290+ Students on A+ Afterschool Program Waitlist, YMCA of Honolulu Offers $750 New Hire Bonus and $500 Public Referral Credit

More than two months after the start of the 2026-2027 school year, over 290 children remain on the waitlist to receive A+ Afterschool care in Honolulu. And the YMCA of Honolulu is asking the community for help finding caring, dependable people to join its A+ teams. For a limited time, eligible new A+ Afterschool hires can earn up to $750 in new hire bonus payments while those who refer an eligible new hire can receive $500 YMCA credit for each successful referral.

The YMCA of Honolulu is looking to hire approximately 29 additional A+ Youth Leaders and 13 Special Needs Aides to help reduce the current waitlist and provide afterschool care for more keiki across Oʻahu. The greatest needs currently are at the Y’s Kaimuki, Leeward, Nuʻuanu and Windward branches, where additional staff are needed to ensure more children can access care. Staffing needs vary by site, with Wilson Elementary currently needing four additional Youth Leaders to provide coverage on Thursdays.

A+ Afterschool positions pay up to $20.25 per hour and are part-time during weekday afternoons while school is in session, with flexible schedules that can work well for college students and others seeking afternoon hours. Employees can choose from A+ Afterschool locations across Oʻahu, with opportunities to work additional hours during school breaks through YMCA of Honolulu intersession day camps.

No previous childcare experience is required. The YMCA of Honolulu provides paid training, ongoing support and mentoring, and is looking for people with a positive attitude who are dependable, enjoy working with children and want to make a difference in their community.

Those interested in applying, referring someone or learning more about the limited-time bonuses can visit ymcahonolulu.org.