Kids Club Lead Program Assistant - PT

YSS; Gilbert (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program opportunities

Athletic Club of Ames membership

Employee Assistance Program

403(b) retirement offerings

Flu shots

Job summary

YSS is seeking a Kids Club Lead Program Assistant at Gilbert Elementary School to oversee before/after school programming for K–6 and middle school students. You will supervise staff, plan activities, handle meals, and collaborate with families to support safe and engaging youth programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, program planning, and strong communication, with weekly planning hours and a focus on equity and inclusion within a dynamic school community.

Qualifications

• Must be certified in childcare.
• Background in child development/child and family services.
• Able to plan age-appropriate activities that blend fun and learning.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement day-to-day program operations.
• Supervise and schedule staff; arrange substitutes as needed.
• Plan creative activities, field trips, and summer programming.
• Directly supervise children and maintain a safe, engaging environment.
• Partner with parents, school staff, and community resources.
• Attend staff meetings and complete planning hours each week.

Skills

Childcare certification

Child development background

Behavior management

Program planning

Team supervision

Communication

Organization

Bilingual abilities

Education

Associate's degree in child development/education or related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Are you passionate about creating fun, safe, and meaningful experiences for kids? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new opportunities to teach, inspire, and connect? If so, we want YOU to join YSS as a Kids Club Lead Program Assistant at Gilbert Elementary School!As a Lead Program Assistant, you’ll help run our before and after school program serving K–6 and middle school students. You’ll be part educator, part mentor, and part organizer—bringing energy and structure to Kids Club year-round, including school breaks, summer programs, and no-school days. Your leadership will help ensure kids are safe, engaged, and having fun while learning important life skills.What You'll Do...Everyday you’ll work closely with the Site Supervisor, staff, and volunteers to create programs that kids (and parents!) look forward to. You'll also:Lead and implement day-to-day program operations.Supervise and schedule staff, and help find subs when needed.Plan creative activities, field trips, and summer programming.Directly supervise children and foster a safe, supportive environment.Partner with parents, school staff, and community resources.Administer child assessments and keep accurate records.Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks.Handle administrative tasks, tuition collection, and paperwork.Attend staff meetings, trainings, and work 5 additional hours weekly for planning.This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.Who You Are...You’re a positive role model who connects easily with children, families, and teammates. You lead with patience, creativity, and consistency—making every child feel included, supported, and excited to be there.What We Provide...We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.Wellness Program OpportunitiesPaid membership to the Athletic Club of AmesEmployee Assistance Program for all employeesFlu shotsMental health supportYSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.403(b) retirement offeringsIf this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:You meet the requirements to be certified in childcare—ready to bring both care and credibility.You have a background in child development or child and family services, giving you solid insight into what kids need to thrive.You understand how to support both individual and group behavior, and you know how to plan engaging, age-appropriate activities that blend fun and learning.Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:You’ve got an Associate’s degree (or even better, a Bachelor's) in child development, education, or a related field—your foundation for helping kids grow and thrive.You bring real-world experience as both a teacher and a supervisor—you’ve led lessons, guided teams, and handled the day-to-day with confidence.You’re in it for the long haul—ready to commit to a full year of meaningful, kid-powered workYou're able to coordinate multiple sites and lead a team with confidence.You're a strong communicator—able to listen, observe, speak, and write effectively with children, families, coworkers, and the public.You're patient, calm, and adaptable, responding positively and professionally to challenging situations.You're a excellent problem-solver who can respond quickly, use good judgment, and find creative solutions.You're organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage time and resources effectively.The IDEAL CandidateShows up excited, ready to make a difference.Is comfortable helping kids tackle their homework.Has a reliable way to get to work (whether it’s a car, bike, bus, or a friend with great timing).Is on time, every time—because time is money, and also snack time waits for no one.Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).We Celebrate Your Story...Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.Stay Connected...We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add [e-mail] to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at [e-mail] more about YSS and our hiring process at https://yss.org/ysscareers/the-hiring-process/.