Childwatch Site Lead-Monty Ballard

About the role

The Childwatch Site Lead is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for children while their parents/guardians participate in YMCA activities. This position requires a dedicated and responsible youth development professional committed to providing high quality care in the Childwatch program.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the designated lead, ensuring full compliance with all YMCA of Greater Houston and Youth Development standards.
• Oversees the daily operations of the Childwatch program to maintain a safe, welcoming, nurturing, and engaging environment at all times for all children.
• Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the program site and equipment, including setting up and breaking down activity centers.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all children and staff in a welcoming Childwatch environment by monitoring activities to promote safe, age-appropriate behavior and adherence to YMCA policies.
• Provides for children’s physical needs, including feeding, assisting with restrooms, administering first aid/CPR, and notifying the parents/guardians of necessary diaper changes.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records such as attendance, incident reports, and compliance documentation.
• Conducts regular headcounts and ensures staff follow policies, providing redirection as needed.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to emergencies and incidents in alignment with established YMCA protocols and procedures, including emergency preparedness.
• Implements positive behavior management techniques that foster a respectful and inclusive environment while addressing the emotional needs of children.
• Communicates important information or observations to incoming staff regarding individual children and provides an updated list of children currently in attendance.
• Conducts regular assessments to ensure compliance with youth development standards and organizational policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Follows all organizational policies, procedures, and procedures, including those related to health and safety, child protection, and confidentiality.
• Maintains a clean and organized environment, adhering to sanitation and safety standards.
• Reports any concerns or issues to Program Director in a timely manner.
• Oversees the implementation of age-appropriate activities, including structured and unstructured activities as outlined in YMCA approved curriculum.
• Encourages and facilitates positive social interactions among children.
• Adapts activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and makes adjustments as necessary.
• Maintains positive relations with children, parents/guardians, center operations, directors, and other staff.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Communicates regularly with parents/guardians regarding their child’s progress, behavior, and any concerns.
• Addresses inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally.
• Utilizes designated software to accurately check children in and out of Childwatch.
• Serves as the primary center liaison with the software provider.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records, including sign-in/out logs, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Afford assistance with executing retention plans aimed at ensuring high levels of participant engagement and satisfaction.
• Plan and implements lesson/activity plans curriculum that includes both formal and informal play within the center and outdoors in adherence to Y program model, curriculum and quality standards.
• Reports suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Adheres to policies related to boundaries with each child.
• Ensures unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitors high-risk locations (bathrooms), etc.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• At least 1 year of experience working with youth at a childcare facility, church, school or equivalent (preferred).
• Strong awareness of child safety and the ability to respond to emergency situations appropriately.
• Must be able to successfully pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention trainings.
• Ability to engage with children positively and create an environment that fosters learning and respect.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Previous experience supervising others preferred.
• Current record of tuberculosis examination and/or current local health department regulations, examinations, and/or immunization as required by the local or State Department of Health.
• Pass a local/state background and FBI fingerprinting check.