All Staff Resources

Part 1: All Staff Orientation

This self-guided Google Classroom course takes about 8 hours to complete. It helps all staff—from Assistant Group Leaders to Directors—learn about the YMCA’s mission, values, and how our programs make a difference. Everyone takes this training to understand the Y’s impact and why it’s such a special place to work. Through this training, you will also become Y-USA Leader certified!

Part 2: Group Leader

Part 2: Assistant Group Leader

This self-guided Google Classroom course takes about (TBD) hours to complete. It gives you a clear overview of what it means to be a Group Leader. You’ll learn about our systems, policies, and what’s expected of you in term of group management and engagement and helping kids with behavior. By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation to lead a safe, fun, and supportive program!

You are welcome to revisit the content in either of these courses at any time during the year. Please reach out to Kathleen if you have any feedback on either course, or suggestions for topic additions.

Callouts must happen before 10AM. If it is after 10AM and you call out of work, it will be considered a no-call / no-show. As a licensed childcare provider, we must maintain staff ratios to operate safely and successfully, and last minute callouts put this practice at risk. If you are calling out, you must text the School Age Director and your site coordinator in a group chat.

If you need time off for something (vacation, doctor's appointment, birthday, etc), you must submit a time off request via email to the School Age Director and your site coordinator at least 2 weeks in advance. You will also need to request time off in Paycom. 

Click here to read through all staff policies and the employee handbook.

Click here to send an email to the School Age Director

Click here to access the "check yourself" list

Child Development and Curriculum Implementation:

• Maintain an environment that supports and encourages the growth and development of children, ensuring it meets licensing requirements of local, state, and federal agencies. Demonstrate appropriate behaviors for school-age children through verbal communication and role-modeling, promoting positive behavior management.

• Assist in welcoming and orienting children to the program, providing an inclusive environment for all children and families regardless of lifestyle and beliefs.

• Collaborate with the Site Coordinators to plan and implement a curriculum that addresses the social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive development of children, utilizing methods and materials appropriate for each child’s developmental level.

• Demonstrate, verbally and through role-modeling, a sound knowledge of best teaching practices.

Child Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure the care, safety, and well-being of all children in the group through proper supervision, enforcing safety standards, and following emergency procedures.

• Maintain accurate records and reporting as required by licensing agencies and the YMCA of the North Shore, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

• Report any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the Site Coordinator/School Age Director promptly.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Welcome parents/guardians to view the program at any time and maintain open communication with them.

• Maintain open lines of communication with the Site Coordinator, promptly communicating any changes in a child’s behavior, family status, or living situation to ensure accurate record-keeping.

Professional Development: Attend meetings and trainings as required by the Department of Early Education and Care, and participate in additional staff meetings and ongoing trainings to enhance professional skills. Perform all other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the program.

Program Environment Oversight: Monitor facility or program areas for health, safety, and cleanliness, ensuring spaces are neat and organized, and report any deficiencies to the Site Coordinator. Ensure the cleanliness of the program area and contents by cleaning up after projects and returning materials and equipment to their proper locations.

No matter your age or income, community college is now free in Massachusetts! Earn your degree for free at NSCC

The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend North Shore Community College for free. No tuition. No fees. And both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.

Click here to learn more!

If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans

• after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan, and

• while working full-time for an eligible employer.

The YMCA of the North Shore is an eligible employer for PSLF. Go to this website to learn more: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service 

Option 1: Direct care staff and supervisors at programs licensed and/or funded by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) are now eligible for the MA Repay Program, a student loan repayment program. This includes staff who work in center-based child care, out-of-school time (OST), and family child care (FCC) programs, including educators and assistants, as well as staff who work in residential programs.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/loan-forgiveness-for-staff-at-programs-licensedfunded-by-eec

Option 2: The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the opening of applications for the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Loan Repayment Program, the first state loan repayment program created exclusively for early education and care professionals. The program was developed through a partnership between the Departments of Higher Education (DHE) and Early Education and Care (EEC).

https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/eceloanrepayment.asp

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Applications for First-Ever Loan Repayments Dedicated to Early Childhood Educators:

The Department of Early Education and Care, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education, is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Student Loan Repayment Program specifically for early childhood educators. Read the press release.  

Who can apply:  

• Those with a completed a bachelor’s degree after July 1, 2013 in a qualifying program of study, at an eligible public or private institution of higher education in Massachusetts. 

• Are currently working in an EEC licensed or funded early education and care program (center based, FCC, OST, Residential or a contracted FCC System).

• Priority will be given to educators who have served five or more years in the field, and those who work in communities that predominantly serve children/families with high needs or in regions facing shortages of education and care seats.

What: Annual loan repayments of up to $7,500 per year, per recipient, subject to appropriation.

When: The application will open on March 9, 2026, and remain open through May 31, 2026.

How: Complete an application in the MassAid portal.

There will be two info sessions on March 25 at 1 pm and 7 pm, with interpretation available. They will be walking through the application process and answering any questions. Sign up to receive Zoom details for either session or to receive the recording using this form.

For more details and information about eligibility requirements, how to apply, and upcoming information sessions, visit Mass.edu/ECELoanRepayment.

YMCA Learning & Career Development Center - Free trainings and professional development courses developed by Y-USA. There are some great courses on OST (Out-of-School-Time) Learning and childcare, but you can find courses about anything!

Massachusetts EEC Strong Start - Free trainings and professional development courses developed by the State of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Yuna - AI Therapy App

Through our ONEDOOR mental wellness initiative, YMCA of the North Shore staff ages 18+ can now access unlimited private and confidential support through Yuna — an AI platform for mental health support, built by clinical experts. This mental wellness app provides in the moment coaching, reflection, and support and includes coping strategies and skill building covering a variety of modalities, and even custom meditations for in-the-moment care. Click here to create your free account using your Paycom email address.

Cartwheel - Telehealth Therapy

Through our ONEDOOR mental wellness initiative, all YMCA of the North Shore staff 18 years and older now have fast, easy and confidential access to psychotherapy with a licensed clinician.

• Individual mental health services: One-on-one weekly virtual therapy with a licensed clinician for up to 6 months. Care can be extended for longer if clinically necessary. 

• Fast, easy, confidential sign-up: Interested staff sign up directly with Cartwheel. YNS leadership and local staff will not have access to any identifying information. 

• Flexible schedule: Appointments 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM,  Monday-Friday with weekend hours. Short waitlists. 

• Culturally responsive: Care offered with diverse clinicians in 5+ languages.

Click here to sign up now. Care is provided as an in-network benefit using your health insurance plan, so a copayment or deductible may apply.

Staff Navigator

All YMCA of the North Shore staff ages 16+ now have access  to a Staff Resource Navigator (Ruby Cunney) who can help with practical life challenges that may be impacting wellbeing, stability, or focus at work. Ruby provides one-on-one, practical support to help staff navigate everyday challenges and connect with helpful resources—both within the Y and in the broader community. The focus is on problem-solving, coordination and next steps, not diagnosis, counseling or crisis support.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Ruby.