School-Age Site Lead (RPS and Harlem)

Company: YMCA of Rock River Valley
Location: Rockford
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description YOUR IMPACT The School-Age Site Lead position requires a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who is capable of overseeing the daily operations of after school programs, as well as summer camp activities. The Site Lead will inspire and guide a team of staff to deliver high-quality, engaging programming that supports the academic, recreational, and social/emotional development of youth. This role requires a strong commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, along with excellent organizational skills and a collaborative approach to building positive relationships with families, school leadership, and the broader community ensuring programs operate smoothly and consistently. Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between program sites as needed. EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Oversees the day-to-day operations of assigned before and/or after school sites during the school year. During no school days and summer camp programs, serve as lead or group leader as assigned by supervisor. Provides leadership, mentoring, feedback and direction to site staff to ensure high-quality program delivery. Actively engages in site programming, utilizing provided curriculum to support and enhance youth's academic, recreational, and social/emotional development. Ensures youth safety by actively participating in and supervising all swimming and water-based activities. Prepares and maintains student rosters, assigning children to appropriate groups and ensuring accurate attendance records. Develops and implements the daily program schedule under the guidance of their supervisor, ensuring activities align with program goals and standards. Maintain and submit all required daily, weekly, and monthly paperwork and reports including food program documents, behavior/incident reports, site & staff evaluations, emergency drill logs, and others as assigned. Utilizes positive youth discipline techniques and effective group management strategies to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. Maintains student behavioral plans and responses, ensuring a safe and positive environment in accordance with department’s Standard Operating Procedures and handbook. Manages site resources and supplies, ensuring that all necessary materials are available and properly maintained. Treats and cares for the site respectfully, ensuring the space is kept clean and well-maintained. Assists with coordinating parent-engagement programs, fostering strong relationships with families through regular communication and involvement opportunities. Fosters collaborative relationships with school leadership to ensure alignment and support for program activities and to maintain a positive working environment within the school. Fosters partnerships with parents/guardians to provide best possible care for enrolled youth. Identifies areas for improvement and implements strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the site’s program. Attends and actively participates in all Site Lead and all-team meetings and trainings. Communicates all concerns to leadership in a timely manner. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout programming. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly. Adheres to all state, local, and YMCA policies and procedures. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA. SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 3 Positions Position 1, 2 & 3: RPS and Harlem Districts Part Time, Non-Exempt Monday - Friday 1:30- 5:45 pm First Wednesday of the Month Meeting 6:15 - 7:15pm (Good Shepherd YMCA) This is a Year-Round Position with hours subject to change for School's Out Days and during summer months. $15.75 per hour WORK LOCATION This position may serve schools in these districts: RPS 205 and Harlem 122 schools. Placements will be determined at time of hire. Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum age of 18 Minimum High School Diploma or GED preferred 1-year related experience of leadership in a childcare setting preferred YMCA Leader certification preferred Training required upon hire: Gateways Child Development Health & Safety, IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter. Any additional certifications that are required by the state of Illinois CACFP/SFSP Training required within 90 days CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days Current Praesidium Academy trainings The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you. THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y: ALL STAFF BENEFITS: Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers Employee Crisis Fund Employee Assistance Program Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers Tickets At Work Discount Program 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org. FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free Family Membership 3 Paid Floating Holidays 10.5 Paid Holidays Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type Short-Term Disability Program Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free individual Membership Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category OUR CULTURE Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. OUR COMMITMENT TO BELONGING The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care. You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by: Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor. Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children. Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor. Complete all child abuse prevention training as required. The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

Keywords: YMCA of Rock River Valley, Carol Stream , School-Age Site Lead (RPS and Harlem), Education / Teaching , Rockford, Illinois