Kids Play Lead (Southwest)

Join our team at the Greater Austin YMCA as a Kids Play Team Member - Lead and take the next step in your childcare career! In this role, you will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can learn and grow while their families focus on their fitness and wellness goals. The candidate must be available to work 7:45 AM to 1:15 PM on Thursday through Saturday.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead a team of Kids Play Team Members in delivering enriching activities and implementing a comprehensive curriculum that supports children's social, physical, spiritual, and mental development.

• Design and create weekly and monthly thematic curriculum plans that align with YMCA values and promote holistic child development.

• Develop engaging and age-appropriate activities that incorporate learning objectives in areas such as literacy, numeracy, social skills, and physical fitness.

• Incorporate current educational trends and best practices into curriculum planning to ensure a dynamic and enriching experience for children.

• Welcome members and children warmly, building strong relationships and ensuring a positive experience for all families.

• Facilitate activities that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and cooperative play among children of varying ages.

• Model respectful and nurturing interactions with children, promoting their emotional well-being and social skills.

• Ensure the safety and welfare of all children in the Kids Play area, maintaining a secure environment in line with YMCA standards.

• Uphold YMCA rules and policies consistently and fairly, ensuring adherence among team members and program participants.

• Communicate effectively with parents regarding their children's participation and progress, fostering strong partnerships with families.

• Oversee the cleanliness and organization of childcare areas, ensuring they remain welcoming and safe throughout each shift.

• Assist in training and mentoring new team members, promoting a collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Actively participate in staff meetings and contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the program.

• Lead by example in promoting the YMCA's mission, vision, and values.

• Serve as an ambassador for the organization with internal and external stakeholders.

• Be the ultimate storyteller of the YMCA's work and culture.

• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Community Enterprise

• Minimum age requirement of 18 years.

• Fluency in Spanish/English preferred (not required).

• Previous experience in a childcare setting, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.

• Proficiency in leading activities and creating engaging experiences for children aged 8 weeks (about 2 months) to 12 years.

• Current certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen are preferred.

• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations, with excellent problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to YMCA values and promoting a culture of inclusion and community.
• You have a growth mindset. You quickly learn from failure and value feedback in the effort to continuously improve.
• You are a team player. You are a team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude and you can work well with others.
• You communicate effectively. You listen for understanding and meaning. You speak and write effectively.
• You are customer focused. You build good customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. You leverage people's differences as strengths.

• Benefit from a free household YMCA membership, enriching both your life and the lives of others.
• Access retirement planning options to secure your future.
• Enhance your skills through participation in learning and development workshops.
• Exclusive cell phone plan discounts for AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint users.
• Discounts on programs and services to make your YMCA experience even more rewarding.

The Greater Austin YMCA is a nonprofit community enterprise with a purpose of elevating quality of life in central Texas by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our dynamically growing community. Founded in 1953 and anchored in three Central Texas counties, the Y has served close to 500,000 people and provided more than $30M in financial assistance and program subsidies over the past 10 years. We operate 8 community centers and Camp Moody along with 6 early childhood education centers, 60 afterschool programs on school campuses in four districts, and 20 summer camps, with 1500 staff team members, 1000 volunteers, and a $48M annual operating budget.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace at the Greater Austin YMCA, where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences are valued. This commitment enriches our ability to fulfill our mission and uphold our values as we serve our community. We warmly encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply.

Why Join Us?

THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE, where great minds and souls come together for good... it's our vibe. At the Greater Austin YMCA, we encourage you to Be You-be the hero of your own growth journey. Be True-humanity is our way, and we intentionally practice it each day. Imagine It-dare to think big and envision the possibilities that lie ahead. Do It-plan, deliver, and enhance your awesome work. Feel It-be present, pause, and experience the impact you create every day. Together, we embody these values, fostering a supportive environment where your work truly matters and where you can make a positive impact in our community.

Additional Information:

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.