Job Title: Youth Program Leader
Reports To; Director of Youth Programs
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Part-time
Salary Range: $16.90-$18.70

Summary:

The Youth Program Leader is responsible for the implementation of the Operation Hero program and the direct supervision of school-age children. This position models and teaches the Armed Services YMCA’s values and ensures military youth, grades 2-8, are provided fun and meaningful activities to promote learning and caring of others.

Location: Oceanside, CA
This role is based in Southern California, specifically in Oceanside, CA (North San Diego County). It is located inside a miliary base installation. Base access is provided to civilian employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Implement the Operation Hero program by preparing curriculum and coordinating activities, games, worksheets, songs, and lessons with the current week’s theme as well as incorporate the YMCA character values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty into the position.
Arrange materials as needed for each day 30 minutes prior to the start of class and ensure program begins and ends on time and meets lesson plan guidelines.
Develop and maintain relationships with school personnel and families to ensure effective communication. Able to negotiate and resolve conflict by utilizing non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues.
Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings as requested and be prepared to coordinate research and share resources with other facilitators.
Able to work after school hours.

Other Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Provide feedback to parents regarding their children; provide information and/or referrals as needed.
Prepare end of school year report, class attendance on a monthly basis, assemble any needed resources for the classroom.
Purchase or submit purchase orders, program cash receipts, and healthy snacks for the program participants.
Take accurate attendance of students and ensure they meet the military child requirements. Maintain clear and updated class roster with pertinent information; provide a copy to Director by the 1^st of each month with prior month information.
Ensure an organized, safe, and clean program space for the children.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in writing reports and lesson plans.
Highly self-motivated and able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Able to maintain confidentiality of program information.
Armed Services YMCA employee guidelines apply.

Qualifications

College degree focusing on child development or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted.
2+ years’ experience working with children in a group setting preferred.
CPR and First Aid certification required within 15 days of hire.
Valid driver’s license required.
Able to successfully pass a background check and drug testing.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel and uses hands, arms and legs for dexterity, balance and climbing stairs frequently. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
Occasionally lifts, carries and balances objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
Pulls and pushes objects such as file drawers and supplies.
Prioritizes and multi-tasks work and projects requiring good memory, concentration and analytical thinking.
Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.

Join the Movement: Armed Services YMCA is not just a workplace; it’s a community committed to equal opportunity and diversity. Discrimination and harassment have no place here. If you're ready to spark change and make a lasting impact, apply today. Every age and background are celebrated here. Be part of something extraordinary!

Military spouses, veterans and military affiliated job seekers encouraged to apply.

Armed Services YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. ASYMCA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. ASYMCA encourages applicants of all ages.

Military spouses, veterans and military affiliated job seekers encouraged to apply.

Armed Services YMCA acknowledges the minimal use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in our initial recruitment stages. All AI use is coupled with human review and is designed to assist our team in building efficiencies and excelling at focusing on timeliness and communication in our hiring process. Our hiring teams thoroughly evaluate skills and qualifications and make all final hiring decisions. 

About the company

ASYMCA is a national nonprofit that supports military service members and their families. It works with the Department of Defense to run no-cost or low-cost programs through 12 local branches and on-base partners, focusing on child care, education, food help, resiliency, and well-being. Programs include Operation Little Learners (early childhood education), Operation Hero (after-school for military children), Operation Ride Home (holiday travel for junior enlisted), Children’s Waiting Rooms in military hospitals, emergency relief, food assistance, and the Military Outreach Initiative (free gym memberships and respite care for eligible families). Its goal is to ease financial and logistical challenges for junior enlisted service members and their families and help them stay connected and resilient thanks to ongoing support.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

N/A

Founded

1861

Get referred to Armed Services YMCA of The U S A

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

September 2026 Virginia Beach center adds 216 childcare slots in a high-need market.
June 2026 Navy Federal added $1.5 million for childcare across six military communities.
ASYMCA's rapid three-center buildout since 2024 proves a scalable operating model.

What critics are saying

William French's September 2026 departure creates succession risk during nationwide expansion.
ASYMCA depends heavily on DoD contracts; one program cancellation would crush growth.
Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and DC centers prove demand, but execution failures would damage credibility.

What makes Armed Services YMCA of The U S A unique

ASYMCA runs DoD-backed childcare centers for military families, not generic community daycare.
Its rank-based pricing and MilitaryChildCare.com access align services with military pay realities.
Its 1861 heritage and nationwide installation footprint create unusual trust with commanders.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options
Remote Work Options

Company News

WTKR

Sep 15th, 2026

New Armed Services YMCA childcare center coming to Virginia Beach for military families.

New Armed Services YMCA childcare center coming to Virginia Beach for military families. Posted 1:38 PM, Sep 15, 2026 and last updated 4:21 PM, Sep 15, 2026 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A new Armed Services YMCA Child Development Center is coming to Virginia Beach, offering childcare exclusively to military families in a region identified as one of the areas most in need of military childcare in the country. The 40,000-square-foot facility, located off Rosemont Road just south of I-264, is set to open in October. It will have capacity for 216 children, starting from infants and divided into rooms by age group. The cost of care will be tied to the rank and income of the parents. The ribbon cutting took place Tuesday, with Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata - a Hampton Roads native - returning to his hometown for the ceremony. Mayor Bobby Dyer and Commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett were also in attendance... "If the war fighter knows that their child is taken care of in a facility like this that's gold-plated and super high standards with great staff, that war fighter is going to be able to focus on their mission better," Tata said. The 216 slots will draw from an ever-growing wait list of military families seeking childcare in the region. "The secretary (Pete Hegseth), in particular, has charged us to move very quickly on all of these things and so we are," Tata said. The Virginia Beach center is the third child development center built through a partnership initialized in 2024 between the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of War. "This is the third child development center that we've partnered with the Department of War to put together. We've got one in DC, one in Norfolk and one here," Armed Services YMCA CEO Vice Adm. (Ret.) William French said. All three centers were built and made operational within two and a half years. This latest location required gutting an old office building owned by The Runnymede Corporation, which also partnered with Armed Services YMCA on its Norfolk location near Robin Hood Road. "Their choice to lease the whole building provided far more flexibility in the layout and design process and let them create a secure facility with everything they needed. It also gives spouses and partners the flexibility to take jobs across the community, which strengthens our local economy," said Runnymede CEO Garrett Berger in a statement to News 3. French said these latest builds were quicker than the traditional process of building a daycare on a military base, which could have taken around seven years. The opening comes months after a Government Accountability Office report named Norfolk one of five areas in the country most in need of military childcare. French said he believes the model of quickly building childcare facilities can be expanded. "Whether we expand it here and go into Chesapeake or something like that, or we take this model and scale it up and address this in multiple different locations," French said.

Citybiz

Sep 10th, 2026

Armed Services YMCA CEO William French to retire after 11 years.

Armed Services YMCA CEO William French to retire after 11 years. September 10, 2026 Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), will retire as president and chief executive officer of the Armed Services YMCA after more than 11 years leading the military support organization, setting in motion a national search for his successor. French will remain president and CEO during the search, allowing the organization to maintain continuity while its board selects its next leader. The Armed Services YMCA's National Board of Directors has begun the succession process and is conducting a nationwide search. The transition follows more than a decade of expansion under French, during which the organization increased programs focused on food assistance, child care, family support and holiday assistance for junior enlisted service members and their families. "It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead this organization and to serve alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and partners who show up every day for our military families," French said. He said he remains confident in the organization's team and partners as it prepares for its next phase. French joined the Armed Services YMCA after a 35-year career in the U.S. Navy. He retired from military service as a vice admiral in October 2014 before moving into leadership of the nonprofit. During his tenure, the Armed Services YMCA distributed millions of pounds of food through pantries and meal giveaways serving military families. The organization also increased the number of Childcare Development Centers and expanded access to early education, affordable child care and camp programs. Another area of expansion was the organization's Children's Waiting Room program, which provides free child care while military parents attend medical appointments. The Armed Services YMCA also grew Operation Ride Home and Operation Holiday Joy during French's leadership. Operation Ride Home helps service members travel home during the holidays, while Operation Holiday Joy provides food and toys to military families and children. The expansion reflects the organization's focus on practical financial and family pressures facing military households, particularly junior enlisted families raising children on relatively constrained budgets. Its services are intended to supplement resources available on military installations with food assistance, child care and community support. "Admiral French took the Armed Services YMCA to new heights allowing the organization to reach so many military families," said Maj. Gen. Bob Whittle, USA (Ret.), chairman of the organization's National Board of Directors. Whittle said the board intends to take the necessary time to identify a successor while maintaining an orderly leadership transition. French brought extensive military operations and organizational management experience to the nonprofit. Much of his Navy career was spent in submarines, including command of the USS Salt Lake City (SSN-716) and a submarine squadron. As a flag officer, he served in three regional commander assignments covering the Northwest, Southwest and Guam. His final military assignment was commander of Navy Installations Command, where he was responsible for 72 Navy bases and oversight of shore support operations worldwide. That experience gave French a background in both military operations and installation management before he assumed leadership of an organization focused directly on the everyday needs of service members and their families. The Armed Services YMCA traces its history back 165 years and describes itself as the oldest military support organization in the United States. Its long-term objective is to make services available at every U.S. military base and installation. French's eventual departure will therefore place the next CEO in charge of both maintaining the programs expanded during his tenure and advancing the organization's broader geographic ambitions. By keeping French in the position until a successor is selected, the board is structuring the transition to preserve operational continuity for employees, partners and military families. The next president and CEO will inherit an organization with a larger family-support platform and a stated goal of extending that support across more U.S. military installations.

PR Newswire

Sep 10th, 2026

Vice Admiral William French to retire as President and CEO of The Armed Services YMCA after more than 11 years in leading the organization.

Vice Admiral William French to retire as President and CEO of The Armed Services YMCA after more than 11 years in leading the organization. Sep 10, 2026, 08:44 ET French will remain in his role until a successor is named to ensure a smooth transition WOODBRIDGE, Va., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - The Armed Services YMCA, the oldest military support organization in the United States, today announces that Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), will retire after more than 11 years as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Admiral French will remain in his role while the Board of Directors conducts a search for his successor, ensuring continuity of leadership and an orderly transition for the organization, its staff, and the military families it serves. Under Admiral French's leadership, the Armed Services YMCA has expanded its reach and deepened its impact in supporting junior enlisted military families nationwide. During his tenure, the organization's impact has grown in many ways: distributing millions of pounds of food to military families via pantries and meal giveaways; increasing the number of Childcare Development Centers and opportunities to offer various early education, affordable child care, and camp programming; and increasing the number of Children's Waiting Room locations, an offering for free child care while military parents attend medical appointments. Programs such as Operation Ride Home and Operation Holiday Joy also grew significantly during his leadership, helping thousands of service members travel home for the holidays and ensuring military children receive food, toys, and holiday joy each year. "It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead this organization and to serve alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and partners who show up every day for our military families," said Admiral French. "The Armed Services YMCA mission has never been more important, and I have every confidence in the strength of this team and the generosity of our partners to continue its growth and success." French retired in October 2014 as a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy after 35 years of service. He spent most of his career going to sea in submarines to include command of the USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN-716), and command of a submarine squadron. As a Flag Officer, he served in three Regional Commander assignments: in the Northwest, the Southwest and in Guam. His last assignment was as Commander, Navy Installations Command, where he was responsible for the Navy's 72 bases with oversight of all Navy shore support operations worldwide. "Admiral French took the Armed Services YMCA to new heights allowing the organization to reach so many military families," said Chairman of the Armed Services YMCA's National Board of Directors Maj. Gen. Bob Whittle, USA (Ret.), "We look forward to taking the time to find the right successor and ensuring a smooth transition for all." The Armed Services YMCA Board of Directors has begun a national search for the organization's next President and CEO and the details are located on the website at: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/armed-services-ymca/ ABOUT ARMED SERVICES YMCA: Military life demands daily sacrifices that most people cannot imagine, from long separations and relocations to the willingness to give one's life without hesitation. For 165 years, the Armed Services YMCA has been easing everyday life for military families carrying the quiet weight of service. As an extended family for military families, we provide financial relief, affordable childcare, and a life-changing community of support, especially for those who are earliest in their careers, raising children on the tightest budgets. With the goal of making our services available at every base and installation across the United States, we will ensure more military families have the stability and support they need to thrive, everywhere they serve. Learn more and support our troops at www.asymca.org. SOURCE Armed Services YMCA

CSRwire

Aug 13th, 2026

Creating moments of connection for the military community.

Creating moments of connection for the military community. August 13, 2026 Comcast recently joined community partners at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) to host two unique experiences honoring service members and military families. On July 22, more than 700 people attended a free "Minions & Monsters" Watch Party at Carey Theater. A week later, nearly 300 service members and their families gathered at the Camp Lewis USO Center for a Hunt.Fish.Feed. Heroes Lunch. "Service members and military families give so much, often in ways most people never see," said Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs at Comcast. "Sometimes support comes through a major initiative, and sometimes it's something as simple as a movie, a meal, and a few hours together." "What matters is reminding those who serve and their families that their community sees them, appreciates them, and stands with them." Mona Dexter Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs, Comcast A free afternoon at the movies. Comcast hosted the "Minions & Monsters" Watch Party in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network. The event featured three free movie screenings, snacks, giveaways, and photo opportunities. Volunteers from all three organizations welcomed families, supported check-in, and helped make the experience easy and enjoyable from the moment the doors opened through the final credits. For one military spouse, hosting the event at JBLM removed barriers that would otherwise have made a family trip to the movies impossible. "Thank you for bringing this movie here and letting us in for free," she said. "I don't drive, my husband is deployed, and with three kids, taking the whole family to a movie theater is impossible." Serving up appreciation. On July 29, Comcast partnered with Sportsman Channel and USO Northwest to bring Hunt.Fish.Feed. to JBLM for the first time. Created by Sportsman Channel, Hunt.Fish.Feed. uses wild game and fish to prepare meals for communities across the country. The program combines outdoor traditions, culinary creativity, and community service. At JBLM, Chef Paul Comes and the Hunt.Fish.Feed. culinary team worked alongside Comcast volunteers to prepare and serve venison tacos, street corn salad, Southwest coleslaw, and fresh fruit salad. "As a U.S. Marine Veteran, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our employee volunteers for stepping up to support service members and military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Events like the Hunt.Fish.Feed. Heroes Lunch are a meaningful reminder that service comes in many forms, whether in uniform or through giving your time to serve others," said Roy Novosel, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Operations, Comcast Pacific Northwest. "I also want to thank the USO Northwest and Sportsman Channel for their outstanding partnership and shared commitment to honoring those who serve." "Together, we created an event that brought people together, strengthened community connections, and showed our appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and military families every day." Roy Novosel Vice President, Engineering & Technical Operations Comcast Pacific Northwest Comcast's commitment to the military community began with its founder, U.S. Navy veteran Ralph Roberts. NBS is proud to support service members, veterans, and military families year-round through exclusive Xfinity member benefits, career opportunities for military-connected talent, investments in trusted nonprofit partners, and employee-led service across the country.

South Sound Talk

Jul 23rd, 2026

Minions bring movie magic to more than 700 military family members at JBLM.

Minions bring movie magic to more than 700 military family members at JBLM. Comcast, the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network teamed up to provide military families with free screenings, snacks, giveaways and an opportunity to enjoy time together Laughter, movie magic and a little Minions mayhem filled the Carey Theater at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) this week as more than 700 service members, veterans and military family members gathered for a series of free screenings of "Minions & Monsters." The Comcast Military Families Free Minions & Monsters Watch Party featured three screenings, along with popcorn, snacks, giveaways and family photo opportunities. Presented by Comcast in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network, the event transformed an ordinary day at JBLM into a celebration of military families and the South Sound community. From the moment guests arrived, volunteers worked to create a welcoming and stress-free experience. Families checked in, picked up refreshments and giveaways, posed for photos, and spent time together before settling into the theater. For military families who regularly navigate deployments, training schedules, relocations and time apart from loved ones, opportunities to simply relax and enjoy time together can be especially meaningful. The watch party gave families a chance to step away from their daily responsibilities, share a few laughs and create new memories close to home. Celebrating JBLM service members and their families. Comcast leaders welcomed attendees and thanked service members, veterans and military spouses for their service and the important roles they play in supporting the country and one another. The event also recognized military children, who often experience frequent moves, separations from family members and the challenge of adjusting to new schools and communities. For these children and their parents, the screenings offered an afternoon centered entirely on fun, connection and appreciation. For one mother, the free event offered an experience that otherwise would have been difficult to arrange. She and her three children walked three blocks from Liberty Housing Main to attend while her husband was deployed. "Thank you for bringing this movie here and letting us in for free," she said. "I don't drive, my husband is deployed, and with three kids, taking the whole family to a movie theater is impossible." Afterward, she asked her children to thank one of the volunteers. The children responded by giving the volunteer a group hug. The Armed Services YMCA played a central role in bringing the event to JBLM. The organization promoted the screenings to local military families, supported registration and helped coordinate guest flow and event logistics. Founded in 1861, the Armed Services YMCA provides programs and services to active-duty junior enlisted service members and their families. Its services are offered at no or low cost and without membership dues, helping military families access resources and community support where they live and serve. Lollipop Theater Network coordinated the movie screenings and worked with Universal Pictures to manage the presentation and theater operations. The nonprofit organization is known for bringing movies and special entertainment experiences to children facing medical challenges and their families. Together, the organizations demonstrated how a shared entertainment experience can strengthen community connections and show military families that their contributions and sacrifices are valued. Comcast volunteers help bring the experience to life. Comcast employees volunteered throughout the day as part of Team UP, the company's employee volunteer program. Volunteers welcomed families, prepared and distributed popcorn and snacks, managed registration, staffed the photo area, helped guests find theater seating and cleaned and reset the venue between screenings. Behind the scenes, Comcast technical employees also helped ensure the theater's connectivity, equipment, and network were ready for the presentations. Representatives from Comcast, the Armed Services YMCA and Lollipop Theater Network worked together throughout the event to keep all three screenings running smoothly. The watch party reflected Comcast's broader commitment to supporting military communities through nonprofit partnerships, employee volunteerism and programs designed to expand digital access and connectivity. By the conclusion of the final screening, hundreds of South Sound military families had enjoyed an afternoon filled with Minions, movies and meaningful time together. The success of the event could be seen in the smiles, laughter and enthusiastic reactions throughout the theater. Children and parents enjoyed a carefree experience, volunteers rallied around a shared mission, and community partners strengthened their collective commitment to serving military families. Most importantly, the watch party offered Comcast and its partners a meaningful way to say thank you to the JBLM community and recognize those who serve the country, both in uniform and at home.

Armed Services YMCA of The U S A

Youth Program Leader

About the job