Childcare closing staff - downtown early childhood education center

Job Details

Job Location: DT Early Childhood Education Center - Huntsville, AL 35805

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Closing Childcare Staff Member plays a key role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and supportive end to each child’s day in the YMCA Early Childhood Education Center. This position is responsible for guiding afternoon activities, preparing children for departure, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards, and ensuring all closing procedures are followed. The ideal candidate is nurturing, detail-oriented, and dependable, with a strong commitment to the Y’s core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervise and engage children in age-appropriate, enriching activities during afternoon hours.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment as the classroom winds down for the day.
• Prepare children for pick-up by helping with transitions, communication with families, and daily wrap-up routines.
• Communicate with parents/guardians in a professional and friendly manner during pick-up, sharing key highlights from the day.
• Assist with meal/snack service and classroom clean-up according to health and safety guidelines.
• Follow closing checklist and ensure all YMCA and licensing requirements are met prior to end-of-shift.
• Document incidents, accidents, or unusual behaviors according to YMCA policies.
• Collaborate with other staff to ensure smooth transitions between shifts and effective communication.
• Secure the classroom and facility as appropriate at the end of the day.
• Support and promote the YMCA mission, policies, and practices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience working with children in a licensed childcare setting preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Must pass background check and meet all state/local childcare licensing requirements.
• Ability to remain calm and flexible during late-day transitions and potential behavioral challenges.
• Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and a team-oriented mindset.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a part-time position scheduled Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Because this position is responsible for supporting the opening of the child care center, consistent and punctual attendance is an essential function of the role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to remain alert and responsive to the needs of children at all times, especially during early morning hours. Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor with children. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds as needed (e.g., picking up children, moving classroom equipment). Visual and auditory ability required to observe, supervise, and interact with children throughout the day. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions for playground or walking activities. May involve cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and toys at the end of the day. Must be able to work in a noisy and active environment and manage multiple tasks and demands simultaneously. Frequent interaction with children, families, and team members in a dynamic and fast-paced setting.