The Program Leader is responsible for nurturing children through purposeful programming and implementing curriculum while ensuring compliance with Title 22 licensing regulations. They maintain close supervision of children and cultivate positive relationships with parents and caregivers.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma and specific ECE/CD units based on the age group served. Required certifications include First Aid, CPR, and completion of child abuse prevention training.
Shift: Before and After SchoolPOSITION SUMMARY This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Teacher positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. Full understanding of licensing regulations (Title 22) and responsible for ensuring assigned location operates in full compliance at all times, if assigned to a licensed site. Steps in as individual in charge when Site Director is not present during program hours as assigned. Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program. Provide oversight and guidance to Teacher Aide as assigned.
Licensed
Preschool
Infant: 1 Teacher to 4
Infants 1
Fully
Qualified
Teacher & 2
Aides to 12
Infants
Toddler: 1 Teacher to 6 toddlers 1
Fully
Qualified
Teacher & 1
Aide to 12
Toddlers
Preschool: 1 Teacher to 12 children 1 Partially Qualified Teacher and 1 aide to 15 children 1 Fully Qualified Teacher and 1 Aide to 15 children
State
Subsidized
Preschool (Title 5)
Infant (birth - 18 months): 1:3 adult-child ratio 1:18 teacher-child ratio
Toddlers (18 months - 36 months): 1:4 adult-child ratio 1:16 teacher-child ratio
Preschool (36 months-kindergarten): 1:8 adult-child ratio 1:24 teacher-child ratio
Licensed
School-Age 1:14 on site 1:12 field trips 1:6 water activities Teacher aide must work under the supervision of a qualified teacher; never alone with a group of children with the exception of taking children to and from the restroom. No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time. Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences. Actively supports the YMCA is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate. Planning and implementing program curriculum and activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, consistent with the YMCA values, and established guidelines. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with Title 22 regulations, funding terms and conditions, and YMCA expectations. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child. Communicates with supervisor regarding child’s development. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA. Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved. Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times. Maintains positive relationship with parents, other YMCA team members and community partners. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions Attend staff meetings and trainings as required Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth. All other duties as assigned by your supervisor. YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES The Y’s Leadership Competency Model is comprised of 14 Leadership Competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the
Y), organized by the four disciplines of
Cause-Driven
Leadership:
Advancing
Our
Mission &
Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
Competencies
Include: Change Leadership,
Engaging
Community,
Philanthropy, &
Volunteerism
Building
Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs
Competencies
Include: Collaboration,
Communication &
Influence, &
Inclusion
Leading
Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community
Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
Competencies
Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & Others While all competencies are significant, the following are critical to success in this position: Engaging Community Communication & Influence Functional Expertise
Developing
Self &
Others
QualificationsMINIMUM
Qualifications
AGE:
Eighteen years or older
EDUCATION: high school diploma or equivalent
ECE/CD
UNITS:
Infant/Toddler: 12 core semester units ECE with 3 units in infant care.
Preschool
12 semester units in ECE of CD or current Child Development Associate Teacher, Teacher, or Master Teacher Permit or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and 6 months experience.
School-Age: 12 semester units in ECE or CD or 6 semester units in ECE or CD and 6 semester units in recreation, arts & humanities, human services that can be directly applied to program delivery
RELATED
EXPERIENCE: 6 months previous experience working with children in a group setting. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Specialized
SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity
Licenses &
CERTIFICATIONS: Current approved EMSA First Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications (8 hours). Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program. Basic Water Safety certification for school-age summer programs. Nine-hour course in Preventative Health Practices (PHP).
Immunization &
PHYSICAL: Current TB, influenza (limited exceptions), pertussis, and measles vaccination and physical exam. WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 20 pounds. Must demonstrate auditory and visual ability to observe and respond to situations in the fitness and membership areas. #3910
Market context
California support roles need core child-safety credentials
In California, support roles that work with children often draw steady interest because schools and programs need staff who can help maintain safe, inclusive environments. These roles can be competitive when candidates already have CPR, First Aid, and child abuse prevention training, plus experience working with diverse groups of children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications are current before applying.
