News: Recreation Assistant for Youth Programs and Operations

Date Published	Author
8/27/2026 12:00:00 AM	Melyssa Otake Greenacre

Recreation Assistant for Youth Programs & Operations at the York Center Park District

Hours: Varied schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Pay Rate: $15.00-17.50 per hour DOQ

Position Overview

The York Center Park District is seeking an energetic, reliable, and versatile person to join our team! This daytime position is ideal for individuals passionate about working with youth and contributing to local community programs.

In this role, you will support a variety of programs and activities for preschool and school-aged children, as well as general park district operations such as customer service.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Support Preschool Teachers by helping lead age-appropriate games, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and basic learning activities for children 3-5 years of age.
• Supervise and engage school-aged children in structured recreational activities, sports, and cooperative group games in our After School Recreation or All-Day Camp Programs and more
• Ensure children’s safety by maintaining constant visual supervision, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment, enforcing facility rules, and handling minor conflict resolution with care.
• Communicate with parents/guardians during drop-off, pick-up and as needed, providing updates on children and addressing day-to-day routine inquiries.

• Support facility operations by assisting with the setup, breakdown, and cleaning of tables, chairs, and equipment for recreation programs, events, and room rentals.
• Keep program areas, classrooms, and storage closets organized, clean, and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Assist full-time recreation staff with seasonal event preparations, light outdoor/indoor facility maintenance checks.
• Provide administrative support and front-desk coverage, including greeting visitors, answering phones, and directing inquiries appropriately.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• 1 year of experience working with preschool or school-aged children preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent; coursework in Early Childhood Education, Recreation, or related fields is a plus.
• A valid Illinois driver’s license is required
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong communication skills, high energy, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to active-play with children, stand for extended periods, and lift/carry up to 30 lbs for event and equipment setup.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check.

• Must have patience and the ability to work with children and parents, especially under stressful situations.
• Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, recreation assistants are responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, promoting and evaluating their work assignments in the various programs. 

Applying
Applications can be picked up at the front desk or Click Here to access an on-line version. Simply print the application, fill it out and bring it to the park district at 1609 S. Luther Avenue, Lombard, IL 60148 or fax it to (630) 629-0888. Applications can also be emailed to melyssa@ycpd.fun

If you have any questions contact us at (630) 629-0886