Program Coordinator- Adaptive & Inclusive and Grown Up & Me Programs in Livingston, New Jersey at Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc

The Program Coordinator of Adaptive & Inclusive and Grown Up & Me Programs is a hands-on, direct-service role that develops curriculum, teaches classes, and grows participation in two program areas: adaptive and inclusive programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, and Grown Up & Me classes for young children and their caregivers. Most of this position’s hours are spent leading classes.

The Program Coordinator creates welcoming, playful, and skill-building experiences where every participant belongs, partners closely with families, supports instructors and volunteers, and ensures programs run safely and in accordance with YMCA standards and risk management policies.

Role and Responsibilities

• Teach adaptive sports, movement, enrichment, and Grown Up & Me classes for children, teens, adults, and families, including individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual, sensory, and learning disabilities.
• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate curricula and lesson plans that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through sports, movement, play, arts, music, and enrichment activities.
• Adapt activities, equipment, rules, teaching methods, and environments to ensure meaningful participation and success for individuals of all abilities, including sensory-friendly accommodations.
• Utilize visual schedules, structured routines, and differentiated instructional strategies to meet diverse learning and developmental needs.
• Meet with families and caregivers to understand participant strengths, needs, communication styles, and support requirements, and develop individualized participation strategies as needed.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and developmental resources to parents and caregivers that support learning and skill-building beyond the classroom.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where all participants and families feel safe, respected, connected, and valued.
• Support the successful inclusion of participants with disabilities in broader YMCA programs by collaborating with staff, recommending accommodations, and coordinating support services.
• Apply positive behavior support techniques and maintain clear, respectful, and effective communication with participants, families, staff, and volunteers.
• Monitor participant progress, document observations, and communicate achievements, goals, and recommendations to families and program leadership.
• Develop and maintain a shared library of lesson plans, activity resources, adaptive strategies, and program materials to ensure consistency and quality across programs.
• Incorporate YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into all program activities and interactions.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance program offerings based on participant outcomes, family feedback, community needs, and industry best practices.
• Promote participant engagement, enrollment growth, and retention by delivering exceptional program experiences and building strong relationships with families.
• Recommend and help develop new programs, class formats, schedules, and service offerings based on community interests and emerging needs.
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, therapists, disability organizations, parent groups, preschools, libraries, and other community organizations to expand program reach and impact.
• Assist with outreach efforts, special events, open houses, trial classes, sensory-friendly events, family engagement activities, and community awareness initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and membership teams to develop promotional materials and communications that reflect inclusive and person-first practices.
• Track and report on enrollment, attendance, participant feedback, waitlists, and program outcomes, and provide recommendations for program improvement and growth.
• Coordinate program schedules, facility usage, and resource needs in collaboration with program leadership and other departments.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and support part-time instructors, inclusion aides, and volunteers, including training related to disability awareness, inclusion, and program delivery.
• Maintain accurate records, rosters, attendance reports, and participant information within YMCA systems.
• Manage program equipment and supplies, including setup, breakdown, inventory tracking, maintenance, and purchasing recommendations.
• Communicate program updates, schedule changes, and important information to participants and families in a timely and professional manner.
• Follow YMCA policies, risk management standards, child protection policies, and all safety procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of participants, family, accommodation, and health-related information in accordance with YMCA policies and applicable regulations.
• Ensure safe, well-supervised program environments and appropriate staff-to-participant ratios at all times.
• Respond appropriately to injuries, incidents, and emergencies, complete required documentation, and implement emergency action procedures when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission, goals, and programs of the YMCA.