Child Activity Center Leader (2363)

POSITION SUMMARY
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, The Child Activity Center Leader creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers and staff. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Support children in the program and implements program curriculum focused on holistic child development. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Maintains close visual supervision of children present in program. Organizes environment based on ages and developmental needs of children present.
• No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.
• Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
• Actively supports the YMCA is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.
• Assist with planning and implementing program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, consistent with the YMCA values, and established guidelines.
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains program and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with YMCA expectations.
• Makes ongoing, observations of each child. Communicates with supervisor regarding child's development.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents/caregivers. Engages parents/caregivers as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.
• Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical, Restroom usage, and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
• Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
• Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintains positive relationship with parents and other YMCA team members. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
• Attend meetings and trainings, as needed.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPENTENCIES

• Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
  
  • Competencies Include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & Volunteerism
• Building Relationships: Connect people to the Y's cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs
  
  • Competencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, & Inclusion
• Leading Operations: Ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community
  
  • Competencies Include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, & Program/Project Management
• Developing & Inspiring Others: Support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y's cause, sustain the Y's culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
  
  • Competencies Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & Others

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• AGE: Eighteen years or older
• EDUCATION: high school diploma or equivalent
• ECE/CD UNITS: Completed semester units in CD, human services, or related fields (preferred).
• RELATED EXPERIENCE: Previous experience working with children (infants, toddlers, preschool and/or school-age) in a group setting (preferred). Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities in a drop in care setting. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity
• LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: Current approved First Aid; AED; Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications. Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Job does include water-related activities.
• Ability to lift 30-35lbs.