Youth Development Site Lead- Aristoi Classical Academy

About the Role

Join a team that’s shaping the next generation. At the YMCA, we’re more than an afterschool program provider—we’re a community dedicated to helping young people grow, learn, and thrive. If you’re a motivated leader who is passionate about youth development, safety, and program excellence, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while leading a high-quality program that supports children and families every day.

Responsibilities

• Keep Children Safe: Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Ensure proper supervision, conduct regular headcounts, monitor activities, maintain attendance records, and respond appropriately to emergencies while following YMCA and state licensing requirements.
• Site Management: Serve as the designated Texas Childcare Licensing Site Director, ensuring compliance with all YMCA Houston and state regulations and standards. Oversee the daily operations of the afterschool program, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all children. Maintain the program site and equipment, assist with set-up and breakdown of activity centers, and clean the program area.
• Supervision and Safety: Ensure the safety and security of all children and staff at the site. Maintain accurate records, including attendance, incident reports, and compliance documentation. Monitor children’s activities to ensure safe and age-appropriate behaviors. Oversee site staff adherence to policies and redirect as needed. Conduct regular headcounts and maintain accurate attendance records. Respond promptly to emergencies and incidents following established YMCA policies.
• Behavior Management: Implement positive behavior management techniques to promote a respectful and inclusive environment. Address behavioral issues in a calm and constructive manner, following established guidelines.
• Program & Policy Compliance: Conduct regular safety drills and inspections to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and organizational policies. Ensure required postings are on display. Follow all organizational policies and procedures, including those related to health and safety, child protection, and confidentiality. Maintain a clean and organized environment, adhering to sanitation and safety standards. Report any concerns or issues to the Program Director in a timely manner.
• Program Planning and Implementation: Oversee the implementation of age-appropriate activities, including structured and unstructured activities as outlined in the YMCA-approved curriculum. Encourage and facilitate positive social interactions among children. Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of all children. Evaluate program effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary.
• Parent and Community Engagement: Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child’s progress, behavior, and any concerns. Address parent inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally.
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate enrollment and attendance records, including sign-in sheets and daily rosters.
• Program Growth and Retention: Develop and implement strategies to promote program growth and increase enrollment. Create and execute retention plans to ensure high levels of participant satisfaction and continuity. Monitor and analyze enrollment trends and feedback to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for expansion.
• Program Quality: Plan and implement lesson/activity plans that include both formal and informal play within the center and outdoors, adhering to the Y program model, curriculum, and quality standards.
• Program Evaluation: Lead the Youth Program Quality (YPQ) intervention process. Use continuous program monitors to evaluate youth participation and program effectiveness, making adjustments as needed.
• Child Abuse Prevention: Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements. Ensure youth are properly signed in and signed out, and only authorized adults are allowed in the facility. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with each child. Ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (e.g., bathrooms).

Requirements

• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Minimum of 70 clock hours of training in child or youth development, recreational leadership, or management. Two (2) college courses are equivalent to 100 clock hours (Minimum Standard #744.1017).
• At least one year of experience working with youth in a licensed childcare facility, school, church, or similar setting.
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate activities and programming.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to pass state and local background checks and FBI fingerprinting requirements.
• Current TB test and any required health screenings or immunizations per state and local regulations.

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

This is an active leadership role that requires regular movement throughout the program site. You may be required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and participate in indoor and outdoor activities. The ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally is required. Work environments include classrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, gymnasiums, and outdoor recreation spaces, with exposure to varying weather conditions, moderate noise levels, and active youth programming. During camp seasons, Afterschool Site Leads may transition into Youth Development Counselor responsibilities and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, field trips, and extended periods of standing and walking.

Schedule

Before/After School Program: Part-time, Monday–Friday, typically 6:30 am–8:30 am and/or 2:30 pm–6:30 pm (aligned with the ISD calendar). Occasional Saturdays may be required.

Camp Program: Monday–Friday, operating between 6:30 am–6:30 pm with multiple shift options (aligned with school district breaks). Occasional Saturdays may be required.

Participation in family nights, staff meetings, trainings, and program events is required with advance notice.

Benefits

• Free YMCA Membership
• Discounts on YMCA programs
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Leadership growth pathways within youth development and YMCA operations
• A supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Flexible scheduling opportunities
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact on the community and families