Children's Program Instructor - Guelph 

Location: Guelph YMCA, Guelph-Wellington Region

Work Hours: Evening and weekend availability required.

Employment Type: Part Time, Permanent 

Number of Vacancies: 2 

Anticipated Start Date: July 2026 

Deadline to Apply: July 10, 2026

Starting Rate or Range: $17.60

Total Rewards Package: 

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being. 

Time Away from Work 

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Part-time team members start with:

• Vacation earnings of 4% on each pay (Increases to 6% after 5 years of continuous employment)

• 3 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Well-Being Benefits 

• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services
• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services

Role Overview: 

Who are we…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here [https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/about]. 

We strive to be a great place to work so that all employees can live with purpose, passion, and potential to Shine On! This is where you come in. 

What will you do…

As a Children’s Program Instructor, you will be part of a dynamic team committed to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging experiences for children and families. Guided by YMCA best practices and core values, this role focuses on delivering high-quality programs that foster meaningful connections and positive experiences.

You will plan and lead developmentally appropriate activities that promote physical literacy, creativity, social connection, and confidence-building. Through intentional interactions, you will help children explore new experiences, reach milestones, deepen their sense of belonging, and feel excited about being part of the YMCA community.

• Delivering program instruction through YMCA training and ongoing learning that emphasizes exceptional service and creating meaningful experiences for children. 
• Offering flexible and engaging activity options that support diverse interests, abilities, and needs by empowering children with Choice in how they play. 
• Providing consistent, high-Quality programming rooted in YMCA principles for working with children. 
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and well‑organized program environment that builds confidence and Trust with children and families. 
• Ensuring a safe and supportive environment by consistently following all child safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate shared responsibility for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming facility, recognizing that cleanliness is a collective effort across all staff.

What will you bring…

You will demonstrate responsible behaviour at all times and maintain high ethical standards. You are committed to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to diverse needs. You will have well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills with the ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with fellow employees, participants, members and guests. 

You bring:

• A minimum of 1 year experience working with children in recreational, educational or community setting.
• Coaching experience is an asset. 
• Ability to create engaging, inclusive and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with families and peers.
• A commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments.
• An understanding of the importance of unstructured, active play in promoting physical activity and well-being.
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C Certification required within the first three months of employment. 

Additional Information: 

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth 

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - are considered in the decision-making process, in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) 

We embrace the values of justice, access, inclusion, diversity, and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity-deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand that knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. 

Our Commitment to Privacy 

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws.  We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices in keeping with privacy laws.  Please visit our website [https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/privacy] for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy. 

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page [https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/careers].