Y Kids Associate: Brace YMCA

The Y Kids Associate provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children while parents or guardians participate in YMCA programs. This role is responsible for supervising children, facilitating age-appropriate activities, and ensuring a positive experience that aligns with the YMCA’s mission of youth development and family support.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and engage children in a safe, structured, and positive environment while their guardians utilize YMCA facilities.
• Plan and lead age-appropriate activities, including crafts, games, and storytelling, to encourage child development and social interaction.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children by following YMCA childcare policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized childcare space, including sanitizing toys and equipment regularly.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding their child’s experience and any incidents that may arise.
• Monitor and support children’s behavior, using positive reinforcement and redirection as needed.
• Ensure check-in and check-out procedures are followed, maintaining accurate attendance records.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations, following all YMCA safety and emergency protocols.
• Collaborate with childcare team members to ensure consistency and high-quality care
• Uphold YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with children and families.

Performs other duties and tasks assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent experience working with children required
• Previous experience working with children in a childcare, camp, or educational setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with children and parents.
• Ability to provide a nurturing and structured environment while maintaining safety protocols.
• Basic knowledge of child development and behavior management techniques.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Physical ability to lift children (up to 40 lbs.), sit on the floor, and actively participate in activities.
• Understanding of and commitment to YMCA mission, values, and policies.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Preferred Qualifications
• Coursework in early childhood education preferred.

Working Conditions

• Walking 

• Sitting
• Pushing (30 lbs)
• Crouching
• Stooping
• Pulling (30 lbs)
• Kneeling
• Standing
• Lifting (30 lbs)

Competencies

1. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
2. PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs
3. COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
4. INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting
   practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence