Looking for a fun, rewarding first job? Join our Childwatch team as a Childwatch Aid! This role is a great entry point for high schoolers (ages 16–17) who love working with kids in a supportive, hands-on environment.
As a Childwatch Aid, you'll work alongside our adult Childwatch Attendants, helping create a safe, engaging space for children while gaining real experience in childcare, teamwork, and customer service — all in a flexible, part-time schedule that works around school. You'll be a positive role model and a key part of making sure every child in our care feels safe, engaged, and welcomed, while living out the Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
What You'll Be Doing- Supporting Childwatch Attendants in supervising and engaging children in age-appropriate activities
- Helping maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming space
- Building connections with members and their families
- Leading and participating in activities with the kids
- Staying flexible as group sizes and needs change throughout the day
- Keeping an open line of communication with your supervisor, parents, and children
- Engaging professionally with parents and members at drop-off and pick-up
- Staying proactive and watchful for safety concerns or chances to connect with kids and parents
- Helping ensure the program runs in line with all safety and childcare standards
- Attending staff meetings and required trainings
- Taking on other duties as assigned by your supervisor
Please note: This role does not include diapering or other one-on-one care, and staff do not take children outside the designated Childwatch Area.
Why This Job Is a Great FitLooking for a fun, rewarding first job? This is a great entry point for high schoolers (ages 16–17) who love working with kids in a supportive, hands-on environment. It's a great fit if you're friendly, dependable, and want real experience in childcare, teamwork, and customer service — all in a flexible, part-time schedule that works around school. No experience necessary — we'll train you!
Perks & Benefits- Free YMCA membership for you and eligible household members
- 50% discounts on many YMCA programs, including swim lessons, youth sports, childcare, camps, and more
- Flexible scheduling to help balance work, school, and life
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the YMCA
- Work for a mission-driven organization that invests in its employees and community
- Ages 16–17 at time of hire (applicants 18 and older: check out our Childwatch Attendant role instead!)
- A genuine love for working with kids
- Reliable, friendly, team-oriented attitude
- No experience necessary — we'll train you!
- Someone who can lead, support, and engage children with warmth, clear instruction, and a positive attitude
- A natural role model who's committed to the Y's mission and values
- Minimum age of 16, maximum age of 17 at time of hire
- Ability to support and engage children with warmth and clear direction
- Understanding of and commitment to the YMCA mission and the values on which it was founded
- Successful completion of a background check and Child Abuse & Neglect screening
- First Aid/CPR/AED certification (via YMCA, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or ASHI), obtained and maintained prior to start date
- Completion of required Praesidium trainings
- Ability to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, use manual dexterity, and lift up to 40 pounds
- Clear verbal communication skills in English
- Visual and auditory ability to monitor and respond to the environment (or reasonable accommodation)
- Demonstrate the Y's core values — caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility — in every interaction
- Support Childwatch Attendants and make members' and families' needs a priority
- Value and support philanthropy as part of the Y's broader mission
- Respect and welcome all people, actively supporting diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence
- Build genuine, trust-based relationships with kids, parents, and teammates
- Listen and communicate in a way that truly reflects the needs of the people you're serving
Success in this role looks like children who feel safe, engaged, and excited to come back to Childwatch — and parents who feel confident stepping into their class knowing their kids are in good hands. It means showing up reliably, staying engaged with your team, and growing your own skills in childcare, teamwork, and customer service along the way.
More Than Just a JobThis isn't just a first job — it's a chance to build real-world skills, be a trusted and positive presence for kids and families, and grow alongside a team that genuinely invests in you. It's flexible enough to work around school and meaningful enough to look great on any future resume or application.
Apply TodayReady for a fun, rewarding first job working with kids? Apply today and join our Childwatch team!
Skills Required
- Must be between 16 and 17 years old at the time of hire
- Ability to support and engage children warmly with clear direction
- Commitment to the YMCA mission and core values
- Successful background check and Child Abuse & Neglect screening
- First Aid, CPR, and AED certification obtained and maintained before starting
- Completion of required Praesidium training
- Ability to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, use manual dexterity, and lift up to 40 pounds
- Clear verbal communication skills in English
- Visual and auditory ability to monitor and respond to the environment, with reasonable accommodation if needed
- Genuine interest in working with children
- Reliable, friendly, and team-oriented attitude
What We Do
The YMCA is a worldwide youth organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, aiming to put Christian values into practice by developing a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
