'26-'27 Charlottesville ELC Pre-K Assistant After School Counselor

Piedmont YMCA; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

The Piedmont YMCA Charlottesville Early Learning Center is seeking an Assistant Counselor to help the Lead Counselor provide a safe, engaging program for preschool children after school. You will assist with daily enrichment activities, support health, safety, and supervision, and build positive relationships with families.

The role emphasizes adhering to licensing standards, upholding YMCA core values, and collaborating with staff to ensure a high-quality, nurturing environment for every child.

Qualifications

• At least 16 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred; ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Participation in required in‑service training (24hours) annually.
• Completion of all required trainings prior to start date.
• First Aid & CPR certifications within the first 30days.
• Must pass background check and receive negative TB result before beginning work.

Responsibilities

• Work between 2:30pm‑5:30pm, Monday‑Friday.
• Assist in preparing/setting up and implementing daily enrichment activities.
• Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness.
• Support Lead Counselors in supervising the children, classroom, and all activities.
• Maintain program site and equipment.
• Create a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; model relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• Provide and welcome ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connect families to the Y.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the licensing standards set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintain compliance at all times.
• Attend and participate in all program activities and team meetings.
• Adhere to the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The YMCA is looking for a cause‑driven leader who will be able to provide a safe and quality experience for children while supporting the Y’s focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The Assistant Counselor will be responsible for aiding the Lead Counselor in providing direction to a group of pre‑k children at the Charlottesville Early Learning Center. This position will assist a group in daily enrichment lessons and participate with the group during health & wellness activities, along with day‑to‑day site operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work between 2:30pm‑5:30pm, Monday‑Friday.
• Assist in preparing/setting up and implementing daily enrichment activities.
• Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness.
• Support Lead Counselors in supervising the children, classroom, and all activities.
• Maintain program site and equipment.
• Create a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; model relationship‑building skills in all interactions.
• Provide and welcome ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connect families to the Y.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the licensing standards set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintain compliance at all times.
• Attend and participate in all program activities and team meetings.
• Adhere to the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 16 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred; ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Participation in required in‑service training (24hours) annually.
• Completion of all required trainings prior to start date.
• First Aid & CPR certifications within the first 30days.
• Must pass background check and receive negative TB result before beginning work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to plan, lead, and implement indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.