Kids Play Team Member (Southwest)

greateraustinyexternal; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA in Austin is seeking a Kids Play Team Member to support children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. You will lead engaging activities, supervise safely, and foster development across social, physical, and cognitive domains. You’ll greet families warmly, coordinate with a team, and contribute to a welcoming environment.

You will collaborate with staff to maintain clean spaces, follow safety standards, and encourage family involvement. Prior experience is helpful, and a growth mindset is valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 16.
• Preferred bilingual Spanish/English (not required).
• Previous childcare experience is advantageous.
• Experience caring for children aged 8 weeks to 12 years.
• Current First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen certifications are preferred.
• Ability to remain composed and effective in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging, hands-on activities that support 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 for emotional, social, and physical development.
• Build positive relationships with children and families, greeting them warmly and communicating openly.
• Interact with children at their level to support healthy development, often on the floor.
• Provide constant supervision and ensure health and safety of all children.
• Maintain clean, organized childcare spaces and keep parents informed about their child’s day.
• Attend staff meetings and uphold 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 in every interaction.

Skills

Growth Mindset

Team Player

Communicates Effectively

Customer Focused

Fosters Belonging

Composure Under Pressure

Education

No degree required

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.

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.