Childwatch/YKids Attendant - Hoover YMCA

YMCA•Hoover, AL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA focuses on strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Family Life Director, the Childwatch/YKIDS Attendant creates a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for children while supporting families and building meaningful connections with members. This role is responsible for supervising children, leading age-appropriate activities, and ensuring every child has a positive experience rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The ideal candidate is energetic, dependable, patient, and passionate about working with children of all ages.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Passion for working with children and creating positive experiences for families.
Ability to lead, engage, and inspire children with warmth, patience, clear instruction, and positive energy.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to remain calm, attentive, and professional in a fast-paced childcare environment.
Commitment to the YMCA mission and the Christian principles upon which it was founded.
Successful completion of background screening and Child Abuse & Neglect screening.
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certifications prior to the start date through YMCA-approved providers.
Completion of required online training modules before the start date and annually thereafter.

Responsibilities

Supervise children in all Childwatch/YKIDS areas while maintaining proper line of sight and sound supervision at all times.
Help plan, lead, and participate in fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for children in the program.
Create a welcoming, positive, and inclusive environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged.
Remain flexible and adaptable as program needs and schedules change.
Maintain open and professional communication with supervisors, parents, and children.
Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating enthusiasm, patience, professionalism, and leadership.
Support the safety and well-being of all children in the program, including diaper changing, toileting assistance, and infant feedings when needed.
Engage warmly and professionally with parents and members during drop-off and pick-up.
Be proactive in identifying safety concerns and opportunities to better engage children and families.
Help ensure all youth programs operate in accordance with YMCA safety standards and childcare guidelines.
Attend all required staff meetings, trainings, and development opportunities.
Support Kids Night Out and other planned youth events and activities as needed.
Be flexible and willing to work with various age groups and Childwatch/YKIDS programs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Adhere to policies related to professional boundaries with children and teens.
Attend required abuse risk management training annually.
Follow procedures for supervising children and managing high-risk activities.
Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations immediately.
Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.