Children's Play Group Leader

Ymca-of-Southern-Interior-Bc; Penticton; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Southern Interior BC is seeking a Play Group Leader for Parkway Elementary School in Penticton, BC. The role runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM, during the 2026-27 school year, at $22.90/hour, part-time and temporary.

You will plan and facilitate structured and unstructured play experiences to support children's development and wellbeing in a safe, welcoming YMCA environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children aged 6-12 years.
• Knowledge of child development and play-based programming.
• Passion for supporting creativity, problem solving, physical literacy, and social development.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and teamwork skills.
• Physical ability to actively participate in and supervise play activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging play experiences that support children's physical, social, and emotional development.
• Facilitate structured and unstructured play opportunities for children aged 6-12.
• Foster creativity through open-ended activities, loose parts, and imaginative play.
• Encourage physical activity using a fun, play-based approach.
• Promote positive social interactions and support conflict resolution among participants.
• Ensure participant safety through active supervision and adherence to YMCA policies and procedures.
• Maintain program equipment, supplies, and cleanliness of program spaces.
• Collaborate with YMCA staff, volunteers, schools, and community partners.
• Track attendance and maintain accurate program records.

Skills

Experience with children

Play-based programming

Creativity & physical literacy

Communication & teamwork

Safety supervision

Job description

Parkway Elementary School
Penticton, BC V2A, CAN

Description

The Play Group Leader is responsible for planning and facilitating structured and unstructured play opportunities for elementary-aged children during YMCA play group programs. This role focuses on fostering creativity, physical activity, social development, and child wellbeing while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

Quick Facts

• Compensation:$22.90/hour
• Reporting to: Manager, Community Programs
• Status: Part-Time, Temporary
• Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM during the 2026-27 school year
• End Date:June 30th, 2027

Why This Role Matters

At the YMCA, we believe play is essential to healthy child development. The Play Group Leader helps children build creativity, confidence, problem-solving skills, and positive social connections through engaging play-based experiences.

By creating a safe and welcoming environment, this role supports children and families while strengthening community connections and helping young people thrive.

What You Will Do

Lead engaging play experiences that support children's physical, social, and emotional development.

• Facilitate structured and unstructured play opportunities for children aged 6-12.
• Foster creativity through open-ended activities, loose parts, and imaginative play.
• Encourage physical activity using a fun, play-based approach.
• Promote positive social interactions and support conflict resolution among participants.
• Ensure participant safety through active supervision and adherence to YMCA policies and procedures.
• Maintain program equipment, supplies, and cleanliness of program spaces.
• Collaborate with YMCA staff, volunteers, schools, and community partners.
• Track attendance and maintain accurate program records.
• Support positive participant and family experiences through effective communication and relationship building.

What You Bring

• Experience working with children aged 6-12 years.
• Knowledge of child development and play-based programming.
• Passion for supporting creativity, problem solving, physical literacy, and social development.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and teamwork skills.
• Physical ability to actively participate in and supervise play activities.

Who You Are

• You believe every child deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and belong.
• You create inclusive, welcoming environments where children feel supported and engaged.
• You are energetic, dependable, and collaborative.
• You are committed to fostering positive experiences for children and families.

Why Join Us

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
• Be part of an organization dedicated to healthy communities and belonging.
• Work with a supportive team committed to youth development.
• Gain valuable experience in recreation, child and youth programming, and community engagement.

Additional Requirements

• Child Protection Training
• Criminal Record Check
• YMCA Orientation
• Emergency First Aid with CPR Certification is preferred

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace. This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.

Application Deadline:September 29th, 2026