Assistant Director

YMCA of Orange County; Laguna Niguel (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE YMCA Membership, Classes, andPool

FREE Training & Certifications

Tuition Reimbursement

Program Discounts (up to 100% off)

Retirement Fund, Paid Sick Time

Job summary

The YMCA of Orange County in Laguna Niguel is seeking a full-time Childcare Assistant Director who will directly impact children's lives by fostering meaningful connections and ensuring a safe, positive environment for ages 5-12 across after-school, camp or daycare settings.

This role leads staff, oversees program operations, upholds licensing and safety protocols, builds partnerships with parents and schools, and models the YMCA Core Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children ages 5-12 in after-school, camp, or daycare settings.
• 12 college units (6 in Child Development and 6 in related field) + 3 units in Administration or must be enrolled within 6 months of hire.
• CPR and First Aid certifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Mentor children and staff; oversee program operations and staff evaluations.
• Enforce Licensing Title 22 regulations and YMCA safety protocols.
• Build relationships with parents, school representatives, and the Parent Advisory Council.
• Model Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Support the annual YMCA campaign and cover Director absence to ensure service continuity.
• Official job description provided during the interview.

Skills

Experience with children

Leadership

Customer service

Education

12 college units (6 in Child Development + 6 in related field) + 3 units in Administration or enrolled within 6 months

CPR and First Aid Certification

Job description

The YMCA of Orange County is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We are actively seeking highly engaged, intentional, and service-oriented individuals for a full-time Childcare Assistant Director role.

This role is an opportunity to directly impact the lives of children and families by fostering genuine connections, practicing exceptional hospitality, and creating a safe, positive, and enriching environment where every interaction is meaningful.

Locations: Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente

Purpose & Impact

• Empower and Lead: Mentor both children and staff; oversee program operations and staff evaluations to ensure a high-quality, growth-oriented environment.
• Champion Safety & Excellence: Maintain a clean, secure facility by enforcing Licensing Title 22 regulations and YMCA safety protocols to protect every participant.
• Cultivate Community: Build intentional, professional relationships with parents, school representatives, and the Parent Advisory Council to foster a welcoming atmosphere.
• Model Core Values: Lead by example with Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, using positive reinforcement to guide children’s character development.
• Drive Organizational Success: Support the annual YMCA campaign and take initiative in the Director's absence to ensure seamless, impactful service.
• Official Job Description will be provided during the interview.

Minimum Qualifications (Must Meet One Level):

• Minimum Age: 18+ years old.
• Experience: Required experience working with children (ages 5-12) in an after-school, camp, or daycare setting.
• Education Requirements: 12 college units (6 units in Child Development and 6 units in a related field such as Psychology, Sociology, Art, Nutrition, etc.) + 3 units in Administration required or must be enrolled in a class within 6 months of hire and must obtain the units within 1 year of hire.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (Paid for by the YMCA).
• Required Documents: Please upload transcripts when applying.

Invested in You: Benefits & Perks

• FREE YMCA Membership, Classes, and Pool Access.
• FREE Training & Certifications.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Program Discounts (up to 100% off childcare).
• Retirement Fund, Paid Sick Time.

Learn more about the YMCA and opportunities at: www.ymcaoc.org/careers

Once a conditional offer is made, candidates will be subject to criminal background check, drug screen, and will be asked to provide criminal history. Criminal history will be analyzed on a case by case basis as it related to the position. YMCA of Orange County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.