Activity Specialist: Early Childhood

YMCA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Free YMCA membership

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist for the Early Childhood Program to provide safe, engaging, age-appropriate enrichment for preschoolers. You will create learning environments, prepare materials, and deliver movement-based instruction that supports growth and development.

You will collaborate with the Early Childhood Director and staff to maintain quality program delivery, adhere to health and safety standards, and foster positive relationships with families and

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits and formal education in Education preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with pre-school age children.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfortable with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of participants with supervision at all times.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate, engaging activities while promoting development.
• Teach structured games and gross motor activities to build skills and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at program end, if applicable.
• Work cooperatively with staff, teachers, and administration.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming environment that respects diversity.
• Maintain accurate program documentation as appropriate.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership qualities

Diversity awareness

Plan & supervise activities

Education

High School diploma

Education coursework

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Adobe PageMaker

Photoshop

Job description

Salary: $17.00 Hourly The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities. To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and \"LEAP\" career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all. The Long Island City YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Early Childhood Program. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for pre-school age children, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and provide age-appropriate movement instruction for all children enrolled in the Early Childhood Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities that are age-appropriate, exciting, and challenging while simultaneously promoting developmentally appropriate skills.
• Teach participants structured games and gross motor skills, including activities that build their level of skill and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
• Work cooperatively with professional staff, teachers, and administration.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Work with the Early Childhood Director to secure and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for classes.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Early Childhood Program to participants and care givers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for all activities.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• College credits and formal education in Education preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with pre-school age children.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable with working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual's employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.