YPHD Programmer

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; Halifax; On-site; CAD 15,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA membership

Access to Y at Home

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth seeks a Part-Time, Contract YPHD Programmer to deliver after-school programming at St. Catherine’s Elementary School.

You will supervise children, implement engaging activities, and ensure safety, inclusivity, and alignment with YMCA policies and provincial requirements. Reporting to the Site Coordinator, you’ll maintain attendance records, communicate with families, and collaborate with staff.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with strong reference.
• Minimum one year of childcare experience related to responsibilities.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and actively participate in engaging, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles
• Create, implement, and evaluate inclusive indoor and outdoor learning environments that foster curiosity, independence, positive self-concept, and learning through play
• Use a variety of teaching strategies, including modelling, observing, questioning, demonstrating, and positive reinforcement, to support children's learning and development
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment by actively supervising children and ensuring their health, safety, and well‑being at all times
• Complete all required administrative duties accurately and within established timelines, including attendance records, child documentation, incident reporting, and communication with families
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues, and community partners to support children's success and enhance the quality of the program

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent verbal and written skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Location: St. Catherine’s Elementary School

Program: YMCA Physical Healthy Development (YPHD) Before and After School

Position Status: Part-Time, Contract (Immediate Start - June 2027)

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Compensation: $17.00 per hour

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As Part of Your Total Compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home

About the Role:

Reporting to the Site Coordinator, the YPHD Programmer is responsible for delivering high-quality programming that creates a safe, inclusive, engaging, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. The Programmer ensures compliance with all YMCA policies, procedures, and Provincial Before and After Program (BAP) requirements while actively supervising children and fostering meaningful learning experiences through play. The Programmer also supports the day‑to‑day operation of the program by maintaining a safe environment, building positive relationships with children and families, and contributing to the overall success of the site.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and actively participate in engaging, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles
• Create, implement, and evaluate inclusive indoor and outdoor learning environments that foster curiosity, independence, positive self‑concept, and learning through play
• Use a variety of teaching strategies, including modelling, observing, questioning, demonstrating, and positive reinforcement, to support children's learning and development
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment by actively supervising children and ensuring their health, safety, and well‑being at all times
• Complete all required administrative duties accurately and within established timelines, including attendance records, child documentation, incident reporting, and communication with families
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues, and community partners to support children's success and enhance the quality of the program
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment by demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies, fostering positive relationships, and creating a culture of belonging and inclusion
• Consistently represent the YMCA's values and purpose while complying with all YMCA policies, procedures, Child Safeguarding standards, Provincial Before and After Program (BAP) requirements, licensing regulations, and Occupational Health and Safety standards, including maintaining all required certifications
• Submit timesheets and other required payroll information through Payworks by established deadlines
• Assist in coverage support at other locations when required
• Communicate program updates, successes, concerns, and operational needs to the Site Coordinator in a timely manner and seek guidance when required
• Respond professionally to parent/caregiver inquiries and concerns, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the Site Coordinator as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Skills Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a strong reference
• Minimum one (1) year of childcare experience with demonstrable evidence of experience linked to the role’s responsibilities
• Attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written skills

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
• Valid First Aid and CPR Training

Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.