Welcome to The Little Gym – A Global Leader in Children’s Enrichment
Imagine a workplace where every day feels like a celebration of movement, imagination, and community. That’s the daily reality at The Little Gym, the world’s premier enrichment and physical‑development center for children ages four months to twelve years. With more than 300 locations spanning continents, our brand has spent over four decades inspiring millions of kids to discover the joy of achievement, the confidence of mastery, and the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle.
Our Prairie Village studio in Kansas City is a vibrant hub where families gather to share giggles, high‑fives, and memorable milestones. As a member of our team, you’ll be part of a supportive family‑like culture that celebrates every child’s unique journey while empowering our staff to grow professionally and personally. If you love children, thrive on high energy, and possess a knack for turning everyday moments into unforgettable experiences, this is the perfect platform for you to accelerate your career.
Position Overview – Assistant Program Director (Chief Fun Officer)
The role of Assistant Program Director – also known as the Chief Fun Officer is a mid‑level leadership position that blends instructional expertise with operational oversight. You will serve as the heart of the studio, delivering dynamic gymnastics and dance classes, cultivating a safe and inclusive environment, and supporting the Program Director in driving program quality, customer satisfaction, and community outreach.
This position is on‑site at our Prairie Village location, with a flexible schedule that includes afternoons, evenings, and weekends to align with our families’ busy lives. You will work approximately 30–40 hours per week, earning a competitive hourly wage of $16–$19 based on experience.
Key Responsibilities – What Your Day Will Look Like
- Lead Engaging Classes: Deliver high‑energy gymnastics, dance, and parent/child sessions that prioritize fun, safety, and skill development.
- Foster a Joyful Atmosphere: Create an environment where laughter, music, and positive reinforcement are the norm, encouraging children to explore their capabilities.
- Safety & Cleanliness: Maintain rigorous safety standards, conduct equipment checks, and perform routine cleaning between classes to ensure a germ‑free, sparkling studio.
- Community Building: Build strong relationships with families, welcome new members, and serve as a trusted point of contact for questions, feedback, and celebration of milestones.
- Assist Program Management: Support the Program Director with scheduling, staffing, inventory management, and reporting to keep operations smooth and efficient.
- Creative Contributions: Design occasional special events, themed parties, or mini‑workshops that showcase creativity and deepen community engagement.
- Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, certifications, and team meetings to continuously elevate instructional quality and personal skill sets.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Coach junior staff and instructors, offering guidance on class delivery, classroom management, and customer service excellence.
- Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑paced environment, quickly adjusting to schedule changes, unexpected class needs, or seasonal program shifts.
Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring
- Passion for Children: A genuine love for working with kids and a commitment to supporting their growth physically, socially, and emotionally.
- Classroom & Instruction Experience: Prior experience teaching gymnastics, dance, early childhood education, or related recreational programs (formal certification is a plus but not required).
- High Energy & Positive Presence: Ability to energize a room, convey enthusiasm, and maintain a upbeat demeanor throughout the day.
- Flexibility: Availability to work evenings and weekends, reflecting the schedule preferences of families in our community.
- Team‑Oriented Mindset: Strong collaboration skills, willingness to share ideas, and openness to constructive feedback.
- Excellent Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with children, parents, and staff.
- Safety Consciousness: Understanding of basic first‑aid, child safety protocols, and ability to enforce studio guidelines consistently.
Preferred Qualifications – What Will Set You Apart
- Certification in gymnastics instruction, child development, or a related discipline (e.g., USA Gymnastics Level 1 or higher).
- Experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a children’s program or recreation center.
- Background in event planning or community outreach initiatives.
- Proficiency with studio management software, scheduling tools, or CRM platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to design curriculum that blends physical activity with cognitive and social learning outcomes.
Core Skills & Competencies – Your Success Toolkit
- Instructional Mastery: Ability to break down complex movements into age‑appropriate steps, ensuring safety while encouraging progression.
- Creative Problem‑Solving: Quick thinking to handle unexpected situations, such as class disruptions or equipment issues.
- Emotional Intelligence: Sensitivity to children’s moods, parental concerns, and staff dynamics, fostering a supportive atmosphere.
- Time Management: Efficiently juggle multiple tasks—class preparation, cleaning, paperwork—while meeting deadlines.
- Leadership Presence: Confidence to lead groups, motivate peers, and model the studio’s core values of fun, fitness, and friendship.
- Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to safety checks, record‑keeping, and the studio’s aesthetic standards.
- Technology Literacy: Comfortable using email, scheduling apps, and online learning platforms to communicate and organize.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
At The Little Gym, we view every team member as a future leader. As Assistant Program Director, you will be positioned for advancement to roles such as Program Director, Regional Manager, or even Corporate Training Specialist. Our commitment to professional development includes:
- Structured Training Programs: Access to internal workshops, external certifications, and mentorship from senior leadership.
- Cross‑Functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams, broadening your business acumen.
- Performance‑Based Promotions: Clear pathways for salary increases and title advancements based on measurable outcomes and demonstrated leadership.
- Conference & Seminar Attendance: Invitations to national and regional industry events to stay current on best practices in child development and fitness.
Work Environment & Culture – The Little Gym Difference
Our Prairie Village studio is more than a workplace; it’s a community hub where every day feels like a celebration of health, creativity, and connection. You can expect:
- Inclusive Atmosphere: A diverse team that values each individual’s unique contributions and fosters mutual respect.
- Positive Energy: A culture that encourages laughter, music, and spontaneous dance parties—yes, you’ll be expected to join in!
- Supportive Leadership: Open‑door communication with the Program Director, who invests in your success and provides regular feedback.
- Family‑Friendly Policies: Scheduling flexibility that acknowledges work‑life balance, especially for employees who are also parents.
- Clean, Safe Facility: State‑of‑the‑art equipment, meticulous sanitation protocols, and a bright, welcoming studio environment.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – What We Offer
While the primary compensation for this role is an hourly wage of $16–$19 (commensurate with experience), we also provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth:
- Competitive Pay Structure: Regular performance reviews with potential for wage increases.
- Health & Wellness: Access to discounted gym memberships, wellness programs, and on‑site fitness classes.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and personal days to recharge.
- Employee Discounts: Reduced rates on all studio programs for you and your family.
- Professional Development Stipend: Financial support for certifications, workshops, or courses relevant to your role.
- Recognition Programs: Employee of the Month, service awards, and celebration events to acknowledge outstanding contributions.
- Community Engagement: Paid volunteer hours to give back to local schools, charities, and community events.
How to Apply – Take the First Step Toward a Rewarding Career
If you are ready to bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and love for children to a place where they are celebrated every day, we want to hear from you! Submit your resume, a brief cover letter highlighting why you are the perfect fit for the role, and any relevant certifications.
Join The Little Gym family and become the driving force behind unforgettable experiences that shape the next generation of confident, active, and happy individuals.
Submit Your Application
Seize this opportunity to make a significant impact. Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding new role.
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