Kids Play Team Member (East Communities)

greateraustinyexternal; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA Austin is seeking a Kids Play Team Member to create a safe, engaging space for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. You will lead age-appropriate activities and support a curriculum that nurtures social, physical, spiritual, and cognitive development.

Roles include floor-level interaction, forming caring relationships with families, and daily supervision. The position requires morning shifts from 7:45 AM to 12:15 PM, Monday through Saturday, with at least three days available per week.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 16 years.
• Preferred bilingual in Spanish/English (not required).
• Previous childcare experience is advantageous.
• Experience caring for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years.
• First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging, hands-on activities that encourage exploration and self-expression for children.
• Foster teamwork and cooperation through group games and collaborative projects.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for every child.
• Build positive relationships with children and families; greet by name and encourage family involvement.
• Interact with children at their level; get on the floor to play, connect, and support development.
• Maintain supervision and health/safety of all children; attend to basic hygiene.
• Keep childcare spaces clean and organized during shifts.
• Keep parents informed about their child’s day and experiences.
• Attend staff meetings and follow program safety standards.
• Promote YMCA mission, values, wellness philosophy, and community impact.
• Represent the YMCA’s culture in every interaction.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Team player

Communicates effectively

Customer focused

Fosters belonging

Growth mindset

Job description

Why Your Role Matters

As a Kids Play Team Member, you'll create a safe, welcoming, and engaging space for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. You'll lead fun, age-appropriate activities and support a curriculum designed to nurture each child's social, physical, spiritual, and cognitive development. You'll meet every child where they are--whether that means getting on the floor to play, encouraging independence, or comforting little ones who need extra care. Your mission is to foster an uplifting environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

We're looking for team members who can work 7:45 AM to 12:15 PM shifts, Monday through Saturday. At least 3 days of availability each week is required.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead engaging, hands‑on activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and self‑expression for children of all ages.
• Foster teamwork and cooperation through group games and collaborative projects.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where every child feels supported emotionally, socially, and physically.
• Build positive relationships with children and families by greeting them warmly, using names, communicating openly, and encouraging family involvement.
• Interact with children at their level--often by getting on the floor--to play, connect, and support healthy development.
• Ensure constant supervision, protect the health and safety of all children, and attend to basic hygiene needs.
• Maintain clean, organized childcare spaces throughout your shift.
• Keep parents informed about their child's day, activities, and experiences.
• Attend all required staff meetings and follow program safety standards and procedures.
• Promote and model the YMCA's mission, values, wellness philosophy, and community impact.
• Serve as an ambassador of the Y's culture by sharing our story and embodying our purpose in every interaction.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

• Minimum age requirement of 16 years.
• Preferred bilingual proficiency in Spanish/English (not required).
• Previous experience in a childcare setting is advantageous.
• Experience in caring for children aged 8 weeks (about 2 months) to 12 years.
• Current certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen are preferred.
• Ability to remain composed and effective in high‑pressure situations.
• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
• Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers.
• Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member‑centered service.
• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.