Child Watch (Y Town)

This position provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children while their parents or guardians utilize YMCA facilities, participate in programs, or engage in other activities. The Child Watch (Y-Town)  Attendant provides quality care that focuses on safety, belonging, positive relationships, and creating a fun experience for every child.

The Child Watch (Y-Town) Attendant actively supervises children, leads age-appropriate activities, and maintains a clean, organized, and welcoming environment. Staff are expected to interact positively with children and families while modeling the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The Child Watch (Y-Town) Attendant may work with children of different ages, including infants, toddlers, preschool children, and school-age children. Staff must be comfortable adjusting activities, communication, supervision, and care based on the developmental needs of each child.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides active and continuous supervision of children while they are participating in the YMCA Child Watch / Kids Zone program.
2. Creates a safe, positive, welcoming, and engaging environment where children feel comfortable and supported.
3. Greets children and parents/guardians in a friendly and professional manner and helps children transition comfortably into the program.
4. Plans and participates in age-appropriate games, activities, crafts, movement activities, reading, and other experiences that keep children engaged.
5. Works with multiple age groups, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, based on program needs and staffing requirements.
6. Adjusts activities and interactions to meet the individual developmental, emotional, and physical needs of each child.
7. Maintains visual and auditory supervision of all children at all times and follows required staff-to-child ratios and YMCA safety procedures.
8. Provides appropriate care and assistance to infants and young children, including diapering and other basic care needs when required and permitted by program procedures.
9. Uses positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior management techniques to promote cooperation, respect, sharing, and positive interactions among children.
10. Maintains accurate attendance, sign-in/sign-out, child information, and other required program records.
11. Communicates with parents/guardians regarding their child's experience, activities, needs, or concerns in a professional and positive manner.
12. Immediately reports accidents, injuries, incidents, safety concerns, or unusual behavior to the appropriate supervisor and follows established reporting procedures.
13. Maintains a clean, sanitary, organized, and safe Child Watch / Kids Zone environment.
14. Cleans and sanitizes toys, equipment, tables, surfaces, and other areas as required throughout the day.
15. Ensures toys, games, books, and equipment are age-appropriate, safe, and properly stored after use.
16. Follows YMCA emergency procedures, including fire, severe weather, evacuation, lockdown, and other emergency procedures.
17. Follows all YMCA policies and procedures related to child safety, supervision, child abuse prevention, health, sanitation, and member service.
18. Protects the confidentiality and privacy of children and families participating in the program.
19. Provides excellent customer service and develops positive relationships with YMCA members, children, families, volunteers, and staff.
20. Demonstrates and promotes the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
21. Attends required staff meetings, YMCA trainings, and professional development opportunities.
22. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience working with children, babysitting, child care, education, camp, or youth programs preferred.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must be comfortable working with children ranging from infants through school age.
• Must be willing and able to work with multiple age groups, including infants, toddlers, preschool children, and school-age children.
• Must be dependable, patient, energetic, and comfortable interacting with children and adults.
• Ability to communicate positively and professionally with parents, children, and staff.
• Ability to follow directions, YMCA policies, safety procedures, and established program guidelines.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a team.
• Must be able to maintain active supervision of children in a busy environment.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, Saturdays, and special YMCA events based on program needs.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, bend, kneel, sit on the floor, stand, and actively participate in children's activities.
• Ability to lift and carry young children when necessary and appropriate.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAININGS

• CPR certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• First Aid certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• YMCA safety trainings required.
• Child Abuse Prevention training required.
• Additional YMCA or state-required childcare trainings must be completed within established timeframes.

The YMCA of Greater Montgomery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is subject to a background check.