About the Role
As the Kids Play Lead, you will foster a nurturing and dynamic environment supporting children's holistic development. You will lead a team to design and implement engaging curriculum plans aligned with YMCA values, promoting literacy, numeracy, social skills, and physical fitness. Your leadership will ensure a secure and welcoming space for children to thrive emotionally, socially, and physically. Building strong relationships with families and maintaining high standards of safety and organization will create a positive experience for all.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support a team of Kids Play Team Members in delivering enriching activities and implementing a curriculum that fosters children's social, physical, spiritual, and cognitive development.
- Design thematic weekly and monthly curriculum plans and create age-appropriate activities that promote literacy, numeracy, social skills, physical fitness, and creative exploration.
- Incorporate educational best practices and current trends to ensure a dynamic, engaging learning environment.
- Welcome children and families warmly, building strong relationships and ensuring a positive, inclusive experience.
- Facilitate activities that spark curiosity, problem-solving, cooperation, and imaginative play.
- Model respectful, nurturing interactions that support children's emotional well-being and social growth.
- Ensure the safety and welfare of all children, consistently upholding YMCA rules, policies, and standards.
- Communicate effectively with parents about their child's participation, progress, and daily experiences.
- Oversee cleanliness and organization of childcare spaces, maintaining a safe and inviting environment.
- Mentor and train new team members, fostering collaboration and a supportive team culture.
- Participate in staff meetings and contribute to continuous program improvement.
- Lead by example in promoting the YMCA's mission, vision, values, and serve as an ambassador of the organization's culture and impact.
- Complete other duties as assigned to support the success of the programs.
Requirements
- Minimum age requirement of 18 years.
- Previous experience in a childcare setting, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
- 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.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Skills
- Proficiency in leading activities and creating engaging experiences for children aged 8 weeks (about 2 months) to 12 years.
- Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
- Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
- Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers.
- Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.
- Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
Work Type
- Flexible weekday availability
- Afternoon hours 4:15 pm - 8:15 pm
About the Company
- The YMCA is committed to promoting the YMCA's mission, vision, values, and serve as an ambassador of the organization's culture and impact.
