Be the Reason a Child Has a Great Day—and Build a Career That Matters
We hire for character, invest heavily in development, and promote from within to build lasting community impact.
Why Join the YMCA?
1. We Invest in People
Build elite professional skills and leadership experience through fully funded training:
- Paid organizational onboarding.
- CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
- State of Alaska childcare certifications.
- Youth development and behavior support training.
- Child abuse prevention and mandated reporter training.
- Trauma-informed care and de-escalation training.
- Statewide YMCA initiatives and community projects.
2. We Invest in Communities
Join a generational legacy focused on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility:
- Help children feel safe, supported, and successful.
- Provide families with trusted, reliable childcare.
- Create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
3. We Invest in Your Future
Many top YMCA leaders started in this exact frontline role. As we expand across Alaska, we focus on internal promotion. The communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills you gain here will benefit you in any future industry, including education, social work, healthcare, or nonprofit management.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities)
Create positive, safe, and lasting experiences for children and families:
- Supervise and engage groups of children safely.
- Lead games, recreational activities, and enrichment experiences.
- Encourage positive behavior and social-emotional growth.
- Build trusted relationships with children and families.
- Ensure every child feels welcome and valued.
- Maintain YMCA safety, quality, and cleanliness standards.
- Participate actively in staff meetings and professional trainings.
- Model foundational YMCA core values daily.
What Success Looks Like
Within your first few months, you will successfully:
- Complete all mandatory onboarding and certifications.
- Build strong relationships with youth, families, and coworkers.
- Confidently lead program activities and engage participants.
- Foster a safe, fun, and highly welcoming environment.
- Inject positive energy into the team and program culture.
Who We Are Looking For
We hire dependable, coachable team players with a growth mindset who:
- Care deeply about youth and family success.
- Want to serve and strengthen their local community.
- Demonstrate high integrity, responsibility, and professionalism.
Qualifications
- Age: Must be at least 16 years old.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent is preferred (or currently pursuing).
- Experience: Previous childcare experience is helpful but not required. We provide full training if you bring enthusiasm and reliability.
- Skills: Strong communication, relationship-building, and ability to work with diverse populations.
What You'll Gain
- Skills: Leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, customer service, and time management.
- Certifications: Free CPR/AED, trauma-informed care, and behavior management tracks.
- Career Tracks: Pathways to Future Site Lead and advanced leadership roles.
- Benefits: Highly flexible scheduling, mentorship, resume-building, and a supportive culture.
Why Employees Stay
Our staff choose to stay long-term because of the profound relationships they build, the supportive team dynamic, the constant learning, and the unique chance to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Apply today to shape brighter futures for Alaska's children and families!
Multiple openings and positions available for the upcoming 2026/2027 school year.
Pay: $17.00 - $22.05 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
Location:
- Wasilla, AK 99629 (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
