Do you enjoy working with children and creating a fun, safe environment? This could be the perfect role for you!

We’re looking for enthusiastic, reliable individuals who enjoy working with kids and creating a positive experience for children and families. As a Child Watch Aide, you’ll provide care and supervision for children ages 6 weeks to 7 years while their parents or guardians participate in classes, workout, or use the YMCA facility.

Child Watch is designed to provide a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where children can play and participate in simple, age-appropriate activities while their parents or guardians enjoy time at the YMCA. 

Position Details

• Position: Part-Time
• Schedule: We are currently seeking applicants with morning availability Monday - Saturday, 8a – 11a and/or evening availability Monday - Thursday, 4:30p - 7p
• Pay: $13.50-$15.50 per hour, based on qualifications

Why Join the Alexandria Area YMCA?

The Alexandria Area YMCA is committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Child Watch provides YMCA members with a safe and welcoming place for their children while they take time to focus on their health and wellness.

As a Child Watch Aide, you'll have the opportunity to work with children of different ages and personalities. You'll help create a positive environment where children feel comfortable, have fun, and enjoy their time at the YMCA.

Whether you're looking for your first job working with children, gaining experience for a future career, or simply enjoy spending time with kids, the YMCA offers a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and the work you do makes a difference for families in our community.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide attentive supervision of children, maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and create a safe, welcoming environment that encourages exploration, positive play, and age-appropriate activities.
• Lead and participate in games, crafts, active play, and other simple activities while using positive guidance techniques to encourage appropriate behavior, self-control, and positive interactions. Respond appropriately to discipline, accidents, and other situations involving children.
• Support the daily operations of the Child Watch program, monitor toys and equipment, follow YMCA policies and applicable regulations, and promptly communicate safety, risk management, or other concerns to the supervisor.
• Greet and interact positively with children, parents, guardians, members, guests, and staff. Maintain effective communication with the supervisor and contribute to a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Uphold YMCA child protection policies and reporting procedures, demonstrate the YMCA's mission and values, provide excellent customer service, maintain professional standards, and perform other duties as assigned.

Part-Time Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Discounts on YMCA Programs
• Mental Health Benefits – including free      mental health sessions
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Work-Life Balance

• Required certifications within 60 days of employment (provided by employer): CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting, Abusive Head Trauma, and SUID completion within 90 days of employment.
• Must be at least 15 years of age.
• Must possess and demonstrate the ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care, activities, and routines of program’s children, including but not limited to: interacting with children at floor level, physical activities such as running and jumping, lifting children and equipment, and participating in outdoor activities.
• Must possess oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.
• Must be capable of directing the daily administrative, program-related, and supervisory responsibilities of a Child Watch program.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands or arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about working with children and want to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team, we'd love to hear from you. Join the Alexandria Area YMCA and help create a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.

Apply today, we look forward to meeting you!

EEO Statement

The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.