Child and Youth Development StaffAt — YMCA of Orange County

The YMCA of Orange County is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are actively seeking highly engaged, intentional, and service-oriented individuals for Full-time and Part-time Childcare Assistant positions.

This role is an opportunity to directly impact the lives of children and families by fostering genuine connections, practicing exceptional hospitality, and creating a safe, positive, and enriching environment where every interaction is meaningful.

Location: Various site locations.

Work Schedule: 

Opening Shift: 6:45am - 9:30am

Afternoon Shift: 1pm - 6pm

Purpose & Impact:

Be a Mentor: Guide children (ages 5-12) through curriculum-aligned activities (STEM, arts, homework).

Practice Intentionality: Provide attentive service, warmth, and a welcoming environment for all participants and parents.

Model Core Values: Uphold Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility daily.

Create Lasting Change: Your committed presence ensures positive social-emotional growth and success for every child.

Official Job Description will be provided during the interview.

Minimum Qualifications (Must Meet One Level):

Minimum Age: 18+ years old.

Experience: Required experience working with children (ages 5-12) in an after-school, camp, or daycare setting.

Education Requirements:

Assistant: High School Diploma (Experience preferred).

Teacher 1: 6 Child Development (CD) units + continuous enrollment toward 12 units (6 months experience required).

Teacher 2: 12 CD units (6 months experience required).

Teacher 3: 12 college units (6 in CD/Education) + 1 year experience required.

Required Documents: Please upload transcripts when applying.

Tasks:

Description of Tasks in a School Age Childcare Setting
1. Supervision & Child Safety
• Actively supervise school age children during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Maintain appropriate staff to child ratios and ensure children are accounted for at all times.
• Follow health, safety, and emergency procedures, including reporting accidents or concerns.
• Support safe transitions between activities, classrooms, outdoor areas, and school dismissal.

2. Program Activities & Enrichment
• Assist in planning and facilitating age appropriate enrichment activities, including:
o Arts and crafts
o STEM activities
o Games, sports, and outdoor play
o Social emotional learning activities
• Encourage participation, cooperation, and positive peer interaction.
• Adapt activities to meet varying interests, abilities, and developmental levels.

3. Academic Support
• Provide homework assistance and academic support as appropriate.
• Create a supportive homework or quiet study environment.
• Encourage problem solving, independence, and positive learning habits.
• Communicate with supervisors about academic or behavioral concerns.

4. Behavior Support & Guidance
• Use positive guidance and behavior management strategies.
• Model respectful communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
• Support children in developing self regulation and decision making skills.
• Redirect challenging behaviors following program policies and best practices.

5. Daily Routines & Care
• Assist with daily routines such as:
o Arrival and dismissal procedures
o Snack distribution and cleanup
o Classroom setup and material organization
• Support cleanliness and organization of shared spaces.
• Help children follow routines and program expectations

6. Communication & Relationships
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Communicate professionally with co staff, supervisors, and school personnel.
• Greet families at pick up and dismissal and share general observations as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.

7. Documentation & Professional Responsibilities
• Follow attendance and sign in/sign out procedures.
• Document incidents or concerns according to program policy.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and adherence to program policies.

8. Program Support & Teamwork
• Work collaboratively with lead staff and supervisors.
• Assist in setting up and cleaning up activities and learning spaces.
• Support field trips, special events, or themed program days.
• Contribute positively to a fun, inclusive, and structured program environment.

Summary Statement (Optional for Job Descriptions)
Staff and interns in a school age childcare setting support children’s safety, learning, and well being through active supervision, enrichment activities, positive guidance, academic support, and professional collaboration, while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment that promotes healthy development.

Training:

1. New Hire Orientation (Initial Onboarding)
Purpose: Ensure new staff or student interns understand program expectations, safety requirements, and their role in providing high quality care.
Orientation Training Examples
• Program Overview & Mission
o Introduction to the childcare program’s philosophy, values, and goals
o Overview of program structure, daily routines, and age groups served
• Policies, Procedures & Licensing Requirements
o Review of handbook, code of conduct, and policies
o Overview of state licensing regulations (ratios, supervision, documentation)
o Mandated reporter responsibilities (as required by state law)
• Health & Safety Training
o Supervision expectations and active monitoring
o Illness prevention, sanitation, and hygiene procedures
o Emergency procedures (evacuation, lockdown, disaster response)
o Playground safety
• Professional Expectations
o Attendance, punctuality, dress code, and workplace professionalism
o Boundaries and appropriate interactions with children and families
o Reporting concerns to supervisors
Evidence of Completion
• Orientation checklist signed by supervisor
• Certifications: 1st aid, CPR, and AED, Mandated Reporting, Integrated Pest Management
2. Job Shadowing (On the Job Learning)
Purpose: Provide hands on exposure to daily childcare operations through observation, modeling, and guided participation.
Job Shadowing Training Examples
• Classroom Shadowing with Lead Teachers
o Observe daily routines, transitions, and supervision strategies
o Watch curriculum implementation and play based learning activities
o Observe positive guidance and behavior support techniques
• Shadowing Program Operations
o Observe classroom setup and environment arrangement
o Shadow site supervisors or directors to learn about:
\uf0a7 Staffing and ratios
\uf0a7 Licensing compliance and documentation
\uf0a7 Communication with families
• Focused Observation Assignments
o Shadow with targeted objectives, such as:
\uf0a7 School Age Care
\uf0a7 Inclusive practices and individualized supports
\uf0a7 Outdoor play and supervision
o Participate in brief debrief sessions to discuss observations
3. Web Based Training (Online Learning)
Purpose: Deliver flexible, standardized training aligned with best practices and regulatory requirements.
Web Based Training Examples
• Child Development & Best Practices
o Safety and Supervision
o Child Abuse Preventions
o Child Guidance and Behavior Management
• Health, Safety & Compliance
o Supervision and injury prevention
o Infection control and universal precautions
o Emergency preparedness and response
o Mandated reporter and child abuse prevention awareness
Evidence of Completion
• Certificates or transcripts from online modules
• Quiz or knowledge check results

Learning Outcome:

1. New Hire Orientation (Initial Onboarding)
Purpose: Ensure new staff or student interns understand program expectations, safety requirements, and their role in providing high quality care.
Orientation Training Examples
• Program Overview & Mission
o Introduction to the childcare program’s philosophy, values, and goals
o Overview of program structure, daily routines, and age groups served
• Policies, Procedures & Licensing Requirements
o Review of handbook, code of conduct, and policies
o Overview of state licensing regulations (ratios, supervision, documentation)
o Mandated reporter responsibilities (as required by state law)
• Health & Safety Training
o Supervision expectations and active monitoring
o Illness prevention, sanitation, and hygiene procedures
o Emergency procedures (evacuation, lockdown, disaster response)
o Playground safety
• Professional Expectations
o Attendance, punctuality, dress code, and workplace professionalism
o Boundaries and appropriate interactions with children and families
o Reporting concerns to supervisors
Evidence of Completion
• Orientation checklist signed by supervisor
• Certifications: 1st aid, CPR, and AED, Mandated Reporting, Integrated Pest Management
2. Job Shadowing (On the Job Learning)
Purpose: Provide hands on exposure to daily childcare operations through observation, modeling, and guided participation.
Job Shadowing Training Examples
• Classroom Shadowing with Lead Teachers
o Observe daily routines, transitions, and supervision strategies
o Watch curriculum implementation and play based learning activities
o Observe positive guidance and behavior support techniques
• Shadowing Program Operations
o Observe classroom setup and environment arrangement
o Shadow site supervisors or directors to learn about:
\uf0a7 Staffing and ratios
\uf0a7 Licensing compliance and documentation
\uf0a7 Communication with families
• Focused Observation Assignments
o Shadow with targeted objectives, such as:
\uf0a7 School Age Care
\uf0a7 Inclusive practices and individualized supports
\uf0a7 Outdoor play and supervision
o Participate in brief debrief sessions to discuss observations
3. Web Based Training (Online Learning)
Purpose: Deliver flexible, standardized training aligned with best practices and regulatory requirements.
Web Based Training Examples
• Child Development & Best Practices
o Safety and Supervision
o Child Abuse Preventions
o Child Guidance and Behavior Management
• Health, Safety & Compliance
o Supervision and injury prevention
o Infection control and universal precautions
o Emergency preparedness and response
o Mandated reporter and child abuse prevention awareness
Evidence of Completion
• Certificates or transcripts from online modules
• Quiz or knowledge check results