The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is not only the premiere non-profit in Los Angeles, it is also a great place to work, make a difference in your community and meet like-minded individuals. With twenty-six branches, three camps and over fifty child care sites, the LA Y is a highly-collaborative, rewarding and fun environment where you will discover your passion, grow your career and make an impact!

We believe in the four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and understand that our staff are our biggest asset! We strive to create high-performing, strong teams in each of our branches and are looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff who will help us to strengthen our impact, empower our community and deliver incredible programming!

Position Description

The Child Activity Center Leader creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers and staff. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Support children in the program and implements program curriculum focused on holistic child development. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

Qualifications

• 16 years of age or older - minors will be required to provide proof of school-issued work permit upon hiring
  
• High school diploma or equivalent
  
• Completed semester units in CD, human services, or related fields (preferred).
  
• Previous experience working with children (infants, toddlers, preschool and/or school-age) in a group setting (preferred). Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities in a drop in care setting. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
  
• Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring); strong communication skills; emotional maturity
  
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications for Adult, Infant and Child (valid certifications include: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and ASHI only). Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program.

Responsibilities

• Nurture children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.

• Maintain close visual supervision of children present in program. Organize environment based on ages and developmental needs of children present.

• Ensure that no child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.

• Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.

• Actively support the YMCA is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.

• Assist with planning and implementing program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, consistent with the YMCA values, and established guidelines.

• Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains program and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with YMCA expectations.

• Make ongoing observations of each child. Communicate with supervisor regarding child's development.

• Cultivate positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents/caregivers. Engages parents/caregivers as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.

• Attend and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.

• Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical. Restroom usage, and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved.

• Understand and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times.

• Maintain positive relationship with parents and other YMCA team members. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.