Child Watch Shift Lead

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child Watch Staff Lead delivers a safe, nurturing, and values-driven experience for children and families, embodying the YMCA core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. This leadership role ensures Child Watch operates at the highest standard of quality, safety, and engagement while supervising staff and maintaining a welcoming environment for all.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide constant, attentive supervision of children in the Child Watch area, maintaining required staff-to-child ratios and capacity limits at all times.
2. Plan and lead safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate activities that engage every child.
3. Build positive, professional relationships with parents through clear communication, active listening, and timely updates on their child’s experience.
4. Conduct ongoing observations and evaluations of each child’s well-being, behavior, and developmental progress; document and report concerns as needed.
5. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe program environment, including regular sanitization of toys, equipment, and surfaces.
6. Oversee accurate record-keeping, including sign-in/out logs, incident reports, and participant files.
7. Train, mentor, and support new staff on YMCA policies, procedures, and best practices in childcare.
8. Serve as the on-site leader during shifts, making real-time decisions to ensure quality care, safety, and operational excellence.
9. Participate actively in staff meetings, training sessions, family nights, and program events.
10. Change diapers promptly and hygienically when required.
11. Wear a YMCA staff shirt and name tag at all times while on duty.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Required: At least 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare, camp, or early childhood education setting.
• Preferred: 2+ years of experience, including supervisory or mentorship responsibilities.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead age-appropriate (infants through preschool) activities.
• Strong observational skills and understanding of child development milestones.
• Proven ability to build authentic, positive relationships with children, parents, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Clear background check and compliance with all state childcare licensing requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs (e.g., children, equipment).
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and active play for extended periods.
• Visual and auditory ability to monitor children in a dynamic environment.
• Capacity to respond quickly to emergencies.