YMCA CALGARY

VOLUNTEER POSITION

Child Care Volunteer

POSITION OVERVIEW

Positive, caring relationships form the foundation for all that occurs within the child care setting with children learning about YMCA Calgary’s four core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. With the support of YMCA volunteers, children practice behaviors which support social skill development, emotional competence, and community engagement. Choice-based programming along with flexible schedules create child-oriented environments in which children belong, grow, and thrive. Through engagement in play-based learning activities, we help them to progress in all developmental domains.

Age requirement: 18 years and older

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Child Care Director, the Early Childhood Volunteer will:

• Form relationships that happen within the child care environment. Children learn about YMCA Calgary’s four core values of Respect, Honesty, Caring and Responsibility through social engagement and opportunities to practice with the support of the volunteers

• Always demonstrate safe practices and act promptly on all health and safety risks and concerns
• Volunteers support curriculum delivery and child development practices. This includes accompanying and actively engaging with children during all activities and supporting individual needs
• Support Early Childhood Educators with planned and unplanned provocations within the classroom or outdoors. Flexibility is important as children are the leaders of their play
• Support educators maintain a clean, organized, and safe indoor and outdoor environment utilizing established procedures identified by YMCA Calgary, Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Health Services and Provincial Child Care Licensing Act and Early Learning and Child Care Regulations.
• Communicate with Child Care Director regarding any situations during your shift

 BENEFITS

• Gain valuable practical experience in a play-based learning environment
• Complimentary YMCA Calgary membership (upon completion of the probationary period and all required trainings) 
• Continuing training and educations opportunities throughout the year (if applicable)  
• Enhance your in-classroom teaching skills
• Join a team of enthusiastic and interesting people who share a passion for leading positive programs to build happy and healthy communities

 TRAINING

1. YBeginnings Orientation
2. Health & Safety and Child Protection Training
3. WHMIS Training
4. Position-specific Orientation and Training
   • Processes & Tools
   • Expectations
5. Ongoing training & support

SKILLS
At YMCA Calgary we ensure our volunteers are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals. The successful candidate will have the following: 

1. Flexibility to support in the centre, in an outdoor environment, and outside of the centre
2. Ability to uphold and protect confidential information
3. Work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers
   

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Evidence of a clear Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search 
2. Three references – one can be personal reference
3. Able to attend and complete required YMCA trainings which may be at various YMCA locations
4. Available evenings and/or weekends if required