Children's Play Group Leader

Penticton 1, BC
On-site
Posted Sep 17, 2026
1 position

$23 / hour

Opens an external site

Employment type: Part-time
Experience level: Entry, Junior · 0+ years
Posting language: English
Working hours: 4 hours per week

Job summary

The Play Group Leader facilitates structured and unstructured play opportunities for elementary-aged children to foster physical, social, and emotional development. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive environment while tracking attendance and collaborating with community partners.

Job details

The Play Group Leader is responsible for planning and facilitating structured and unstructured play opportunities for elementary-aged children during YMCA play group programs. This role focuses on fostering creativity, physical activity, social development, and child wellbeing while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. QUICK FACTS * Compensation: $22.90/hour * Reporting to: Manager, Community Programs * Location: Parkway Elementary, Penticton, BC * Status: Part-Time, Temporary * Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM during the 2026-27 school year * End Date: June 30th, 2027 WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS At the YMCA, we believe play is essential to healthy child development. The Play Group Leader helps children build creativity, confidence, problem-solving skills, and positive social connections through engaging play-based experiences. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, this role supports children and families while strengthening community connections and helping young people thrive. WHAT YOU WILL DO Lead engaging play experiences that support children's physical, social, and emotional development. * Facilitate structured and unstructured play opportunities for children aged 6-12. * Foster creativity through open-ended activities, loose parts, and imaginative play. * Encourage physical activity using a fun, play-based approach. * Promote positive social interactions and support conflict resolution among participants. * Ensure participant safety through active supervision and adherence to YMCA policies and procedures. * Maintain program equipment, supplies, and cleanliness of program spaces. * Collaborate with YMCA staff, volunteers, schools, and community partners. * Track attendance and maintain accurate program records. * Support positive participant and family experiences through effective communication and relationship building. WHAT YOU BRING * Experience working with children aged 6-12 years. * Knowledge of child development and play-based programming. * Passion for supporting creativity, problem solving, physical literacy, and social development. * Strong communication, relationship-building, and teamwork skills. * Physical ability to actively participate in and supervise play activities. WHO YOU ARE * You believe every child deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and belong. * You create inclusive, welcoming environments where children feel supported and engaged. * You are energetic, dependable, and collaborative. * You are committed to fostering positive experiences for children and families. WHY JOIN US * Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. * Be part of an organization dedicated to healthy communities and belonging. * Work with a supportive team committed to youth development. * Gain valuable experience in recreation, child and youth programming, and community engagement. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS * Child Protection Training * Criminal Record Check * YMCA Orientation * Emergency First Aid with CPR Certification is preferred The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace. This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders. Application Deadline: September 29th, 2026

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates should have experience working with children aged 6-12 and a strong understanding of child development and play-based programming. Additional requirements include a criminal record check, child protection training, and the physical ability to actively supervise play activities.