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The Ann Arbor YMCA Child Development Center is hiring a part-time Child Watch Team members. We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That's why our child care programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction and supervision of the Child Care Director and Assistant Director, the Child Watch Team Member will be responsible for helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children, assisting in planning, developing, and implementing all learning and program activities in the Child Watch program in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Ann Arbor YMCA. Team member must be able to communicate, listen, and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the other staff in implementing a quality program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents. The Child Watch Member observes and documents children’s interests. Child Watch Team Members are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the implementation of a developmentally appropriate early childhood education experience including art, music, movement, & science by Planning and organizing weekly activities & lessons, which include small & large group activities & large motor activities.
• Provides careful, attentive supervision to children aging from 4 months to 11 years old. Assist in supervising all activities to ensure safety of each child at all times, complete incident reports and communicate information to Director immediately. Be prepared to respond in case of a medical emergency.
• Actively engage in activities; helps establish and maintain daily classroom routines.
• Communicate, maintain and model independent behaviors and offers guidance to promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children.
• Participates in monthly family program events, such as Kids’ Night Out.
• Builds positive relationships with children and families; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA programs.
• Help ensure smooth transition from home to the Child Watch center. Greet each child and adult warmly and in a friendly manner each day upon arrival.
• Interacts with children, using the Love and Logic behavior management model by Jim Fay.
• Model positive adult-to-child and adult-to-adult interactions, and foster an atmosphere of respect for children and adults.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and face-to-face interactions and phone calls if needed.
• Upholds and exemplifies the YMCA’s character values: Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, and Caring.
• Possess working knowledge of child abuse & neglect laws and proper reporting procedures.
• Reads all YMCA communications including but not limited to email on a daily basis.
• Maintain a personal profession development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Exemplify a commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout the Association, across programs, and at all administrative levels.

• Applicant must be at least 16 years old.
• High school diploma or an equivalent degree is preferred but not required.
• An understanding of child development, early child education and/or child/family psychology is preferred.
• One or more years’ experience working with preschool or elementary aged children is required.
• CPR/First Aid certification strongly preferred but must be willing to get obtain it as soon as a class is offered by the YMCA.
• A patient, high-energy, and goal-oriented attitude is essential.
• Must support & model the YMCA’s character values: Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Caring.
• Experience working with participants from a diverse range of backgrounds is preferred.
• Multi-lingual ability is preferred.
• A patient, high energy and goal oriented attitude is essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility and an ability to work in a team setting are required.
• Ability to be responsive to the needs, wants and interests of both the parents and youth enrolled in the program daily.
• Must be able to learn and use YMCA specific software within 14 days of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position requires bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

POSITION FACTS:

• Part time
• Initial hours of responsibility:
• Applicants must be able to work a minimum of 2-3 shifts per week is required.
• Must be flexible in schedule and able to work weekends.