Employment Opportunities
Assistant Child Care Director - School Aged Program
Key Job Functions
The Assistant CE Director is responsible for assisting with the planning, organizing, implementing, and coordinating the YWCA CE program in conformance with local, state and federal program requirements. The position requires a full- time commitment, which may include occasional weekend duties. Under general supervision from the CE Director, the position includes curriculum development, oversight of facilities, communications, development and implementation of policies & procedures, and staffing.
Principle duties and responsibilities
Assist with the Development and implementation of CE program operating policies, procedures, and curriculum (STEAM) and SEL
Ensure that the YWCA CE facilities conform to federal, state, and local regulations and licensing requirements.
Assist CE Director in the following: recruit children for the YWCA CE program, maintain accurate records on children enrolled in the program to include their development, attendance, and general health; conduct appropriate registrations, and maintain appropriate files and waiting lists for the program.
Assist CE Directors with evaluations, assessments and surveys (children, parents, and staff). Provide reporting and analysis of such instruments.
Serve as a Site Coordinator as needed.
Develop assessment tools (formal and informal) to review performance of CE program; make recommendations for CE policies and procedures to ensure growth and continued development of program and participating children; and provide reports to parents, YWCA staff and other entities on program performance and activities.
Coordinate with child protection service agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of children when appropriate.
Maintain collaborative relationships with organizations and other entities to forge strong community partnerships and enhance YWCA programs.
Communicate with parents, community partners and others regarding the CE program and specific issues related to individual children.
Assist CE Director with CE location monitoring, including review of classroom supplies, materials, and condition.
Maintain relations with parents and prospective clients, school district personnel and others involved in the delivery of the services for school aged children.
Review attendance sheets weekly and enters such data in CE Roster spreadsheet
Prepare detailed and weekly monthly invoices to parents and other responsible entities including CHASI and DCFS collaborations.
Ensure that the YWCA CE program physical facilities comply with local, state and federal laws and are safe and appropriate for children.
Ensure that CE facilities are neat, clean and appropriately decorated for CE programs.
Maintain knowledge of local, state and federal laws regarding safety requirements.
Develop menus using healthy and nutritious food and purchase food and supplies.
Participation and review of Gateways To Opportunity website and other State Child Care Resources for professional development, grants, and other resources.
Other duties as defined.
Job Requirements:
Requires 3-5 years related experience in school-aged child care programs or related work.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Pass state mandated criminal background check, and medical examination.
Education Requirements
Associate degree in child care development or bachelor’s degree in child care or related field or and or commensurate work experience equivalent.
Knowledge of State of Illinois requirements for licensed exempt child care facilities.
Key Competencies
Planning and organizing
Customer/client focus
Leadership
Ethical conduct
Teamwork
Customer service orientation
Communication skills
Writing skills
Contributes to positive work environment
Knowledge of MS Office Suite Products (Word, Excel, Publisher/Canva, Powerpoint)
Physical
The job operates in a child care environment, but is based in an office. The position will interact with children at various locations in Madison County on a regular basis. The CE Director will also have to occasionally do some lifting of supplies. Employment at the YWCA requires the use of stairs so that physical mobility is required.
The job description for the position of Assistant CE Program Director does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position. As needs of the organization change employees may be required to follow other and sometimes new job related responsibilities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k)
Childcare
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Youth Development Leader - Girls Program
Girls Circle
The program is a structured support group designed for youth who identify with female development. Girls Circle aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede the growth and development of girls and young women by promoting an emotionally safe setting and structure within which they can develop caring relationships and use their authentic voices.
The program uses the nationally recognized Girls Circle and Botvin Life Skills curricula as its foundation. Group sessions are held once a week and run for approximately 1.5 hours.
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Youth Leader to inspire and guide children in a supportive and engaging environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working with youth in various settings, such as camps, daycare, or educational programs. This role involves fostering a positive atmosphere where children can learn, grow, and develop essential life skills through structured activities and mentorship.
As a Youth leader, you will listen, encourage, stimulate thinking, and provide resources to the group. Other aspects of the Youth Leaders' role include preparation for group activities (snack prep, shopping for supplies, lesson review, creative activity prep), administrative tasks (sign-in sheets, permission slips, surveys, etc.), and the completion of weekly reports of each group session.
Minimum Qualifications
21 years +
Education: High School Diploma or GED (**PREFERRED Qualifications - college coursework in child development, social work, counseling, human services, or other related field)
Experience with female youth aged 9 to 18 years in a group setting
Duties
Select a unit from the One Circle Foundation Curriculum, Botvin Life Skills Training materials, or other girls mentoring concepts and deliver outlined weekly activities
Prepare materials and supplies for creative activities
Prepare snacks and drinks for distribution to girls
Complete detailed facilitator reports for each meeting and submit weekly to YWCA
Take attendance at each meeting and provide attendance records to YWCA
Administer pre-surveys, post-surveys, and satisfaction surveys
Ensure collection of ALL permission slips and income surveys, and ensure they are filled out completely and correctly.
Take quality photos of meetings and activities
Reach out to families with updates or issues (lack of attendance, photos, positive comments)
Communicate any issues with parents (behavior, attendance, etc.)
Coordinate with YWCA for needed materials, supplies, snacks, and drinks
Meet with YWCA staff on Girls Circle progress
Desired Skills
Innovative thinker
Demonstrates a high level of leadership
Experience working with girls ages 9-18
Experience dealing with girls experiencing poverty or trauma in their lives
Credible, engaging, inspires confidence and maturity
Highly developed interpersonal capabilities
Highly developed verbal communication skills
Personal Qualities
Must be comfortable discussing various topics relating to development and social justice
Must be able to form genuine connections with females or youth who identify as female, ages 9-18
Respond calmly and appropriately to crises or behavioral issues
Must maintain confidentiality
Must have excellent communication skills, oral and written
Must be punctual, reliable, and consistent
Physical Requirements
Facilitators will be responsible for occasional lifting and transporting of supplies to and from YWCA and meeting locations (within Madison County, IL)
Reliable transportation
Ideal Candidates will be passionate about the mission of YWCA to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, and dignity for all persons.
YWCA Southwestern Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status or disabled veterans' status.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 2.5 – 3.75 per week
Benefits:
Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Youth Development Leader - Boys Program
Boyz United Program
Boyz United is a strengths-based group program designed to support the safe and healthy development of boys and youth who identify with male development through their pre-teen and adolescent years. The program aims to foster healthy, inclusive, and diverse expressions of masculinity, empowering participants to grow into respectful leaders and engaged allies within their communities.
Boyz United is built on the nationally recognized Boys Council and Botvin Life Skills curricula. Group sessions are held once a week and run for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Youth Leader to inspire and guide children in a supportive and engaging environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working with youth in various settings, such as camps, daycare, or educational programs. This role involves fostering a positive atmosphere where children can learn, grow, and develop essential life skills through structured activities and mentorship.
As a Youth Leader, your role is to listen actively, encourage participation, stimulate critical thinking, and provide guidance and resources to the group. Additional responsibilities include preparing for group activities, such as snack preparation, shopping for supplies, reviewing lessons, and organizing creative activities. You will also be responsible for administrative tasks, including managing sign-in sheets, permission slips, surveys, and completing weekly reports that summarize each group session.
Minimum Qualifications
21 years +
Education: High School Diploma or GED (**PREFERRED Qualifications - college coursework in child development, social work, counseling, human services, or other related field)
Experience with male youth aged 9 to 18 years in a group setting
Duties
Select unit from the One Circle Foundation Curriculum, Botvin Life Skills Training materials, or other boys mentoring concepts and deliver outlined weekly activities
Prepare materials and supplies for creative activities
·Prepare snacks and drinks for distribution to boys
Complete detailed facilitator reports for each meeting and submit weekly to YWCA
Take attendance at each meeting and provide attendance records to YWCA
Administer pre-surveys, post-surveys, and satisfaction surveys
Ensure collection of ALL permission slips and income surveys, and ensure they are filled out completely and correctly.
Take quality photos of meetings and activities
Reach out to families with updates or issues (lack of attendance, photos, positive comments).
Communicate any issues with parents (behavior, attendance, etc.)
Coordinate with YWCA for needed materials, supplies, snacks, and drinks
Meet with YWCA staff on Boyz United progress
Desired Skills
Innovative thinker
Demonstrates a high level of leadership
Experience working with boys ages 9-18
Experience dealing with boys experiencing poverty or trauma in their lives
Credible, engaging, inspires confidence and maturity
Highly developed interpersonal capabilities
Highly developed verbal communication skills
Personal Qualities
Must be comfortable discussing various topics relating to development and social justice
Must be able to form genuine connections with males or youth who identify as male, ages 9-18
Respond calmly and appropriately to crises or behavioral issues
Must maintain confidentiality
Must have excellent communication skills, oral and written
Must be punctual, reliable, and consistent
Physical Requirements
Facilitators will be responsible for occasional lifting and transporting of supplies to and from YWCA and meeting locations (within Madison County, IL)
Reliable transportation
Ideal Candidates will be passionate about the mission of YWCA to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, and dignity for all persons.
YWCA Southwestern Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status or disabled veterans' status.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 3.75 per week
Benefits:
Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Youth Reading Instructor
Bright Futures After School Program
The Bright Futures Program is an expanded and rebranded version of YWCA’s Riverbend Reading Club, which has provided after-school and summer programming since 2022. The program has consistently demonstrated success in improving literacy competency among youth year after year. Bright Futures will continue to prioritize reading instruction as its core focus, while also integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL), a variety of planned enrichment activities and lessons, and designated time for homework support.
Bright Futures will run Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at YWCA, serving youth ages 5 to 12 from October 2025 through May 2026.
Job Summary
We are seeking passionate and dedicated Instructors to join our Bright Futures After School Program. Ideal candidates will have a background in education and a strong commitment to creating a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. This role involves working directly with students to deliver high-quality instruction, support academic growth, and contribute to their overall social and emotional development.
Instructors will lead and encourage students, stimulate critical thinking, provide guidance, and deliver small-group reading instruction (4–6 students) using the Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention curriculum and Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) curriculum. The ability to connect and relate well to students is essential.
In addition to reading instruction, Instructors will coordinate and facilitate planned enrichment activities and lessons outside of designated literacy time, assist with snack distribution, provide homework support, and help with clean-up at the end of each session.
Other responsibilities include completing weekly session reports and maintaining communication with parents/guardians, the school district, and YWCA staff regarding program progress and updates.
This is a part-time opportunity averaging 70 hours per month. This is a year-round position.
Minimum Qualifications
21 years +
Minimum Requirements Certified school district aide or substitute teacher, associate degree plus preferred
Experience working with youth ages 5-12 in a group setting
Must maintain confidentiality
Duties
Deliver high-quality, effective Fountas and Pinnell and SIPPS literacy curriculum instruction
Observe closely and provide strong individual support to students
Keep all children in the group highly engaged throughout the 35-45 minute reading lessons
Use precise language to prompt for effective reading strategies while listening to individual readers
Observe closely and interact with children as they write to support the development of writing strategies
Facilitate the implementation of YWCA’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, along with other planned enrichment lessons, as scheduled each week.
Assist students with homework as needed
Maintain efficiency in time management
Take attendance at each session
Distribute snacks for students at each session if needed
Complete detailed instructor reports for each session and submit weekly to YWCA staff, identifying any issues, concerns, obstacles or successes
Communicate with parents/guardians regarding their child weekly
Communicate with Alton School District and Alton Housing Authority personnel when needed
Coordinate with YWCA for needed materials, supplies, snacks, and drinks
Collaborate with YWCA staff and/or Lead Teacher for program enhancements, issues, and evaluations
Facilitate engaging classroom discussions and activities that promote critical thinking and active participation
Maintain an organized and positive learning environment conducive to learning
Desired Skills
Brings energy and creativity to both literacy instruction and enrichment activities
Experience with reading intervention strategies and literacy curricula
Ability to effectively manage and instruct small groups (4–6 students) with diverse learning needs.
Ability to remain calm, positive, and flexible in a dynamic after-school environment.
Experience working with youth ages 5 -12 in a group setting
Personal Qualities
Must be punctual, reliable, and consistent
Shows care and concern for students' well-being and learning challenges
Demonstrates professionalism, respect, and integrity in interactions with students and peers
Physical Requirements
Occasional lifting and transport of supplies to and from the YWCA may be required
Reliable transportation
Ideal Candidates will be passionate about the mission of YWCA to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, and dignity for all persons.
YWCA Southwestern Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or disabled veterans' status.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 17.5 per week
Benefits:
Paid time off
Work Location: In person
YWCA Southwestern Illinois is an equal opportunity employer.
All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status