YMCA Alexandria - Child Watch Attendant

YMCA of Metropolitan Washington•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Child Watch Attendant supervises children participating in the YMCA Child Watch Program and provides safe, enjoyable childcare for YMCA members and their children. The role is responsible for each child’s safety and well-being, maintaining visual and auditory supervision, and creating a creative, playful atmosphere. Attendants plan and supervise children’s activities, maintain clean and safe areas, and follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those covering medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. Attendance at required staff meetings and training programs is expected. The position also involves opening and closing the Child Watch room, maintaining safety and cleanliness, interacting continually with children, communicating courteously with parents and guardians, and completing related records and procedures. The attendant has no supervisory responsibility and reports to a position listed as TBD. Ongoing progress toward YMCA Leader Certification is required.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
Documentation of a physical examination and TB skin test.
Must clear local jurisdiction requirements for criminal background checks and/or fingerprinting.
Must be able to relate to parents, school staff, and children and have a positive, creative attitude.
Must be able to work as a team member.
Must be able to communicate effectively with children and parents.
Must understand and be committed to working with a diverse population and to YMCA character development.
Position requires ongoing progress toward YMCA Leader Certification.

Responsibilities

Supervise children in the YMCA Child Watch Program and maintain visual and auditory supervision at all times.
Ensure the safety and well-being of each child and follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those concerning medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.
Plan and supervise children’s activities and maintain a creative, playful atmosphere.
Open and close the Child Watch room as required; be the last person to leave, and lock the door before leaving the building.
Check the first aid kit and OSHA equipment and know where they are located.
Keep certifications current and take charge in the event of an accident, following emergency procedures and completing accident reports when necessary.
Promptly complete and submit payroll sheets to the supervisor.
Enforce safety regulations and report unsafe or unsatisfactory conditions to the supervisor.
Clean toys and equipment daily and change crib sheets daily.
Change children’s diapers often.
Have parents sign children in and out and collect the appropriate number of coupons.
Play and interact continually with children in the attendant’s care.
Greet parents and guardians courteously, wear a name tag at all times, and enforce the no-food/no-snacks policy.
Attend staff meetings and training programs as required.
Greet children with a smile and by name, provide ongoing feedback about their progress and development, and respond proactively to parents’ concerns.
Provide a safe and clean environment, build positive relationships with children and parents, and stay knowledgeable about other YMCA service-area programs and offerings.
Perform other duties as required.