YMCA of Southern Interior BC·British Columbia
The Play Group Leader facilitates structured and unstructured play opportunities for elementary-aged children to foster their physical, social, and emotional development. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive environment while collaborating with staff and families to support child wellbeing.
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.
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.
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.
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: Aug 25th, 2026
Candidates should have experience working with children aged 6-12 and a strong understanding of child development and play-based programming. Applicants must also possess or be willing to obtain child protection training, a criminal record check, and emergency first aid certification.
Market context
In British Columbia, Children's Play Group Leader roles are typically driven by demand for candidates who can support safe, structured activities for school-age children. These positions are competitive because employers look for experience with ages 6-12, knowledge of child development, and readiness to complete child protection training, a criminal record check, and emergency first aid. Before applying, confirm your certifications status and highlight any play-based programming experience; the requirements and benefits shown here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time.