Kidszone Guide I

Crossroads YMCA; Griffith (IN); On-site; USD 11,365 - 16,186; Part time

Job summary

Crossroads YMCA in Griffith, IN is seeking a Kids Zone Guide I to provide nurturing care for children from infancy to 12 years in a welcoming, safe environment where kids can thrive and families feel supported. This part-time role requires morning availability, with flexibility for evenings and weekends.

This position supervises activities, implements age-appropriate plans, documents observations, and maintains open communication with parents to ensure a high-quality member experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 15 required.
• Must be flexible to work mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to relate to diverse groups and caregivers.
• Passion for working with young children.

Responsibilities

• Nurtures children through purposeful play and builds belonging.
• Implements curriculum and activity plans.
• Supervises children from 6 weeks to 12 years.
• Keeps ongoing observations and evaluations.
• Maintains communication with parents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Bottle feed and diaper change of infants/toddlers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Griffith Family YMCA - Griffith, IN 46319

Position Type: Part Time

Pay starts at $10.00 and up per hour for based on experience.

Introduction

Are you ready to make a profound difference in the lives of children and their families? The Y, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, is seeking passionate individuals with flexible availability to join our team as Kids Zone Guide I. In this role, you’ll provide nurturing care and create a fun, safe environment where kids can thrive, making every day a rewarding experience.

Looking for team members with morning availability!

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a Kids Zone Guide I you provide direct supervision and care of children in Kids Zone areas. You provide a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on exceptional service and care.

Essential Functions

• Nurtures children through purposeful play to provide care and belonging while developing relationships with members and their children.
• Implements curriculum and activity plans within the established guidelines.
• Supervises and participates in activities with all children ranging from ages as young as 6 weeks up to 12 years old.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Maintains positive relationships and effective communication with parents.
• Maintains required program records and equipment needs.
• Improvises quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected circumstances, to better meet the needs of members and their children.
• Bottle feed and diaper change of infants/toddlers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 15 required.
• Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Must have a passion for working with young children.

YMCA Competencies (Leader)

• The National YMCA Mission:
  • To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
• Mission Advancement:
  • Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values.
  • Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
  • Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
  • Supports fund‑raising.
• Collaboration:
  • Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
  • Builds rapport and relates well to others.
  • Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations.
  • Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
  • Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness:
  • Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.
  • Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
  • Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings.
  • Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately.
  • Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high‑value experience for members.
• Personal Growth:
  • Pursues self‑development that enhances job performance.
  • Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process.
  • Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.
  • Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
• Sufficient physical strength and agility to carry out essential duties.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Must demonstrate initiative and sound judgment.