Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide - 2025

Ymcachicago; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established community-focused organization is seeking passionate individuals to join as Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities by promoting their participation in camp activities. As a vital part of the team, you will develop leadership skills while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. If you are dedicated to fostering a positive experience and have a commitment to serving diverse youth, this position could be the perfect fit for you. Join us and be part of an unforgettable summer experience!

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with children, especially those with disabilities, is preferred.
• Ability to implement inclusion plans and manage participant behavior effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with disabilities in Y programs, ensuring their needs are met.
• Modify activities to promote participation and independence in a safe environment.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Behavior Management

Child Development Knowledge

Inclusion Strategies

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Buehler YMCA
1400 W. Northwest Hwy.
Palatine, IL 60067, USA

Champion Inclusion, Empower Abilities: Be an Inclusion Aide!

At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers are taking part in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides are developing leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

Join us for the experience of a lifetime. Pay starts at $17.90 per hour, Monday-Friday schedule

As a Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide, you will be responsible for supporting and assisting one or more individuals who have a disability and are enrolled in Y programs to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. You will ensure that individualized needs of participants are met, while serving as a professional role model and guiding program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors.

What you’ll do:

Program Participant Experience

• You will serve as a role model in supporting inclusion and high-quality camp programming, creating an outstanding participant experience for children, parents, and families.
• You will modify learning or recreational activities as needed, including activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies. You will promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible while maintaining confidentiality.
• You will teach socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies. You will implement individualized behavior management plans when necessary.
• You will communicate consistently with team members and program leaders to keep abreast of activities and schedules, preparing for activity modifications and offering suggestions when applicable.
• You will communicate consistently with parents and program leadership through completion of a weekly summary of the individual’s participation.
• You will support program activities as assigned by your supervisor, including substitute support for ongoing camp activities.

Participant Safety

• You will ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of participants by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards, and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• You will be alert and responsive to any specific health and safety needs of the individuals with disabilities.
• You will ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety, monitoring participants and team members, providing coaching and intervention as necessary.
• You will set up facilities and/or equipment for activities and store equipment appropriately after use, immediately notifying program leaders of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
• You will work to keep program facilities clean at all times.

What you’ll Need:

• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Prior experience working with children; experience with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting preferred.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission and serving the needs of diverse youth.
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for age group.
• Ability to understand and implement an inclusion plan and provide recommended strategies; ability to observe participant behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques is essential.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as a role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members, and others.
• Evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
• Meet additional program guidelines for background checks and medical screening where necessary based on program supported.

Child Abuse Prevention:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required.