The Instructor creates nurturing relationships with children and parents while implementing skill-based curriculum and purposeful programming. They are responsible for maintaining close visual supervision, managing child behavior positively, and ensuring a safe environment in compliance with YMCA standards.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma and current First Aid/CPR certifications. Previous experience working with school-age children and the ability to plan developmentally appropriate activities are preferred.
Shift: AnyPOSITION 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 Instructor (youth programs) creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers, staff, and partners. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs/classes and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Provides direction to support children in the classroom, and teaches curriculum that is focused on mastering specific skills. 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. Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program/class. No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time while attending program/class. 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 classes based on a specific topic and skill mastery, culminating in an exposition/showcase at the end of the session. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance YMCA expectations. 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 time Maintains positive relationship with parents, other YMCA team members and community partners. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Attend meetings and trainings, as needed. Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management. Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, 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 Inclusion Functional Expertise
Developing
Self &
Others
QualificationsMINIMUM
Qualifications
AGE:
Eighteen years or older
EDUCATION: high school diploma or equivalent
UNITS: Completed semester units in CD, human services, or related fields preferred based on topic to lead.
RELATED
EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with school age children in a group setting (preferred). Ability to plan, organize and implement age appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities around a specific area of focus (arts & humanities, sports skills, etc.). 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 First Aid; Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications within 60 days of hire. Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program. Y-USA Leader Certification, preferred. 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. Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities. Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year. Job does include water-related activities. Ability to lift 30-35lbs Req #3985
Market context
California classroom teachers remain in steady demand
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.
