Childwatch Counselor-Tellespen

About the role

Join a team that's creating positive experiences for children and families. At the YMCA, we're more than a fitness center; we're a community dedicated to strengthening families and supporting youth. As a Childwatch Counselor, you'll play an important role in providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children while their parents or guardians participate in YMCA programs and services. If you enjoy working with children, creating positive experiences, and helping families feel connected to their YMCA, we'd love to meet you. When you join the YMCA, you become part of a mission-driven organization focused on strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a Childwatch Counselor, you'll help create positive experiences that support families and enhance their YMCA membership experience.

Responsibilities

• Create a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where children can enjoy age-appropriate activities during their time in Childwatch.
• Provide attentive supervision, encourage positive interactions, and help ensure every child and family has a welcoming YMCA experience.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in a welcoming Childwatch environment by monitoring activities to promote safe, age-appropriate behavior and adherence to YMCA policies at all times.
• Provide for children’s physical needs, including feeding, assisting with restrooms, administering first aid/CPR, and notifying the parents/guardians of necessary diaper changes.
• Assist with maintaining accurate and up-to-date records such as attendance, incident reports, and compliance documentation.
• Conduct regular headcounts.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies and incidents in alignment with established YMCA protocols and procedures, including emergency preparedness.
• Implement positive behavior management techniques that foster a respectful and inclusive environment while addressing the emotional needs of children.
• Respond to behavioral issues calmly and constructively, following established guidelines, and provide support by soothing distressed children, comforting those who are sick or hurt, redirecting negative behavior, and offering positive reinforcement.
• Communicate important information or observations to incoming staff regarding individual children and provide an updated list of children currently in attendance.
• Implement a variety of age-appropriate activities, including structured and unstructured activities as outlined in the YMCA-approved curriculum.
• Encourage and facilitate positive social interactions among children.
• Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• Follow all organizational policies, protocols, and procedures,