Child and Youth Program Assistant

Curriculum

Develops schedules and activity plans. Implements activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth. Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements. Helps arrange for and/or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.

Indoor and Outdoor Environment

Helps prepare, arrange and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Sets up displays and bulletin boards. Inventory equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies. Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.

Interactions and Relationships

Establishes a program environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions with other children, youth and adults. Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.

Supervision of Children and Youth

Provides care and supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with the Department of Defense (DoD), NAF Component, and local installation policies, guidance, and standards. Maintains control of and accounts for whereabouts and safety of children and youth. Supervises children and youth during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events. Ensures children and youth (as applicable) depart with authorized person according to written parental instructions. Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect and reports as directed. Incumbent is a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as prescribed by local policy in the case of suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect.

Parent and Employee Communication

Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel. Provides parents with daily verbal or written feedback about their child/youth or program activities. Participates in conferences with parents and employees.

Assessment

Observes children and youth and documents developmental progression and/or concerns. Uses the information in planning. Participates in program evaluation using designated instruments such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools (as required), self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.

Compliance

Affords assistance in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent. Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs. Notifies supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Complete required training certificates, and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions used as part of DoD's Child and Youth Programs.
• Pass all applicable records and background checks.
• Undergo pre-employment and random drug testing. A positive drug test, or failure to submit for testing, is a basis for removal from this position.
• Pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of all communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
• Employment contingent upon proof of education if not provided at time of application.
• Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and therefore use of marijuana is illegal under Federal law regardless of State laws.
• This position has been identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent of this position will be subject to and must consent to a pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access the installation. (review required documents section for more information.)