Lead Counselor at Metro YMCA of the Oranges in Livingston, NJ

Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Lead Counselor for the Summer Sprouts Pre-K Camp provides direct supervision, care, and guidance to preschool-aged children (typically ages 3–5) within a licensed early learning and child care setting. The Lead Counselor is primarily responsible for a consistent group of children and supports the overall supervision of all campers throughout the camp day at the Peanut Shell Early Learning Child Care Center.

The Lead Counselor helps children feel safe, supported, and confident as they participate in developmentally appropriate camp activities. This role focuses on fostering social-emotional growth, early learning skills, and positive peer relationships through structured routines, play-based learning, and theme-based experiences. The Lead Counselor builds nurturing, respectful relationships with children and maintains cooperative, professional partnerships with parents/caregivers.

In collaboration with the Director, the Lead Counselor plans and facilitates daily activities that support kindergarten readiness, creativity, physical movement, and positive behavior development, while upholding all YMCA values and state childcare licensing requirements.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide primary supervision and guidance for a designated group of Pre-K campers, ensuring their safety, engagement, and well-being throughout the day.
2. Lead and support Assistant and Junior Counselors by modeling best practices in early childhood care, behavior management, and positive communication.
3. Create and maintain consistent daily routines that meet the developmental needs of preschool-aged children.
4. Learn and use each child’s name; respond promptly and compassionately to children’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
5. Greet campers daily with warmth and enthusiasm, helping them transition smoothly into the camp day.
6. Develop positive, professional relationships with families and caregivers, communicating appropriately with support from supervision when needed.
7. Plan, implement, and lead developmentally appropriate activities including circle time, outdoor play, creative arts, sensory activities, music, stories, and theme-based learning experiences.
8. Support children’s social-emotional development through positive guidance, encouragement, and age-appropriate expectations.
9. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground environment in accordance with NJ licensing standards 
10. Collaborate effectively with all camp and Peanut Shell staff to ensure a cohesive, nurturing program environment.
11. Demonstrate enthusiasm, patience, and commitment in all interactions with children and staff, consistently exceeding minimum expectations.
12. Teach and model the YMCA Four Core Values—Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility—through daily interactions and activities 
13. Follow the direction of the Camp Director, Site Director, or assigned supervisor and support overall program goals. 
14. Create a positive, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

1. Attend and complete all required YMCA, NJ childcare licensing, and early childhood trainings.
2. At all times uphold YMCA and Peanut Shell safety standards, including active supervision, face counts, and age-appropriate child-to-staff ratios.
3. Understand and follow all Emergency, Health & Safety, and Risk Management policies and procedures.
4. Supervise transitions, meals, bathroom routines, rest periods, and outdoor play with close attention to safety and supervision.
5. Complete and submit accident reports, behavior documentation, incident reports, and required paperwork to the supervisor as appropriate.
6. Report all concerns related to safety, behavior, or child well-being immediately to the Camp Director or Site Supervisor.
7. Use positive behavior guidance strategies such as redirection, modeling, and reinforcement to support appropriate behavior.
    

OTHER DUTIES

1. Maintain a professional demeanor at all times as a representative of the YMCA and Peanut Shell Early Learning Center. 
2. Wear required YMCA or camp apparel as designated. 
3. Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, responsibility, and a positive attitude.
4. Support classroom transitions and daily operations as needed to maintain a high-quality early learning environment.