tuition collection, and paperwork. Attend staff meetings, trainings, and work 5 additional hours weekly for planning. This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time. What We Provide... We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future.
Beyond the meaningful work,
YSS provides the following benefits: Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture. Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment. Wellness Program Opportunities Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames Employee Assistance Program for all employees Flu shots Mental health support YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. 403(b) retirement offerings If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together. What We Ask... We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Mental health support
Wellness Program Opportunities
403(b) retirement offerings
Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer
What you
GOTTA
HAVE: You meet the requirements to be certified in childcare—ready to bring both care and credibility. You have a background in child development or child and family services, giving you solid insight into what kids need to thrive. You understand how to support both individual and group behavior, and you know how to plan engaging, age-appropriate activities that blend fun and learning.
What's
Nice to
Have: You’ve got an Associate’s degree (or even better, a Bachelor's) in child development, education, or a related field—your foundation for helping kids grow and thrive. You bring real-world experience as both a teacher and a supervisor—you’ve led lessons, guided teams, and handled the day-to-day with confidence. You’re in it for the long haul—ready to commit to a full year of meaningful, kid-powered work
Members of our
Dream
Team will: Show up excited, ready to make a difference (and maybe some glittery crafts). Have a reliable way to get to work (whether it’s a car, bike, bus, or a friend with great timing). Be on time, every time—because time is money, and also snack time waits for no one. Speak another language? Awesome! Multilingual = mega bonus points. Who You Are... You’re a positive role model who connects easily with children, families, and teammates. You lead with patience, creativity, and consistency—making every child feel included, supported, and excited to be there. We Celebrate Your Story... Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply. Who We Are... We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org! At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together. YSS is a nicotine-free workplace. Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers. Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience. Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you. References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises. Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed). Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.
