Child Watch Associate

Child Watch Associate

Under the close supervision of the Member Service Director, the Child Watch Associate provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children ages 6 weeks to 8 years. This role ensures parents have peace of mind while their children are cared for in a positive, developmentally appropriate setting. Through active supervision, intentional engagement, and consistent safety practices, the Child Watch Associate fosters each child's growth, learning, and sense of belonging.

Schedule: Evenings and weekends

Essential Functions

• Engage with children through age-appropriate activities, games, reading, and free play to promote learning, creativity, and enjoyment in a supportive environment.
• Welcome parents and children warmly by greeting them by name and building trusting relationships to create a positive and inclusive experience for every family.
• Monitor the room continuously by maintaining visual and physical awareness and setting clear, age-appropriate expectations to ensure a safe, respectful, and orderly environment for all children.
• Assist parents with accurate check-in and check-out procedures by verifying identification and attendance logs to ensure each child's security and accountability during their visit.
• Provide attentive care by bottle-feeding infants, changing diapers, assisting with bathroom needs, and offering comfort to meet the physical and emotional needs of every child.
• Maintain accurate tracking and escort procedures for children attending approved YMCA programs to ensure smooth transitions and uphold safety protocols.
• Keep the Child Watch area clean and sanitized by following daily cleaning checklists, disinfecting toys and surfaces, and adhering to opening and closing procedures to provide a healthy and welcoming space for all participants.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in childcare, babysitting, or group supervision of children preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; must be at least 16 years of age (or turning 16 within 30 days of application).
• Ability to positively engage with children across various ages and developmental stages.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect effectively with children, parents, and coworkers.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• General knowledge of child safety, age-appropriate play, and positive behavior management practices.

Competencies

• Accountability: Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Building Relationships: Creates authentic connections with children, parents, and coworkers by showing warmth, empathy, and respect, building trust that strengthens the overall YMCA community experience.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates patience, empathy, and self-awareness when responding to children's needs or managing challenging behaviors, ensuring a calm and nurturing atmosphere.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and positively with parents, children, and team members, actively listening and adjusting communication to meet individual needs.
• Customer-Focused: Provides attentive, responsive service to parents and guardians, anticipating their needs and ensuring every family feels valued and confident in the care provided.
• Trustworthiness: Acts with honesty, reliability, and integrity, consistently following YMCA policies and ensuring children's safety, confidentiality, and well-being at all times.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent crouching, stooping, kneeling, and sitting on the floor to engage with children.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds regularly.
• Ability to move quickly to respond to emergencies.
• May include evening or weekend shifts depending on facility schedule.
• Exposure to a typical childcare setting with noise, high activity, and interaction with infants and children.
• Frequent use of cleaning supplies and sanitizing materials.
• Will use cleaning materials frequently.