Job Opportunity

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Group Leader or Caregiver is responsible for the daily supervision of program participants and is responsible for assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of program components and activities. The Group Leader/Caregiver guides the academic and social development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy learning environment. Group Leaders/Caregivers use a variety of resources, to introduce new skills throughout the execution of activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plans and leads age and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a classroom or group setting, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
2. Interacts with children and provides proper supervision of children at all times.
3. Provides careful supervision and guidance to assigned Early Ed Aides. Ensures Early Ed Aides who are under 18 years of age are never left alone to supervise or monitor youth participants.
4. Follows all procedures and standards as established by the law or the Y.
5. Provides assistance with homework (depending on program) and encourages academic progress.
6. Conducts ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child (depending on program).
7. Serves as a positive role model, demonstrates professional behavior and understands positive youth development approaches to the academic and social development of youth.
8. Facilitates a program environment that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes children.
9. Promotes a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others. Maintains on-going communication with supervisor.
10. Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.
11. Maintain accurate participant records as assigned and according to program requirements.
12. Communicates regularly with parents; attends parent/family events as designated by the supervisor.
13. Ensures proper food handling during snack preparation.
14. Leads and oversees circle time activities and/or large group activities.
15. Ensures clean up and preparation of room/program space for next day.
16. Depending on the program, may tend to diapering and toilet needs of children.
17. Participates in planning and implementation of special events such as family nights and program activities.
18. Attends required staff meetings, staff trainings, and other required events.
19. Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.
20. Works with supervisor to ensure programs and services meet community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
21. Works with supervisor to assure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate; ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
22. Adheres to policies, standard operating procedures, and handbooks related to boundaries with youth.
23. Participates and attends all required abuse risk management training.
24. Adheres to standards & procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
25. Reports any suspicious, inappropriate behaviors and policy violations to the supervisor immediately and complies with mandated YMCA and State of Hawaii abuse reporting requirements.
26. Reinforces staff and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
27. Responds seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors, and responds quickly to policy and procedure violations using the organization’s progressive disciplinary procedures.
28. Complies with the YMCA and State of Hawaii abuse reporting requirements.
29. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Level I Early Ed Teacher (entry level):
  • Minimum 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Reliable transportation to and from assigned location is required.
  • Mandatory trainings (such as orientation, child management, child abuse prevention, basic health & safety, etc. Complete list of mandatory trainings will be provided.) required within the first 3 months of hire.
  • Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific training.
  • CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required within the first 30 days of hire.
  • TB clearance and medical report from physician required within the first 2 weeks of employment.
  • Able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Able to work effectively with others.
  • Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Less than one year child care, preferably with ages 2-5, experience with leadership responsibilities required.
  • Preferred comparable experience working with early learners 2-5 years of age.