Before & After School Program Lead

YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford; Burlington; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacation

Health benefits

Pension plans

Free YMCA membership

Professional development

Reduced child care rates

Mental Health support

Job summary

YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford is hiring a Before and After School Program Lead based in Burlington, ON. This full-time role offers an hourly rate of $24.00 to $29.00, depending on qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate will provide support to a large child care program while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. Responsibilities include mentoring staff, planning activities for children, and ensuring safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a licensed child care setting.
• Current Director’s Approval as a Centre Designate.
• Knowledge of developmental needs for children aged 3.8 to 12 years.

Responsibilities

• Support and mentor staff in program delivery.
• Develop activities for children aged 3.8 to 12 years.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies and regulations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Mentorship

Problem-solving

Conflict resolution

Communication

Education

Post-secondary education in child & youth related field

Job description

Hourly Rate: $24.00 to $29.00 per hour, commensurate with qualifications & experience

Department: Child Care

Location: Burlington, ON

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Work Hours: Based on 35-40 hours per week

Anticipated Start Date: October 2026

Deadline to Apply: October 19, 2026

Grade: Grade 3

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

In addition to working with an amazing team in an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success, we offer an array of total rewards to recognize loyalty, longevity, and passion for the work we do:

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
• Group health and benefits plans (includes medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility)
• Generous pension plans with employer matching
• Free YMCA HBB Health & Fitness Memberships
• Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships and incentives
• Reduced rates for YMCA HBB Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility)
• Mental Health on Demand (MHOD)
• Opportunities for career advancement

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Manager, Early Learning & Child Care, the Before and After School Program Lead is responsible for providing out-of-ratio support to the day-to-day operation of a designated before and after school program with enrolment of over 100 children. In this role, the Program Lead will support staff on site in developing and implementing a program that meets the development needs of children 3.8 – 12 years of age, while adhering to YMCA quality and Pedagogical standards, as well as Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) regulations.

The Before and After School Program Lead may be required to work in program and provide administrative support as required. They will liaise with school personnel, YMCA staff, and parents; thereby enhancing collaboration and relationships.

This is a great development opportunity for an individual with a high level of interest in advancing their career with the YMCA HBB.

What You’ll Do:

• Support and mentor staff, helping them navigate challenges and develop their skills, while also ensuring the effective delivery of the program and supervision of children.
• Develop and maintain strong positive relationships with staff, children, parents, school personnel, Ministry and community partners.
• Assist program educators in planning, organizing, and leading activities for children aged 3.8 to 12 years to meet their developmental needs, while also ensuring a structured and engaging environment is promoted based on the daily activities and plans developed.
• Maintain the safety and well‑being of children at all times, including monitoring all equipment and supplies to ensure that they are used appropriately.
• Utilize appropriate behaviour guidance techniques in all interactions with children and monitor educators for same.
• Ensure the designated centre and team are in compliance with all YMCA HBB policies, CCEYA requirements, Health and Safety policies as well as Child Safety and Protection procedures.
• Represent the YMCA on School Council.
• Assume frontline responsibilities as required (i.e. adhere to ratios, fill gaps).
• Some program areas may be based out of shared spaces within community schools, therefore, requiring movement and set up of equipment on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis.
• This position requires the ability to work a split‑shift schedule (before and after school hours), as well as the flexibility to work early mornings, late afternoons, and evenings if required. Hours of work may fluctuate to meet the operational needs of the department.

Administrative Duties:

• Complete office pick‑ups and drop offs for assigned centre.
• Assist the Manager, Early Learning and Child Care in the delivery of monthly staff team huddles, as needed.
• Support with the planning of PA Days and Break programs.
• Work within an established budget to maintain the inventory of supplies needed.
• Observe the program in action, review records, and ensure compliance with Ministry regulations.
• Provide administrative support to the Child Care department, where needed.
• Perform other administrative duties, as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:

• Post‑secondary education in a child & youth related field, or the equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a licensed child care setting, obtained through paid work experience, volunteering, placements, or a combination of the above.
• Current Director’s Approval as a Centre Designate.
• Knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs of children ranging from ages 3.8 to 12 years, as well as YMCA curriculum and pedagogical practices, as they relate to Early Learning and Child Development.
• Understanding of all regulatory requirements such as the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) as well as requirements set out by Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, the YMCA, and others.
• Working knowledge of potential hazards, and the ability to put a preventative plan in place.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport with children, families, staff/volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to provide mentorship on effective program set‑up and program delivery
• Proven problem‑solving & conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability