Childcare Aide / Kid Zone - Simi Valley

POSITION SUMMARY :

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Childcare Aide maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families. This position will support our Childcare program at either our off-site childcare locations or in our Kids' Zone program located at our YMCA branches.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Implements age appropriate / developmentally appropriate curriculum and program activities within the established guidelines.

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

3. Learn and attend to special needs of children in our programs and understand concerns of parents regarding their children.

4. Supervises the children, classroom or site, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate.

5. Follows all policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.

6. Continuously scans a variety of environments and surrounding areas for potential hazards and takes appropriate action to remove or avoid them and informs senior staff.

7. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.

8. Uses positive reinforcement techniques to address children's behavioral concerns.

9. Maintains program site and equipment.

10. Maintains required program records.

11. Attends scheduled staff meetings, trainings and completes all assigned on-line trainings.

12. Attends and participates in family nights, as well as program activities.

13. Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES :

Mission Advancement : Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.

Collaboration : Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds a rapport with members. 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.

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 limitation and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well.

QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Minimum 16 years old.

2. Basic knowledge of acceptable infant and child care practices.

3. Ability to work and interact with a diverse group of children and parents.

4. Demonstrates initiative to plan, lead and participate in activities.

5. All required online trainings must be completed before starting work, which will be compensated for accordingly.

6. Familiarity with mandated reporting and steps that need to be taken.

7. Certifications (must be maintained and current at all times) :

a. CPR & First Aid certifications through a nationally recognized organization.

b. Mandated Reporter certification.

c. Germ Management through California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

8. Must have Health Screening and TB clearance.

9. Must have up to date TDAP, MMR vaccinations.

10. Criminal records clearance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

1. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor / indoor settings.

2. This position may require the ability to stand and / or sit for extended periods of time, wade in water in order to supervise children, able to walk continuously at least ½ mile, spend a full workday outdoors in any weather condition.

3. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.