POSITION TITLE: Children Program Coordinator (middle years)

DEPARTMENT: Programs Department

AFFILIATION: Unionized Position

LOCATION: Headquarters, ON

HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm

EXTENDED HOURS: Dependent on needs of the program

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Children Programs Coordinator is responsible for designing, coordinating, and delivering high-quality programs for children aged 6–12. This role oversees children’s enrichment programs, including arts, dance, STEM/lab-based activities, academic support, social-emotional learning initiatives and recreational offerings, while ensuring that all programs are engaging, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and aligned with organizational goals.

The Coordinator supports program operations, supervises facilitators and volunteers, maintains program safety and collaborates as needed with community partners and the Youth Programs Team to ensure smooth service delivery across the organization.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Program Planning & Delivery — Children (6–12):

• Develop, lead, and implement daily/weekly children’s programs including arts, dance, recreation, homework support, creative workshops, and social-emotional learning and summer camp activities.

• Facilitate lab-style programs including basic science experiments, such as STEM experiments, introductory robotics & basic coding/tech sessions, digital literacy, and maker-space projects.

• Design age-appropriate curriculum and activity plans that promote developmental growth, creativity, healthy social interaction, and physical activity.

• Incorporate culturally relevant content, including multicultural art, storytelling, and community celebrations content that reflects the diversity of participating children.

• Support children with varied learning styles, communication needs, and social-emotional development requirements.

• Maintain a safe, supportive and structured environment that prioritises child well-being

STEM/Lab/Innovation Programs:

• Plan and facilitate hands-on lab programming, including:

  • Simple, safe science experiments
  • Robotics & coding basics
  • Digital media creation (beginner video, photography)
  • Building projects

• Ensure proper safety protocols for materials and equipment

• Maintain supply inventory and equipment, ensuring everything is child-safe, functional and available

• Explore partnerships with STEM organizations, volunteers and facilitators to deepen experience and exposure for the children

Administration & Program Operations:

• Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, progress notes, and program evaluations.

• Support budget planning for children’s programs; manage program materials and purchasing.

• Prepare activities calendars, newsletters and program communications for families

• Contribute to grant reporting, outcome tracking, and program documentation.

• Recruit, train, supervise, and support volunteers, placement students, and casual program staff.

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, safeguarding practices, and public health guidelines.

• Conduct risk assessments and maintain safe spaces for children

• Support behaviour management by using proactive, respectful and trauma-informed strategies

Cross-Program Collaboration & Community Engagement:

• Work collaboratively with other members of the programs team to share best practices, identify overlapping needs, and coordinate joint events.

• Maintain communication with families, caregivers, school partners, and community agencies about children’s participation, progress and program opportunities

• Support community events involving children (summer camp, March Break events).

• Attend partnership meetings, training, and networking events to strengthen program visibility and resource-sharing.

• Represent the organization professionally in partnerships and external engagements

Other Duties

• Proactively contributes to the organization.

• Initiates or assists with other projects as required

SKILLS

• Creative thinker with strong ability to plan and deliver engaging children’s programs

• Excellent facilitation and group management skills with children and pre-teens.

• Ability to lead diverse groups with confidence, patience, and structure.

• Strong background in recreational leadership, arts/dance facilitation, or STEM/innovation activities (or willingness to learn).

• Excellent communication skills with children, caregivers, colleagues, and community partners.

• Strong behavioral management and conflict-resolution skills.

• Ability to mentor emerging leaders and collaborate across age groups.

• Organizational skills; scheduling, budgeting, documentation, and coordination.

• Adaptability; comfortable juggling multiple programs and shifting priorities.

• Culturally competent and experienced working in diverse communities.

• Computer proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite, and other basic digital media tools.

• Proven ability to apply sound judgement and work with limited supervision

• Ability to achieve program goals/targets including planning ahead for contingencies and identifying solutions to problems to ensure best results

QUALIFICATIONS

• A post secondary diploma or bachelor’s degree in child & Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Recreation, Education, or a related field.

• Minimum 2–4 years of experience coordinating or delivering children’s programs.

• Background in dance, arts education, STEM facilitation, or recreational programming (formal or informal) is considered an asset.

• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Vulnerable Sector Check required.

• Experience working in community centres, after-school programs, settlement services, or youth drop-in programs is an asset

• Experience supervising part-time staff, volunteers, or facilitators is an asset.

What We Offer:

• Group Benefits Plan with Extended Healthcare and Dental Benefits

• Options for company-matched RRSP programs

• Career growth and development opportunities

• A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community

• Employee Assistance Program

Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

Tropicana Community Services commits to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) through its information and support, advocacy, programming, internal policies, and governance structures. Tropicana Community Services will aim to ensure that our staff reflect the experience, skills and diversity of the communities we serve and create an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process please contact Human resources. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.