Junior Coders Instructor

Montclair YMCA • Montclair, NJ

12h • $17 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Enrichment & Family Director, the Lead Enrichment Instructor provides basic instruction and implements program curriculum in the area of their expertise. For Junior Coders, the instructor provides age-appropriate coding, robotics, technology, and problem-solving activities for children ages 4-6 through hands-on, creative, and play-based learning.

Requirements

• Expertise in a specified subject area
• HS/GED required
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Prior working with children, preferably in a group setting.
• Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA.
• Must be able to follow directions and adhere to policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• CPR/AED preferred must be completed within the first 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Implements curriculum within the established guidelines set by the Enrichment & Family Director.
• Designs and implements age-appropriate Junior Coders lesson plans for children ages 4–6.
• Introduces children to foundational coding concepts including sequencing, patterns, following directions, cause and effect, problem-solving, logical thinking, spatial awareness, and simple algorithms.
• Uses hands-on, play-based activities to introduce coding concepts rather than relying solely on traditional computer-based instruction.
• Incorporates age-appropriate coding materials, games, manipulatives, building sets, coding cards, programmable toys, beginner robotics, tablets/computers, and other approved technology or educational resources into lessons as appropriate.
• Creates and leads engaging coding challenges that encourage children to explore, experiment, make predictions, test solutions, and try again.
• Provides opportunities for children to practice "debugging" by identifying mistakes and finding simple solutions.
• Designs activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, communication, and early computational thinking.
• Uphold the YMCA of Montclair commitment to caring for individuals and families, with a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
• Engages with each student and maintains effective control of class.
• Makes ongoing, observations of each child and is able to report to parents and the Enrichment & Family Director
• Reports back to the Enrichment & Family Director in a timely manner regarding any issues.
• Maintains studios, supplies, and equipment; includes letting director know about supplies in a timely manner.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Volunteers for events throughout the year: Fall Family Festival, Healthy Kids Day, Strong Kids Campaign.
• Able to work within set guidelines for class preparation time.
• Maintains accurate attendance for YMCA records.
• Exhibits personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association.
• Demonstrates and models the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Performs such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the SOPA Director
• Cooperates, work effectively and congenially with all YMCA staff members, volunteers, and members of the Association.
• Promote a safe, inclusive and engaging environment for children participating in youth classes
• Ensuring all children are checked in by staff members upon arrival following department SOP’s and the records maintained on file for reference.
• Engage and lead age-appropriate activities for assigned group of children.
• Assist the children in providing for their physical needs.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
• Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures.
• Ensure members, volunteers and vendors are properly signed in and signed out, ensure only authorized employees, members, volunteers, and vendors are allowed in the facility.
• Use initiative to play, read and interact with infants and children.
• Following department SOP’s, sanitize toys at least once a day within accordance of DOH guidelines.
• Communicate with leadership on duty as needed
• Supervise the overall play area, ensuring the safety of the children.
• Familiarity with and ability to implement emergency procedures.
• Clear and friendly communication with parents, explaining protocols, and how they will communicate with if needed.
• Conduct regular check of first aid supplies and restock as needed.
• Maintain a safe work environment, free of clutter, debris and hazardous conditions.
• Report all accidents and incidents involving participants or staff to Leadership on duty and Enrichment & Family Director
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our YMCA facilities at no cost.
• 25% Discount on various YMCA Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn rewards for referring to qualified candidates.
• Employee Discounts: Access exclusive discounts on various products and services.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligibility after 90 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED