The YMCA of Saskatoon is seeking a strong childcare leader to provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of our licensed childcare centre at the Aspen Ridge location.

This is a full-time term position providing maternity leave coverage and is not a permanent position. Depending on organizational needs and the availability of suitable roles, there may be opportunities to be considered for other leadership positions with the YMCA during or following the term.

Reporting to the Childcare Director, the Aspen Ridge Childcare Centre Manager is responsible for leading centre operations, supporting staff, maintaining licensing and safety standards, and ensuring children receive high-quality, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate care.

This role works closely with educators, families, and YMCA leadership to create a safe, welcoming, and well-organized childcare environment. The Centre Manager also plays an important role in coaching staff, maintaining operational consistency, supporting enrolment and staffing needs, and ensuring the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum is effectively implemented.

The successful candidate will bring strong people leadership skills, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to quality early learning and childcare.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Program Quality

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for the Aspen Ridge childcare centre.

• Oversee daily centre operations and ensure children are provided with a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and engaging environment.

• Lead, coach, and support educators in delivering high-quality programming.

• Support the implementation of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices.

• Conduct regular program observations and provide coaching and feedback to strengthen curriculum delivery and child engagement.

• Promote a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.

• Model the YMCA values of honesty, respect, caring, acceptance, responsibility, and fairness.

People Leadership & Staffing

• Recruit, onboard, schedule, supervise, and support childcare employees in collaboration with the Childcare Director and Human Resources.

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and child-to-staff ratios are maintained.

• Lead regular staff meetings, performance discussions, and employee development planning.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to employees.

• Encourage professional development and recognize employee contributions and accomplishments.

• Ensure YMCA human resource and childcare policies and procedures are applied consistently.

• Work in ratio when required to support staffing coverage and maintain safe centre operations.

Licensing, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure the centre operates in accordance with Saskatchewan childcare legislation and licensing requirements, public health requirements, YMCA policies, and established quality standards.

• Maintain accurate and current documentation related to licensing, attendance, incidents, staffing, and safety requirements.

• Monitor indoor and outdoor environments to ensure they remain safe and appropriate for children, employees, and families.

• Respond promptly to health and safety concerns and manage emergency situations in accordance with YMCA procedures.

• Maintain required staff qualifications, certifications, and documentation.

• Support the Childcare Director during licensing inspections, visits, and required follow-up.

Family & Community Relationships

• Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families.

• Communicate openly and professionally with parents and caregivers.

• Respond to parent questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and supportive manner.

• Encourage family participation and help foster a strong sense of belonging within the centre.

• Represent the YMCA positively within the community.

• Support relationships and partnerships that contribute to strong childcare experiences for children and families.

Administration & Centre Operations

• Support enrolment, attendance, waitlist management, and occupancy planning.

• Maintain accurate centre records, reporting, and documentation.

• Monitor supplies, inventory, equipment, and facility needs.

• Support budgeting, expense monitoring, and responsible use of centre resources.

• Ensure operational information is accurate and submitted within required timelines.

• Participate in YMCA meetings, organizational initiatives, training, and professional development as required.

What You Bring

We are looking for a leader who combines strong childcare knowledge with the ability to support employees, families, and the day-to-day operational needs of a busy licensed childcare centre.

The successful candidate will have:

• Early Childhood Educator Level III Certification. Candidates with Level II Certification who are actively working toward Level III may also be considered.

• A minimum of three years of progressive experience in a licensed childcare setting, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.

• Strong knowledge of Saskatchewan childcare legislation, licensing requirements, and developmentally appropriate practice.

• Knowledge of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum.

• Completion of the YMCA Playing to Learn Championship Program considered an asset.

• Strong leadership, coaching, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy childcare environment.

• Comfortable using computers and administrative systems.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation.

• Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search.

YMCA Core Competencies

Leadership & Influence
Guides, supports, and motivates employees while creating accountability and clear expectations.

Teamwork & Collaboration
Builds positive working relationships and encourages open communication across the childcare team.

Planning & Organization
Sets priorities, organizes resources, and follows through on operational requirements.

Relationship Building
Creates strong and respectful relationships with children, families, employees, and community partners.

Flexibility & Managing Change
Adapts effectively to changing staffing, operational, and program needs.

Service Orientation
Looks for opportunities to strengthen the childcare experience for children and families.

Commitment to YMCA Mission & Values
Demonstrates and promotes the YMCA values of honesty, respect, caring, acceptance, responsibility, and fairness.

Work Environment

• Full-time, term position providing maternity leave coverage, based at the YMCA Child Development Centre – Aspen Ridge.

• This position is temporary and is expected to continue for the duration of the maternity leave coverage period.

• Work is primarily Monday to Friday, with scheduling flexibility required to meet centre operational needs.

• Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work may be required.

• The Centre Manager may be required to work in child-to-staff ratio when necessary to maintain safe staffing coverage.

• Active participation in YMCA meetings, organizational initiatives, training, and professional development is expected.

Why Work With the YMCA?

At the YMCA of Saskatoon, our childcare programs provide children with safe, inclusive, and engaging environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

As the Aspen Ridge Childcare Centre Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated childcare team, support strong relationships with families, and help create a high-quality early learning environment for children in our community.

The YMCA of Saskatoon is a charitable organization dedicated to creating life-enhancing opportunities and strengthening the foundations of our community. We offer a diverse range of programs and services that support the well-being of children, youth, adults, and families.

Our programs include health and fitness, child development centres, before and after school care, aquatics, and child and youth programming. Each year, we serve thousands of individuals through memberships and program participation.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering belonging and connection, promoting healthy living, and helping children and families thrive.

Position Overview

The YMCA of Saskatoon is seeking qualified Lifeguards / Swim Instructors to join our Aquatics team.

Lifeguards play an important role in maintaining a safe and welcoming aquatic environment by actively supervising pool users, preventing accidents, educating the public about water safety, and responding effectively to emergencies.

Swim Instructors promote water safety and confidence by teaching proper swimming techniques, supporting skill development, and helping participants understand the importance of being aware of their surroundings in and around the water.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision of swimmers while on lifeguard duty.
• Ensure the safety of all pool users throughout the aquatic facility, including public and restricted areas.
• Greet and welcome members, participants, volunteers, and staff entering the pool area.
• Inspect rescue and safety equipment before each shift and ensure it is in good working condition.
• Inspect the pool deck, pool area, and equipment room before and after each shift to ensure spaces are clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Report damaged equipment, maintenance concerns, or potential safety hazards promptly.
• Actively work to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to emergencies, accidents, and injuries.
• Educate participants and the public about pool rules, water safety, and safe swimming practices.
• Deliver swim instruction in accordance with established program standards, where assigned.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for participants of all ages and abilities.
• Maintain knowledge of YMCA programs, activities, policies, and procedures.
• Provide excellent customer service and interact with members and participants in a professional, respectful, and helpful manner.
• Arrive on time and wear the required YMCA staff uniform.
• Attend required in-service training, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain and further develop required certifications and qualifications.
• Complete required records, reports, and documentation accurately and legibly.
• Conduct water quality tests when assigned.
• Work cooperatively with other team members and approach workplace concerns or conflicts professionally.
• Follow all YMCA health and safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment when completing janitorial or maintenance-related tasks.
• Follow YMCA child safeguarding policies, procedures, and expectations at all times.

Qualifications

• Current National Lifeguard (NL) Certification.
• Minimum 16 years of age.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C with AED certification, completed within the past two years through a recognized provider such as the Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross, or St. John Ambulance.
• Swim Instructor certification is required for employees assigned to swim instruction duties.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (CRC/VSS), as required by the YMCA of Saskatoon.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain attentive, calm, and responsive in an aquatic environment.
• Commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all YMCA participants.

Why Join the YMCA?

By joining the YMCA of Saskatoon, you will be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and community members. You will have the opportunity to build your skills, contribute to a safe and welcoming environment, and support our commitment to helping people reach their full potential.

The YMCA of Saskatoon is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

As a Casual Early Childhood Educator, you will help provide a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. You will support daily programming, assist with supervision, and work alongside the childcare team to meet the needs of children and families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide quality care and supervision for children in a licensed childcare setting.
• Support children’s learning, development, and well-being through play-based activities.
• Assist with daily routines, including meals, rest periods, outdoor play, and transitions.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized childcare environment.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Follow YMCA policies, childcare licensing requirements, and child safeguarding practices.
• Communicate any concerns or observations to the supervisory team.
• Provide coverage as needed for staff absences, vacation, or operational needs.

Qualifications:

• Early Childhood Education Level I is preferred.
• Experience working with children in a childcare, school, camp, or recreation setting is an asset.
• Valid First Aid and CPR-C is preferred or must be obtained.
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is required.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be flexible, dependable, and responsive to the needs of the centre.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and caring environment for children and families.

In this role, you will:

• Work morning (7-9 am) and/or afternoon (3-6pm) shifts at various schools around Saskatoon or Warman/Martensville.
• Implement age appropriate programming ensuring YMCA program standards and Core Values are met
• Be a creative play partner who is actively engaged with the children, providing quality care, mentorship, and assistance to school-aged children.
• Ensure supervision and safety of children at all times; Understand and comply with YMCA policies and procedures
• Complete general administration tasks as required including Children’s sign in and out; ensuring attendance is accurate and up to date; clean and tidy the facilities, and maintaining YMCA Child Protection protocols. 
• Complete incident and behaviour reports in a timely manner.
• Maintain awareness of assigned schedules and work locations, consistently arriving on time and prepared for each shift.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements and Qualifications:

• 16+ years of age
• Experience working with children and youth in a volunteer or employment capacity.
• Access to reliable transportation to arrive at shifts on time. 
• Competent with both computer and mobile technology, with access to email and messaging apps for communication.
• Current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector search (not more than 6 months old) or equivalent waiver signed if under 18. 
• A capacity to work within a multiple level reporting structure;
• Ability to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification is considered an asset. 

Job Type: Contract (Sept-June); up to 30 hrs per week

Salary: $15.95/hour

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Saskatoon is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

YMCA Values: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, and Inclusiveness. 

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.