Child Watch Aide

YMCA of the Black Hills; Box Elder (SD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of the Black Hills is seeking a caring Child Watch Aide to join our Early Learning team at the Liberty Center YMCA in Box Elder, SD. You will supervise children, lead age-appropriate activities, and create a safe, inclusive space for every child.

Ideal candidates enjoy working with families, demonstrate reliability, and are ready to complete required trainings and certifications within the posted timelines. Training is provided to the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience with children preferred.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds regularly.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Must meet South Dakota childcare licensing requirements.
• Complete YMCA-required trainings within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive care and active supervision for children in the program.
• Interact with children through games, activities, play, and positive encouragement.
• Support age-appropriate activities and programming directed by lead teachers.
• Foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all children.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Communicate professionally and positively with YMCA families.
• Help address member concerns and communicate important information to supervisors.
• Create a friendly and supportive experience for all participants.
• Follow all YMCA childcare policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Assist with opening and closing responsibilities as assigned.
• Apply YMCA emergency and risk management procedures appropriately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe childcare environment.
• Complete required trainings and continuing education requirements.

Skills

Dependable

Team player

Patience

Positive energy

Engaging with children

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR/AED certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Help Children Learn, Play & Thrive

The YMCA of the Black Hills is looking for caring, energetic, and dependable Child Watch Aides to join our Early Learning team at the Liberty Center YMCA in Box Elder. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with children, creating positive experiences, and helping families feel supported in a welcoming environment.

As a Child Watch Aide, you'll actively engage with children through play, activities, and age-appropriate programming while helping ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space for every child in your care. At the Y, we believe every interaction matters - and our childcare staff help build confidence, connection, and community every day.

Experience working with children is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate who brings enthusiasm, patience, and a positive attitude.

What You'll Do

Child Supervision & Engagement

• Provide attentive care and active supervision for children in the program
• Interact with children through games, activities, play, and positive encouragement
• Support age-appropriate activities and programming directed by lead teachers
• Foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all children
• Build positive relationships with children and families

Family Support & Customer Service

• Communicate professionally and positively with YMCA families
• Help address member concerns and communicate important information to supervisors
• Create a friendly and supportive experience for all participants

Safety & Daily Operations

• Follow all YMCA childcare policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Assist with opening and closing responsibilities as assigned
• Apply YMCA emergency and risk management procedures appropriately
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe childcare environment
• Complete required trainings and continuing education requirements

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent required (or actively pursuing equivalent)
• Previous experience working with children preferred
• Understanding of child growth and development preferred
• Ability to actively engage with children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, lifting, and moving frequently
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds regularly
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire
• Must meet South Dakota childcare licensing requirements
• Complete YMCA-required trainings within 60 days of hire

What We're Looking For

We're seeking team members who:

• Are dependable and reliable
• Enjoy working with children and families
• Bring positive energy and patience to every interaction
• Demonstrate YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Work well as part of a supportive team environment

Why Join the YMCA of the Black Hills?

At the YMCA, you'll be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Child Watch staff play an important role in helping children feel safe, supported, and encouraged while giving families peace of mind during their YMCA experience.

Child Watch Attendant, Childcare Provider, Daycare Assistant, Drop-In Childcare, Child Watch Staff, Youth Program Assistant, Early Childhood Assistant, Kids Club Attendant, Child Supervision, Caregiver, Babysitter, Youth Recreation, Family Center Staff, Nursery Attendant

Must be able to pass a background check.