Volunteer Childminding

**Title**:Volunteer Childminding

**Hours**:Weekday mornings and evenings; minimum 3 hours per week

**Location**:John W. Lindsay YMCA

The YMCA is a place where everyone is welcome and valued. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal opportunities for all in a space that is both nurturing and enjoyable. Here, children and families thrive within a community built on shared responsibilities and mutual support.

Our success in partnering with others to strengthen the community is made possible by the dedication of our employees and volunteers. By volunteering at the YMCA, you’ll become an integral part of a passionate team focused on making a meaningful impact and supporting the communities we serve.

**The Opportunity**

Reporting to the Child & Youth Program Coordinator, Childminding volunteers are responsible for supporting childminding staff in ensuring safe, fun, and inclusive childminding. Volunteers must follow YMCA Child Safeguarding protocols which they learn about during their role-specific training. Childminding volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring quality care of children and youth, and a positive experience for parents and guardians while they utilize the facility.

**Responsibilities**
- Help YMCA Childminding staff provide childcare services for infants, children, and youth up to 12 years of age.
- Help YMCA Childminding staff with infant/toddler care, i.e., feeding, changing, etc.
- Provision of child-centric, development-based activities that foster cooperative play, creativity, social skill development and confidence building in keeping with Y Healthy Child Standards.
- Help with room set-up and take-down, material preparation, activity instruction, and redirection.
- Help staff ensure safety and wellbeing of infants, children, and youth in their care.
- Full compliance with Child Safeguarding procedures, ratio requirements, drop off/pick up requirements, safe workplace/environment protocols, and provincial regulations.
- Ensure that program space, toys, and equipment is clean, clutter-free, and well-maintained.
- Assist staff in maintaining YMCA policies, etiquette, and safety requirements.
- Assist staff in completing program documentation as required, i.e. helping with attendance tracking.
- Build inclusive, positive working relationships with others.
- Report any known or predicted safety hazards.
- Assist the instructor with documenting any incidents or accidents, no matter how minor, and communicate these back to the Coordinator on the same day.

**Qualifications & Skills**
- Experience working with children and youth as a babysitter, coach, youth group leader, or other similar role
- Interest in supporting youth programming and engaging with children and youth
- Ability to maintain a safe and organized environment
- Communication skills to work with youth, parents, and staff
- Post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education or related field an asset
- Valid Intermediate Workplace First Aid and CPR are an asset.

**Please note that all volunteers of the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth are required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check, clear Child Abuse Registry Check.**
- The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify._