Kids Play Lead (Southwest)

How you Will Power our Purpose (Job Summary)

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.

We're looking for candidates who are available to work Monday through Thursday from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

How You Will Make an Impact (Essential Functions)

• 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. 

Physical Requirements: 

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.

Work Location

6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin, Texas 78735

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a nonprofit community enterprise with a vision to cultivate thriving communities across Central Texas where every person benefits from an empowered and well-educated childhood, equitable access to opportunities, resulting in an elevated quality of life and the promise of a sustainable future. 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 $47M annual operating budget.

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.

We Take Care of Our People

• 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.

Pay Range

$15.00 - $17.00, Depending on experience