Activity Specialist: Early Childhood (Long Island City YMCA)

About the role

The YMCA of Greater New York empowers youth, improves health, and strengthens community. Founded in 1852, the Y serves over half a million New Yorkers across 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y, connecting active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities through a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration. The Long Island City YMCA seeks an Activity Specialist to provide academic enhancement and enrichment in its Early Childhood Program. This part‑time regular position is located at the Long Island City YMCA in Queens, NY.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities that are age-appropriate, exciting, and challenging while simultaneously promoting developmentally appropriate skills.
• Teach participants structured games and gross motor skills, including activities that build their level of skill and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
• Work cooperatively with professional staff, teachers, and administration.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Work with the Early Childhood Director to secure and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for classes.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Early Childhood Program to participants and care givers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for all activities.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits and formal education in Education preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with pre-school age children.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable with working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits
• Medical
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership
• Additional benefits (eligibility determined by employment status, tenure, and/or hours scheduled)

Pay

$17.00 per hour