Preschool Support Staff at YMCA OF HASTINGS in Hastings, NE

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Preschool Support Staff position is a flexible, as-needed role designed to provide reliable coverage across Preschool and Extended Care programs. This position operates on an on-call basis without a regularly scheduled shift, stepping in to support classroom routines, assist lead staff, and ensure safe, engaging, and high-quality experiences for children and families when regular staff are absent. This role is ideal for adaptable, dependable individuals who thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about supporting children in a mission-driven care setting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Step into Preschool and Extended Care classrooms on an as-needed, on-call basis to provide seamless substitute coverage when staffing needs arise.
• Provide direct supervision of children across preschool and extended care settings to ensure their safety, well-being, and positive behavior.
• Support lead teachers by assisting in classroom management, routine transitions, and executing age-appropriate activities, games, crafts, and group projects.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment tailored to the developmental needs of preschool and school-age children.
• Assist with the preparation, serving, and cleanup of meals and snacks in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Strictly follow all YMCA child abuse prevention policies, supervision guidelines, and safety protocols.
• Adhere to food handling, sanitation, and allergy-awareness procedures.
• Serve as a positive role model to youth, modeling YMCA character development and values.
• Support supervision and logistics during program field trips, special events, and enrichment activities as scheduled.
• Maintain flexibility for call-ins, understanding that shifts vary based on coverage needs across morning, afternoon, or full-day care schedules.

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Communicate effectively and professionally with program directors, lead teachers, and team members regarding shift availability and classroom coverage.
• Help maintain clean, organized, and properly sanitized learning spaces and materials throughout the shift.
• Warmly greet parents, guardians, and children during check-in/check-out processes while assisting with secure sign-in/sign-out procedures.
• Complete required YMCA staff training modules, incident reports, and compliance documentation in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 18 years old.
• Previous experience working with children (childcare, education, camps, babysitting, etc.).
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Knowledge of child development principles.
• Interest in working with children in a group setting.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings and afternoons.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission and values.

PHYSICAL & WORK REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to actively supervise children, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to respond quickly to safety situations.
• This position works in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with children of varying ages. Duties may change daily based on program needs, enrollment, and staffing. Flexibility and a positive attitude are essential.
• The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate but can be loud at times.
• This position requires working on-site.