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Training Hub
General Policies & Procedures

General Policies & Procedures

General Policies & Procedures

Dress Code

All Kid Zone staff must be wearing a YMCA shirt as well as a name tag. Uniform tops should be clean, in good repair, and worn at all times during work shift. Pants and shorts must be free from rips or tears. All staff must wear closed-toe shoes.

We celebrate diversity and individuality. Staff members are encouraged to express their unique styles while ensuring professionalism and appropriateness.

Please refer to your branch dress code for any further modifications.

Cell Phones and Personal Items

Cell phones and other personal belongings should be stored out of the reach of children. Kid Zone staff are not allowed to use personal cell phones or electronic devices for personal matters during work hours. Personal calls, texting, and browsing is strictly prohibited in the Kid Zone area. Phones should be on silent mode and only checked when you are out of the Kid Zone area. Kid Zone staff members are prohibited from taking photos or videos of children using personal devices and may not allow children to play games or use personal devices for entertainment purposes.  If a personal cell phone is used to listen to music, the playlist must be an approved playlist that is age appropriate.

Staff Training & Development

At the YMCA, our commitment to the well-being and development of our staff is a fundamental aspect of our organization. Ongoing training and professional development are crucial for staff to excel in their roles and provide the best possible service to our members. All staff members are expected to actively participate in training programs provided by the YMCA. This includes both initial onboarding and ongoing training sessions.

Staff should stay informed about updates and changes in policies, procedures, and industry best practices. Regularly check for emails, announcements, or internal communications regarding training and educational opportunities. All staff must have a YMCA email.

The YMCA is dedicated to supporting our staff's growth and development, and your active participation in training is a vital component of our collective success. By fulfilling these training responsibilities, you not only enhance your own skills but also contribute to the betterment of our organization and the positive impact we have on our community.

Safety and Risk Management/Emergency

Despite our utmost efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment, unforeseen incidents may occur. In such instances, it is crucial to respond promptly, document the details accurately, and prioritize the well-being of all involved parties.

In the event of an emergency, the less commotion the better. Act quickly, calmly and rationally. Follow all safety protocols learned in First Aid training.

If 911 is needed, you must alert the membership desk right away so that they can help with the emergency (get parent, notify Exec, bring AED, etc). Make sure to give them as much information as possible so that they can better help you as well as accurately tell the EMT’s what the situation is.

As soon as the incident is over, an incident report must be filled out, the parents must be told, and a Kid Zone supervisor must be made aware.

All YMCA staff members should be able to demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of the emergency procedures. Regular drills and trainings will occur throughout the year.

One way to prevent accidents in the Kid Zone is to be proactive. Throw away any broken supplies, make sure that children are playing with age- appropriate toys, and check to see if the room is child proofed during every shift. Do not allow children to climb on bookshelves, desks, or tables.

Missing Child Procedure

If you notice a child missing when doing your room count, check under/around every space where a child might hide. Have all the children come into the center of the room. Call out the child’s name repeatedly. If you have multiple classrooms, do a check in those rooms as well. If the child is truly not in the room you will then initiate the Missing Child procedure.

  • When a child is missing, immediately go to Member Services and with a detailed description of the child, including the following: Child’s full name and age, physical description of the child, including clothes, physical appearance, and distinguishing marks (scars or birthmarks), Time and location child was last seen.
  • Check Core for a picture, and if available screen print for distribution to staff.
  • Membership will alert all branch leadership staff that there is a missing child. All staff able to leave their area, including Directors, off-duty staff, and all extra staff should report to Member Services for a description of the child and should help search the building. Alert members over speaker that we have a missing child and relay any important information about the child.
  • Ensure all exterior access to the building is locked and monitored; anyone approaching a door is turned away. Designate one staff member to monitor each main entrance or exit and ensure no one leaves. Trusted members can help with this.
  • Member Services should continue to make the following announcement every 30 seconds: “Attention members and guests, (missing child’s first and last name), please come to the front desk.”
  • If the child is not found within 10 minutes, law enforcement is called.
  • If the child is found and appears to have been unharmed, then the child is reunited with the searching family member. If the child is found accompanied by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, reasonable efforts to delay their departure will be used without putting the child, staff, or visitors at risk. Law enforcement will be notified and given details about the person accompanying the child.

Child Abuse Prevention

We are committed to protect the youth in our YMCA and communities. All YMCA staff are mandated reporters. This means that we have an obligation to report any suspicions of child abuse. Staff are also required to take child abuse prevention training annually.