Employee Information

EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT

CARLISLE FAMILY YMCA

In order to protect YMCA staff, volunteers and program participants, at no time during a YMCA program may a staff person be alone with a single child where he or she cannot be observed by others. As staff supervise children, they should space themselves in such a way that other staff can see them.

Staff shall never leave a child unsupervised.

Restroom supervision: staff will make sure the restroom is not occupied by suspicious or unknown individuals before allowing children to use the facilities. Staff will stand in the doorway of the restroom while children are using the restroom. This policy allows privacy for the children and protection for the staff (not being alone with a child). If staff are assisting younger children, doors to the facility must remain open. No child, regardless of age, should ever enter a bathroom alone on a field trip. Always send children in pairs, and whenever possible, with staff.

Staff should conduct or supervise private activities in pairs—diapering, putting on bathing suits, taking showers, etc. When this is not feasible, staff should be positioned so that they are visible to others.

Staff shall not abuse children. No type of abuse will be tolerated and may be cause for immediate dismissal. Abuse includes the following:

Physical Abuse: to strike, spank, shake, slap, etc.
Verbal Abuse: to humiliate, degrade, or threaten
Sexual Abuse: to inappropriately touch or speak
Mental Abuse: to shame, withhold kindness, be cruel
Neglect: to withhold food, water, basic care, etc.

Staff must use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison and criticism. Staff will have age-appropriate expectations and set up guidelines and environments that minimize the need for discipline. Physical restraint is to be used only in predetermined situations necessary to protect the child or other children from harm (only administered in a prescribed manner, and must be documented in writing).

Staff will conduct a health check of each child every day as they enter the program, noting any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, etc. Questions or comments will be addressed to the parent or child in non-threatening way. Any questionable marks or responses will be documented.

Staff shall respond to children with respect and consideration and treat all children equally regardless of sex, race, religion or culture.

Staff will respect children’s rights to not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no. Other than diapering, children are not to be touched on areas of their bodies that would be covered by a bathing suit.

Staff will refrain from intimate displays of affection towards others in the presence of children, parents and staff.

While the YMCA does not discriminate against an individual’s lifestyle, it does require that in the performance of their job, they will abide by the standards of conduct set forth by the YMCA.

Staff must appear clean, neat and appropriately attired.

Using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during work hours is prohibited. Smoking or use of tobacco in the presence of children or parents during working hours is prohibited.

Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life and any kind of harassment in the presence of children or parents is prohibited.

Staff must be free of physical and psychological conditions that might affect the children’s physical or mental health. If in doubt, an expert should be consulted.

Staff will portray a positive model for youth by maintaining an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact and maturity.

Staff may not be hired as babysitters or for sleepovers for members or non-member participants who have been met through YMCA activities. Additionally, staff may not invite YMCA children to their home. Any exceptions require a written explanation before the fact and are subject to administrator approval.

Staff are not to transport children in their own vehicles.

Staff may not date program participants under the age of 18 years of age.

Under no circumstances should staff release children to anyone other than the authorized parent, guardian or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian (written parent authorization on file with YMCA).

Staff are required to read and sign all policies related to identifying, documenting and reporting child abuse and attend trainings on the subject as instructed by a supervisor.

Staff will act in a caring, honest, respectful and responsible manner.