Early Childhood Enrichment Specialist (Flushing YMCA)

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The Flushing YMCA is seeking an Early Childhood Enrichment Specialist who will be responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of preschool students. A job as our Early Childhood Enrichment Specialist is a unique opportunity to build relationships while supporting adult caregivers in learning how to interact with young children.

The overall major functions of the Early Childhood Enrichment Specialist also include:

• Provide a fun, safe, and positive experience for all participants.
• Demonstrate strong service and hospitality with all constituents, including, but not limited to, program participants and parents/guardians.
• Create an all-inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Teach progressive lessons and provide opportunities to demonstrate learned skills.
• Embody the YMCA Core Values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervises participants and all program activities.
• Follows all procedures and standards established by the law or the Y, makes ADA accommodations where appropriate, and maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Nurtures participants through purposeful programming and creates lesson plans that are age-appropriate and focused on a learning goal.
• Creates a positive rapport and builds relationships with participants and their primary caregivers.
• Provides opportunities for hands-on learning experiences that primary caregivers can support or participate in with the participants.
• Client relationship building and strong customer service skills are necessary.
• Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress and connects families to the Y.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Must enjoy working with children ages 3 months to 4 years old.
• Willing to attend staff meetings and training sessions as appropriate.
• Comfortable with promoting class, talking about registrations, and program offerings.
• Host classes that engage young learners in fun, hands-on educational activities that can be supported by adult caregivers. Classes can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours based on age.
• Create weekly lesson plans to be submitted to the Early Childhood Director.
• Prepare lessons/activities in advance.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Highschool Diploma preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children from birth to 4 years old is required. Previous experience working with small groups or with multiple people within a customer service field is a plus.
• Current CPR/First Aid certifications preferred.
• Must be willing to take all training required by the YMCA.

Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.