The Summit Area YMCA·Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Supervise and actively engage children in safe, age-appropriate activities such as games, crafts, and STEM projects. Maintain a welcoming environment while ensuring the safety, well-being, and accurate record-keeping for all participants.
Description Do you enjoy working with children and creating a fun, positive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive? The Summit Area YMCA is looking for caring, dependable, and energetic individuals to join our School Age Childcare team for the 2026–2027 school year.
Our School Age Childcare program provides safe, engaging, and enriching care before and after the school day. We are currently hiring for Afterschool Counselors at our Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA and at elementary school sites in Berkeley Heights and New Providence. We are also hiring Before Care Counselors for our programs at the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Salt Brook & Allen W. Roberts Elementary Schools.
Whether you're looking for a rewarding part-time position, a schedule that fits around classes or another job, or an opportunity to make a positive impact in your community, we'd love to meet you.
Love working with elementary-aged children. Bring enthusiasm, creativity, and a positive attitude every day. Enjoy leading games, crafts, sports, and hands-on activities. Are patient, dependable, and able to build positive relationships with children and families. Communicate effectively with children, parents, and coworkers. Stay calm, flexible, and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment. Value teamwork, inclusion, and creating a welcoming environment for every child.
Key Responsibilities Supervise and actively engage children in safe, age-appropriate activities.
Plan and lead games, crafts, STEM activities, sports, homework support, and other enriching experiences.
Create a fun, welcoming environment that supports learning, friendships, and confidence.
Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants through active supervision.
Promote positive behavior and serve as a caring role model.
Maintain attendance records, incident documentation, and other required program records.
Communicate professionally with families and YMCA staff.
Help keep program spaces clean, organized, and ready for daily activities.
Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
Schedule We are hiring for one or both of the following shifts: Before Care Counselor Monday–Friday 6:50 AM–8:30 AM Berkeley Heights YMCA or Salt Brook & Allen W.
Roberts Elementary School
30 PM–6:00 PM Summit YMCA, Berkeley Heights YMCA and elementary school sites in Berkeley Heights and New Providence
Programs follow the local school calendar. Staff may also have opportunities to work Holiday Care programs during scheduled school breaks.
Pay & Part-Time Benefits The pay range for this position is $17.50–$20.00 per hour, based on experience.
Part-time team members enjoy valuable YMCA benefits, including: Free YMCA individual membership Discounted YMCA family membership 50% discount on eligible YMCA programs, including child care and summer camp 12% YMCA Retirement Fund contribution upon eligibility Flexible school-year scheduling Paid training and professional development Opportunities for advancement within the YMCA At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
Our main purpose is to strengthen community.
Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.
Experience working with children in a school, childcare, camp, recreation, or similar setting preferred. Passion for working with elementary-aged children and supporting their growth and development. Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining a safe and positive environment. Must complete all required NJCCIS training prior to working independently. Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications, or the ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire. About the Summit Area YMCA: We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.
Market context
In New Jersey, seasonal camp and recreation roles often draw steady interest when they require lifeguarding and safety credentials. This type of position is competitive because employers look for candidates who already have, or can quickly obtain, Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certification; the listed sign-on bonus and training support can help offset that. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and apply early.