Child Watch Attendant

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Membership Director, the assistant will be responsible for assisting in planning, developing, and implementing all curriculum and program activities in the Child Watch program. The assistant guides the development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy environment. Multiple shifts available, include week days 4:00-7:30 pm and weekends 8:00-11:30 am.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with the day-to-day operations of the Child Watch program, meeting all applicable state regulations (if any) and Merrimack Valley YMCA policies
• Helps to implement the program curriculum in a developmentally-appropriate manner, meeting the individual physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the participants
• YMCA of the USA Suggested Guidelines for YMCA Child Watch Programs
• Helps to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios at all times
• Provides careful, attentive supervision, and is alert at all times
• Manages the program resources responsibly
• Uses a diverse selection of materials, equipment and experiences for all participants. These materials should be multicultural, nonsexist, and anti-bias
• Helps to implement classroom curriculum, activities, experiences, and routines, under the guidance of the Senior Membership Director
• Helps to provide a program that exhibits high standards in cleanliness and presentation
• Facilitates a program environment that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes children
• Promotes a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others. Maintains ongoing communication with supervisor
• Helps to facilitate a positive program environment and that develops self-control in children through the use of positive guidance techniques. Expectations match and respect children's developing capabilities
• Upholds the association's child protection policies, child abuse and neglect guidelines, and proper reporting procedures at all times
• Communicates regularly with program parents. Attends parent/family events as designated by supervisor
• Demonstrates appropriate decision-making abilities
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, values, purpose, and goals. Strives for the highest standards of program excellence
• Upholds and exemplifies the YMCA's principles of character development, customer service, and programs that build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the supervisor
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to sit, stand and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment and pick up children when necessary
• The employee must occasionally life and/or move up to 45 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but could be escalated with moods of childre

EFFECT ON END RESULT:

• A program that is built upon developmentally appropriate practices in which children are encouraged to grow to their full potential
• A program that is respectful and supportive of families
• A program that meets the highest standards of quality and safety
• A warm, friendly atmosphere that contributes to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities

YMCA COMPETENCIES (LEADER):

• Models and teaches the Y's values
• Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities
• Shares new insights

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must possess and demonstrate the ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care, activities, and routines of program's children, including but not limited to: interacting with children at floor level, physical education activities such as running, jumping, etc., lifting children and equipment, and participating in outdoor activities, diapering and toileting as needed
• Must possess oral, auditory and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults
• Must be capable of directing the daily administrative, program-related, and supervisory responsibilities of a Child Watch program
• Current CPR/FA/AED certifications preferred
• Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds