Children's Program Instructor - Part Time

YMCA of Three Rivers; Stratford; On-site; CAD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Program discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The YMCA of Three Rivers is seeking a part-time, permanent Children’s Program Instructor at the Stratford YMCA. You will lead engaging activities for children aged 0-12, ensuring safety and inclusivity while following YMCA development principles.

You’ll plan programs in various areas (Sports, Active Kids, STEAM, Preschool) and collaborate with families and staff. First aid/CPR-C must be obtained within three months. Applications close Oct 16, 2026.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with families and peers.
• A commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments.
• An understanding of the importance of unstructured, active play in promoting physical activity and well-being.
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C Certification required within the first three months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Planning and preparing engaging activities and crafts.
• Facilitating games, songs, and active play.
• Actively supervising and participating in children’s play and activities.
• Building strong relationships with children, parents, and staff through open communication and rapport.
• Ensuring a safe environment by following safeguarding protocols and maintaining program statistics.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Safety awareness

Education

Standard First Aid and CPR-C Certification

Job description

Children's Program Instructor - Stratford YMCA

Location: Stratford Family YMCA, Stratford-Perth Region

Work Hours: Evening and weekend availability required.

Employment Type: Part Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies: Multiple

Anticipated Start Date: October 2026

Deadline to Apply: October 16, 2026

Starting Rate or Range: $17.95

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Part-time team members start with:

• Vacation earnings of 4% on each pay (Increases to 6% after 5 years of continuous employment)
• 3 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services
• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services

Role Overview:

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and valueshere.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine!

This is where you come in.

What you will do…

As a Children's Program Instructor in our Health and Wellness Branches, you will create a warm, caring, and safe environment that delivers exceptional experiences for children and families. You’ll support all ages and stages of development by leading high-quality programs for children aged 0-12, grounded in YMCA Healthy Child Development principles.

We are looking for leaders to run:

• Sports Programs (6-12 year olds)
• Active Kids Programs (6-12 year olds)
• Play Care Childminding Programs (0-5 years of age)
• S.T.E.A.M Programs (6-12 years old)
• Preschool Programs (3-5 years old)

Your role will include:

• Planning and preparing engaging activities and crafts.
• Facilitating games, songs, and active play.
• Actively supervising and participating in children's play and activities.
• Building strong relationships with children, parents, and staff through open communication and rapport.
• Ensuring a safe environment by following all safeguarding protocols, implementing sign-in/out procedures, and maintaining program statistics.

you'll be part of a team that fosters exploration, play, and inquiry-helping children grow through meaningful experiences in a welcoming and inclusive space.

What you will bring…

You will demonstrate responsible behaviour at all times and maintain high ethical standards. You are committed to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to diverse needs.You will have well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills with the ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with fellow employees, participants, membersand guests.

• A minimum of 1 year experience working with children
• A passion for working with children and supporting their development through play.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with families and peers.
• A commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments.
• An understanding of the importance of unstructured, active play in promoting physical activity and well-being.
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C Certification required within the first three months of employment.

Additional Information:

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(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. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit ourwebsitefor more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.