Youth Program Instructors: Fall 2026

Lakeland Hills YMCA100 Fanny Rd, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Department: Youth Programs
Reports To: Assistant Camp & Youth Program Director
Start Date (approx.): September 14, 2026
Position Type: Part-Time

Job Summary

The YMCA is seeking enthusiastic and nurturing Youth Program Instructors to lead engaging enrichment classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. In this role, you will create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children develop confidence, independence, social-emotional skills, and physical abilities through music, movement, creative play, beginner gymnastics, and age-appropriate learning experiences.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with young children and families, has a passion for youth development, and can create fun, developmentally appropriate experiences that support learning and growth.

While Youth Program Instructors support a variety of programs within the Youth Program Department, we are specifically seeking instructors who can lead programming for the following classes:

• Swim, Gym & Fun: A dynamic early childhood enrichment program that combines art, music, imaginative play, story time, gym activities, and swim instruction (provided by YMCA Aquatic Instructors):  Tues, Wed, Thurs: 9:00 - 11:00 am
• Early Childhood Gym & Music Class: Mon - Fri 2:30 - 5:30 pm 

What You'll Do

Program Instruction

• Lead engaging enrichment classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and caregivers.
• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Teach music and movement, creative play, gross motor activities, beginner gymnastics, story time, art, and other enrichment experiences.
• Adapt lessons to meet the developmental needs and abilities of individual participants.
• Encourage creativity, confidence, exploration, and a love of learning.

Family Engagement

• Build positive relationships with children and their caregivers.
• Communicate program expectations, participant progress, and important class information.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all families feel supported.
• Model positive interactions that support healthy child development.

Classroom & Participant Supervision

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment.
• Supervise participants at all times in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
• Utilize positive behavior guidance techniques appropriate for young children.
• Set up and maintain classroom materials, equipment, and activity spaces.

Program Administration

• Prepare and submit lesson plans and activity outlines prior to each class session.
• Maintain attendance records and required documentation.
• Assist with program setup, cleanup, and equipment organization.
• Communicate participant needs, safety concerns, and program improvement ideas to supervisors.
• Support special events and additional youth and family programs as needed.

Why Work at the Y!

• Paid Sick Time
• Free YMCA membership, including access to our brand-new, state-of-the-art Health & Fitness Center, group fitness classes such as Pilates, Yoga, Cycling, and more. Enjoy our regulation-size pool, exclusive member discounts, and special member-only opportunities!
• We believe in promoting from within whenever possible and encourage internal career growth. Employees will have first access to opportunities to transfer to other departments and explore new roles as positions become available, providing a pathway for professional development within the organization.

Required

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Experience working with young children in an educational, childcare, recreation, or youth development setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate learning practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences.
• Ability to safely lead active movement and physical activities.
• Successful completion of required background screening.

Preferred

• College coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Recreation, Physical Education, Music Education, or a related field.
• Experience leading parent-child programs, preschool enrichment classes, gymnastics, music and movement classes, or youth fitness programs.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications (or willingness to obtain).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and actively participate in program activities.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to supervise and engage children in active play and movement-based instruction.
• Ability to maintain awareness of participants and surroundings in a dynamic environment.

Salary : $16 - $17