School-Age Program Lead

Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties; Salem, Keizer (OR, OR); On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties seeks a Program Lead to implement curriculum and supervise groups of school-age children at sites in Salem‑Keizer and surrounding communities. You will model YMCA core values and ensure safety and dignity for every child from kindergarten through 5th grade.

The role runs Monday–Friday with after-school hours and possible earlier/later hours on school days off or summers, up to 29 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Ability to obtain hands-on Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certification
• Ability to obtain Food Handler’s Card
• Ability to pass a background check

Responsibilities

• Interact with youth and serve as a positive role model.
• Work as a team with other Program Leads, Assistant Program Leaders, Site Supervisors, and Department Directors
• Understand basic child development.
• Teach children self-help skills and provide opportunities for independence.
• Follow written weekly lesson plans posted for daily guidance.
• Initiate activities focused on all areas of development considering each child’s needs.
• Ensure all children are supervised with sight and sound and maintain appropriate ratios.
• Supervise Assistant Program Leaders and day-to-day operation of the site in the Site Supervisor’s absence.
• All candidates must have reliable transportation and pass a rigorous background check.

Education

Associate degree in child education or development program

At least a Step 6 in the Oregon Registry – ORO

At least 3 months (240 hours) of qualifying teaching experience in a Certified Childcare Center or comparable group care program

At least 60 hours within the program AND 20 hours of training focused on school-age childcare (Table 2 of 414-310-0300)

Job description

Position Summary:

The Program Lead is responsible for preparing and implementing the planned curriculum and activities under the direction of the Site Supervisor and Multi‑Site Director. To supervise groups of school age children and ensure all children’s individual needs are met with dignity and respect as well as their safety by following YMCA policies and procedures. To model, practice and carry out the Y core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility

Programs take place at various sites in Salem‑Keizer and throughout the greater communities, Monday - Friday. Before school hours typically range from 6:45-9:15am After‑school hours typically range from 2:00-6:00pm depending on site location and school schedules. School days off and summer allow for additional hours, up to 29 hours per week. Our programs work with children kindergarten up to 5th grade.

Our Culture:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At The Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are relentless to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• Ability to obtain hands‑on Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certification
• Ability to obtain Food Handler’s Card
• Ability to pass a background check

And ONE of the following:

• An associate degree at a college or university in any child education or development program
• At least a step 6 in the Oregon Registry – ORO
• At least 3 months (240 hours) of qualifying teaching experience in a Certified Childcare Center or comparable group care program, in the care of school‑age children
• At least 60 hours within the program AND 20 hours of training, completed within the last 5 years, focused on school‑age childcare that meets core knowledge criteria: on Table 2 of 414-310-0300.

Physical/Mental Requirements

Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times

Must be physically capable of lifting 40 pounds

Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm

Essential Functions

Interact and relate with youth and serve as a positive role model.

Work as a team with other Program Leads, Assistant Program Leaders, Site Supervisors, and Department Directors

Must have a basic understanding of child development.

Teach children self‑help skills and provide opportunities for independence.

Follow written weekly lesson plans that will be posted and used as a daily guide

Initiate activities and experiences that focus on all areas of development with consideration given to each child’s individual needs.

Health and Safety

Must know where all children enrolled in the program are at all times, never be alone with a child.

Follow snack protocol.

Care properly for program equipment and check daily for safety.

Equipment will be organized, stored safely and easily accessible to children and staff.

Indoor and outdoor space is monitored daily for health and safety concerns.

Any health and safety concerns are to be reported to the Site Lead immediately.

Line of sight and positioning to maintain situational awareness.

Follow all YMCA Safety and licensing policies and protocols.

Behavior Management

Must understand the difference between discipline and punishment.

Establish supportive relationships with children and implement developmentally appropriate techniques of behavior and group management.

Use positive verbal and non‑verbal communication with children and parents to build trusting and stable relationships.

Set and consistently communicate limits for acceptable behavior with logical, relevant, and immediate consequences that follow established processes and procedures.

Other Duties Assigned

Program Lead will ensure that Assistant Program Leaders are supervised within sight and sound, and ratios are maintained.

Be responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of the program site and supervision of children in the absence of the Site Supervisor.

All candidates must have reliable transportation. Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.

Pay Rate: $16.25/hr.