Job Description

Job Location: 100 FANNY ROAD - MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ 07046
Position Type: Part Time
Salary Range: $17.50 - $19.00 Hourly

Job Shift: AnyLakeland 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, age-appropriate enrichment activities for children of various ages and abilities.
- Plan and facilitate activities that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of individual participants.
- Encourage creativity, confidence, participation, and learning.
Family Engagement
- Build positive relationships with children and their families.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Communicate important program and participant information with caregivers and supervisors.
Safety & Supervision
- Provide active supervision and maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment.
- Use positive behavior guidance and follow YMCA policies and procedures.
- Prepare and organize materials, equipment, and activity spaces.
Program Support
- Prepare lesson plans and activities as needed.
- Maintain attendance and required program documentation.
- Assist with setup, cleanup, special events, and other youth 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! See all membership benefits at Membership Benefits - Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.
- 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.

QualificationsRequired
- 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.