Before & After School Program Lead - Hamilton, ON

Ymca Hbb; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation entitlements

Personal days and sick days

Health benefit plan (starting day 1)

Pension plan with employer matching

EFAP

Staff discounts for YMCA programs

Free staff YMCA memberships

Job summary

YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford is seeking a Before and After School Program Lead to guide a 100+ child program. You will support staff, liaise with schools and families, and ensure activities align with developmental goals and YMCA standards.

The role requires 2+ years in licensed child care, a Centre Designate approval, and strong communication. Expect a split-shift schedule and opportunities for growth within the YMCA network.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a child & youth related field, or the equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a licensed child care setting.
• Current Director’s Approval as a Centre Designate.
• Knowledge of developmental needs of children 3.8–12 years and YMCA pedagogy.
• Understanding of CCEYA and related regulatory requirements.
• Ability to supervise staff and ensure safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Support and mentor staff, aiding skill development and program delivery.
• Develop strong relationships with staff, children, parents, and partners.
• Lead planning and activities for children ages 3.8–12 to meet developmental needs.
• Maintain safety and monitor equipment and supplies.
• Ensure adherence to YMCA policies, CCEYA, and health & safety guidelines.
• Represent the YMCA on School Council and cover gaps as needed.

Skills

Mentorship

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Education

Child & youth field education

Director’s Approval (Centre Designate)

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Hourly Rate: $24.70 to $28.50 per hour, commensurate with qualifications & experience Grade 3

Department: Child Care

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: October 2026

Work Hours: B ased on 35-40 hours per week

Deadline to Apply: September 25, 2026

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:

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
• Paid Personal days and sick days
• A generous employer-paid Group Health benefit plan starting from day 1, with 3 flexible options to choose from
• A Defined Contribution Pension Plan with up to 5% employer matching
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Reduced rates for YMCA Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to availability)
• Free staff YMCA Health & Fitness Memberships

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 effectively liase with school personnel, parents, and community partners.
• Working computer knowledge.
• Access to reliable personal transportation is required.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C & AED certification (Level C).

A Major Asset If

• You have a degree or diploma in one of the following:
  • Early Childhood Education, with certification in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
  • Bachelor of Education with Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification
  • Child and Youth Studies
  • Recreation and Leisure services

This position requires a commitment to the YMCA HBB mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Organizational Overview

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.

We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.

If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department at [e-mail]

Ready to Make a Difference

YMCA HBB is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone thrives, we want to hear from you!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure

Artificial intelligence ("AI") may be used to support the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position. All hiring decisions involve human review.

Preferred

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Leader

Inspires teammates to follow them

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Flexibility

Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Growth Opportunities

Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Education

Bachelors or better in Child & Youth Studies or related field.

Bachelors or better in Recreation & Leisure Services or related field.

Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field.

Some college or better in Child & Youth Care or related field.

Some college or better in Child & Youth Worker or related field.

Some college or better in Social Service Worker or related field.

Experience

Required

2 years:

Experience in a licensed child care setting, obtained through paid work experience, volunteering, placements, or a combination of the above