Youth Program Leader
About the job
- CPR and First Aid certification are required within 15 days of hire.
- A valid driver's license is required.
- The candidate must successfully pass a background check and drug testing.
- The candidate must be able to work after-school hours.
- The candidate must maintain confidentiality of program information.
- The candidate must have sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform the essential functions of the position and safely supervise children's activities.
- The candidate must occasionally lift, carry, and balance objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
- The candidate must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, use hands, arms, and legs for dexterity, balance, and climb stairs frequently, including sitting for prolonged periods.
- Implement the Operation Hero program by preparing curriculum and coordinating activities, games, worksheets, songs, and lessons around the weekly theme while incorporating YMCA character values.
- Arrange materials 30 minutes before each class, ensure the program starts and ends on time, and follow lesson-plan guidelines.
- Develop and maintain relationships with school personnel and families to support effective communication.
- Negotiate and resolve conflicts using non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues.
- Attend mandatory meetings and trainings and coordinate research and share resources with other facilitators.
- Provide feedback to parents regarding their children and provide information or referrals as needed.
- Prepare the end-of-school-year report and monthly class attendance records, and assemble classroom resources.
- Purchase or submit purchase orders for program supplies, cash receipts, and healthy snacks for participants.
- Take accurate student attendance, verify military child requirements, maintain an updated class roster, and provide the prior month's roster information to the Director by the first of each month.
- Maintain an organized, safe, and clean program space for children.
- Write reports and lesson plans and communicate with parents, families, school personnel, and program staff.
- Prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects, including tasks requiring memory, concentration, and analytical thinking.
- Safely supervise children's activities.
- A college degree focused on child development or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted.
- Two or more years of experience working with children in a group setting is preferred.
About the company
The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is a national nonprofit that supports military service members and their families through free or low-cost programs run across 12 local branches and affiliated partners on military installations. It offers child care, early education, after-school programs, travel assistance for holidays, food help, emergency relief, and respite services, including the Military Outreach Initiative which provides free gym memberships. It stands out as the oldest U.S. military support organization (founded in 1861) with a nationwide network that partners with the Department of Defense to serve junior enlisted members and their families. Its goal is to strengthen military communities by meeting essential needs, promoting resilience, and keeping families connected.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
N/A
Founded
1861
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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.
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.