Lil Ninja Coach - Wednesday Mornings (2 hours/week)

Description

Do you have endless energy, a playful spirit, and a heart for working with little ones? Our Lil Ninjas (ages 3-5) are ready to jump, roll, climb, and play—and we’re looking for fun-loving, patient, and creative coaches to lead the way! You don’t need Ninja experience—we’ve seen preschool teachers, daycare workers, special needs educators, and parents thrive in this role. If you love helping kids build confidence, coordination, and social skills while having an absolute blast, this might be the perfect job for you!

The Lil Ninjas Program: More Than Just Movement

Lil Ninjas isn’t just about running, jumping, and climbing—it’s about laying the foundation for lifelong physical and cognitive development. As a coach, you’ll be doing more than leading a class—you’ll be helping kids strengthen their minds and bodies in ways that last a lifetime.

• Mind-Body Connection: Movement at this age is directly linked to cognitive growth. Activities like rolling, balancing, and jumping help develop coordination, problem-solving skills, and body awareness—which in turn supports learning in the classroom.
• Building Focus & Listening Skills: Lil Ninjas learn how to follow directions, take turns, and stay engaged—all while having fun! Many parents notice improved attention spans, impulse control, and listening skills after just a few months in the program.
• Strength & Coordination: Every movement in class is designed to develop core strength, balance, agility, and spatial awareness, setting a strong foundation for future sports, dance, gymnastics, and overall physical confidence.
• Emotional Growth & Social Confidence: For many kids, this is their first structured class setting. Lil Ninjas builds independence, resilience, and confidence while teaching kids how to work as a team, encourage each other, and celebrate progress.
• Brain Development & Academic Readiness: Activities like being upside down, crossing the midline, and using both sides of the body activate different parts of the brain, helping with reading readiness, handwriting skills, and even math skills down the road.

As a Lil Ninjas coach, you’re doing more than coaching—you’re shaping the way kids think, move, and grow.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead our high-energy, movement-based Lil Ninjas classes
• Create a fun and safe environment where little ones can explore, move, and grow
• Use imaginative play and creative instruction to teach foundational skills like balance, coordination, and listening
• Help young kids build confidence, focus, and independence
• Communicate with parents and provide positive feedback about their child’s progress

Who Thrives in This Role?

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience with young children (teaching, coaching, babysitting, daycare, special needs, etc.)
• A fun, energetic, and patient personality
• A love for movement, play, and imagination-based learning
• Commitment to the season & a team-player attitude
• Availability on evenings & weekends

Lil Ninjas is all about building confidence, learning through movement, and having FUN. If you can bring big energy to little kids, we’d love to meet you!

Apply today and join the Lil Ninja family!

Requirements

Benefits

• Free YMCA membership
• Discount on YMCA programs and merchandise
• 403(b) and 401(a) (upon eligibility)
• Paid time off in conjunction with IL Paid Leave for All Workers Act

Abuse Prevention

As a YMCA staff member, you are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all members, participants, and colleagues. This includes actively adhering to and promoting the YMCA's abuse risk management policies, which are designed to prevent and address any potential incidents of abuse. You are expected to remain vigilant in recognizing signs of abuse, report any concerns or suspicious behaviors immediately, and participate in required training to stay informed on best practices for safeguarding. Your commitment to these protocols is essential in fostering a trusted, respectful, and secure environment for everyone involved in YMCA programs and services.