POSITION SUMMARY:
Child Watch team members facilitate play in a safe, enriching environment. We help children develop social skills through positive interactions; physical competencies through gross and fine motor activities; intellectual skills through participation in games, pretend play, music, movement and language activities; and emotional competencies by feeling accepted and learning to accept others. We offer a safe, quality program as a member service, which supports families in their quest for health and wellness and gives children an environment in which to grow, learn and have fun! Our program is often the first contact with the Y that our very youngest members have. Without our support, many families could not use their memberships.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Mission driven (see above)
- Greet parents and children by name when they enter and exit Play and Learn.
- Actively engage with children in the room by playing, talking, singing, reading, pretending, crafting, etc.
- Be proactive in your movement around the room.
- Create a warm and positive atmosphere for the parents and children.
- Responsible for keeping children engaged in activity during their visit to Child Watch by promoting and participating in positive play.
- Assist in planning, preparing, leading, and cleaning up craft activities, games, stories or movement opportunities.
- Understand and enforce Child Watch safety protocol.
- Attend all job related meetings and mandatory trainings.
- Assist volunteers by providing guidance and communicating Child Watch policies to them.
- Promote a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others.
- Manage program resources responsibly.
- Follow the cleaning schedule and keep the room clean and in good order.
- Keep the Child Watch team leader (Membership Manager) informed of parental concerns and schedule changes.
- Demonstrate responsibility by following the child care schedule, consistently arriving on time for shifts, and being proactive in securing your own substitute when necessary according to the child care scheduling and substitution request policy.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Age 16 or older
- Experience with children (infants, toddlers, preschoolers) and/or formal education in early childhood education.
- Must work a minimum of two shifts per week (preferably a Tuesday/Thursday shift, or a Monday/Wednesday/Friday shift. Six (6) hours per week, minimum.
- Exemplify and encourage the four character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and a willingness to carry forward the mission of the Y.
- Must take the following trainings: CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens, and Child Abuse Prevention. Must take these within 30 days of hire and then keep them updated.
- Must possess and demonstrate the ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care and routine of children of multiple ages, including but not limited to: interacting with children at floor level, movement activities, lifting children, reading stories, engaging with small or large groups of children, leading/directing activities for large or small groups, and helping with toileting as needed.
- Must possess oral, auditory and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with children, parents and other staff members.
- Able and willing to work as a team member.
- Must be able to lift 30 pounds from floor to approximately four feet off ground.
- Must be able to sit on the floor, get up from the floor, stoop or kneel at child’s level.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION:
The Barbara B Jordan YMCA, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. Through group exercise classes, youth programs, swim lessons, adult health programs, and more, we aim to build a healthier Morgan County. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.