YMCA Child Care Curriculum Specialist Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Child Care Program Director, the Child Care Curriculum Specialist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating engaging and educational program curricula that align with the mission and goals of the Child Care Services Branch. This role ensures that lesson plans, activities, and instructional materials support the academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs of children in our programs. The Curriculum Specialist will collaborate with program staff to enhance learning experiences and provide training and guidance on curriculum delivery.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Complete required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Design and lead implementation of age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans for after school and camp programs, ensuring curriculum aligns with best practices in education, child development, and social-emotional learning.
• Order supplies and materials for curriculum and ensure distribution to program sites. Oversee inventory upkeep.
• Collaborate with supervisor on budgetary needs while remaining fiscally responsible.
• Provide direct service in our Before & After School and Camp sites to assist with implementation of an effective high quality curriculum.
• Responsible for assuring high standards of program quality and safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures and risk management policies.
• Participate in regular collaborative planning sessions with the Child Care Leadership team to integrate STEM, arts, literacy, and physical activity components into programming.
• Provide training and support to staff on curriculum delivery, teaching strategies, and engagement techniques. Assist with professional development opportunities.
• Provide recommendations for program sites such as room arrangement, routines, transitions, and daily schedules.
• Evaluate and update curriculum based on program needs, staff feedback, and participant outcomes.
• Assist with facilitation of partnerships with community organizations, schools, and local resources to enhance program offerings and provide additional learning opportunities for participants.
• Assist in yearly evaluations of program staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be an active program leader and participate in physical activities included in our program components. Must be able to spend time indoors and outdoors.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 21.
• Bachelors degree in Education, Child Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional design, or teaching in an after school or youth program setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate learning strategies.
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and inclusive teaching practices.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to train and mentor staff in curriculum implementation.
• Passion for youth development and creating engaging learning experiences.
• CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen training required within 60 days of employment.
• Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogen and New Employee Orientation training required before/on first day of working with youth.
• Be able to work Monday-Friday, during after school program times.