Working With Children

Job Title:  Child Watch Attendant                                          FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: School-age Child Care Coordinator                         Revision Date: 10/17/2025

Under the direction and supervision of the school-age Child Care Coordinator, the attendant will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing all curriculum and program activities in the Child Watch program. The attendant guides the development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy environment.

Essential Functions:

1. Assists with the day-to-day operations of the Child Watch program, meeting all applicable state regulations (if any) and Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville policies.
2. Helps to implement the program curriculum in a developmentally appropriate manner, meeting the individual physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the participants.
3. Helps to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios, as specified by the Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville, always.
4. Provides careful, attentive supervision, and is always alert.
5. Manages the program resources responsibly.
6. Uses a diverse selection of materials, equipment, and experiences for all participants. These materials should be multicultural, nonsexist, and anti-bias.
7. Helps to implement classroom curriculum, activities, experiences, and routines, under the guidance of the Child Watch Lead Attendant.
8. Participates with children in opportunities to use their large muscles, indoors and outdoors, considering each child’s physical and developmental capabilities.
9. Helps to provide a program that adheres to all YMCA health and safety standards (and applicable local and state standards).
10. Helps to provide a program that exhibits high standards in cleanliness and presentation.
11. Facilitates a programming environment that invites exploration promotes positive play, and welcomes children.
12. Promotes a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others. Maintains ongoing communication with supervisor.
13. Helps to facilitate a positive program environment that develops self-control in children using positive guidance techniques. Expectations match and respect children’s developing capabilities.
14. Upholds the association’s child protection policies, child abuse, and neglect guidelines, and proper reporting procedures always.
15. Communicates daily with program parents.
16. Demonstrates appropriate decision-making abilities.
17. Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, values, purpose, and goals. Strives for the highest standards of program excellence.
18. Upholds and exemplifies the YMCA’s principles of character development, customer service, and programs that build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
19. Performs all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

YMCA Competencies:

Relationships: Builds rapport and relates well with members and children.

Communication: Actively listens for understanding and meaning.

Values: Accepts and demonstrates Y’s values

Inclusion: Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.

Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 16 years of age.
2. Must possess and demonstrate the ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care, activities, and routines of the program’s children, including but not limited to interacting with children at floor level, physical education activities such as running, jumping, etc., lifting children and equipment, and participating in outdoor activities.
3. Must possess oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.
4. Must be capable of directing the daily administrative, program-related, and supervisory responsibilities of a Child Watch program.
5. CPR; First Aid; AED certification.
6. Completion of YMCA program-specific certifications.
7. Must be able to read and speak English fluently.
8. Must be available to work during regular hours of operation.
9. Must be able to stand, sit and walk at various times as required.
10. Must be able to lift twenty-five pounds.
11. No visible tattoos and piercings (other than ears). No visible gauge piercings.

Physical Demands:

Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.

Effect on End Results: 

1. A program that is built upon developmentally appropriate practices in which children are encouraged to grow to their full potential.
2. A program that is respectful and supportive of families.
3. A program that meets the highest standards of quality.
4. A warm, friendly atmosphere that contributes to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

GENERAL FUNCTION:  Under the direction of the Preschool Lead Teacher and in harmony with the Christian nature and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA, the Preschool Assistant is responsible for assisting in the day to day operations of the YMCA's Preschool Program.  

COMMITMENT: The Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville values you as an employee, and we are excited about what you have to contribute to this group of children and the YMCA in its entirety.  The YMCA mission is your highest priority, and the YMCA's goals for the children and families that we serve is of the utmost importance  A professional, clean appearance and a respectful and committed attitude are always the minimal expectation.