The Program Lead is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, effective communication, and maintaining the overall well-being and safety of Y After School participants and support staff. They should possess high energy and enthusiasm, genuinely enjoy working with children, and be team-oriented. The Program Lead is responsible for assisting the Site Director in the planning, implementing, and facilitating a structured daily schedule. The Program Lead must be positive, with a patient and respectful demeanor towards students, parents, coworkers, and administration. All staff are expected to be interactive and engaging with the children throughout the day. This includes standing for long periods and participating in indoor and outdoor physical activities.

Essential Functions

1.  Supervises a group of children alongside Site Directors and/or Program Assistants and is responsible for their overall health and well-being.
2. Provides careful, attentive supervision; alert at all times.
3. Take the group attendance.
4. Maintains Y After School site and equipment. Takes care of school property (e.g. space, equipment, supplies) daily.
5. Plans and implements program activities that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values.
6. Adheres to program standards regarding safety, cleanliness, and adherence to licensing protocol.
7. Attends training and staff meetings with Y After School leadership.
8. Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical emergencies, behavior policy implementation, child abuse prevention, and other emergency situations.
9. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children, and other staff—models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
10. Maintains ongoing communication with the Site Director. 
11. Sets up for and cleans up after all Y After School activities.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older. 
• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• Six months of programmatic experience with children, preferably in an after school setting 
• Must complete 16 hours of training to meet the licensing standards of a licensed child day center. 
• Preferred CPR/First-Aid. If not certified, will receive training through the YMCA.
• Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience in creating, planning, and facilitating interactive and educational/artistic activities relating to youth development, physical fitness, and academic enrichment. (already stated above) 
• Must possess speaking, listening and writing skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.
• Must be capable of implementing directives related to the daily program.
• Must have flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

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. Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise as well as participate in program activities.