Child and Youth Program Lead

About the role

The incumbent provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more Child and Youth (CY) programs. This includes direct care, curriculum planning, and mentoring of CY Program Assistants, working under the direction of a supervisor or higher‑graded employee.

Responsibilities

• Mentor: Guides and mentors assigned CY Program Assistants; collaborates with senior staff and the Training & Curriculum (T&C) Specialist to deliver instruction, Standardized Module Training, and on‑the‑job skill development; records observations and charts progress; provides recommendations for practicum candidates.
• Curriculum: Plans and reviews activities based on individual needs; implements special‑needs accommodations, snacks/meals, and life‑skill projects; recommends activity adjustments; sets up displays and bulletin boards.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment: Prepares, arranges, and maintains activity areas; suggests improvements; inventories equipment and recommends replenishment; secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Interactions and Relationships: Encourages positive peer interactions; uses approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
• Supervision of Children and Youth: Provides care, oversight, and accountability in compliance with DoD, NAF Component, and local installation policies; maintains safety and accountability; oversees arrivals, departures, field trips, and special events.
• Parent and Employee Communication: Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and installation personnel; participates in conferences; briefs staff and parents.
• Assessment: Observes and documents developmental progress; assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks.
• Compliance: Ensures program meets DoD certification, national accreditation, and applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
• Additional Responsibilities: Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data; performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing (Test Designated Position).
• Successful completion of all background checks for child‑care positions, including fingerprint, Tier 1 Child Care check, and State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check.
• Pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Pass a pre‑employment physical, provide immunization evidence, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain required immunizations.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as needed.
• Complete required training certificates and maintain certifications/credentials required by Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions for DoD Child and Youth Programs.
• Enroll in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
• Effective May 7 2025, non‑affiliated individuals must present a REAL ID‑compliant driver’s license or other acceptable identification to access the installation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs that meet physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of children and youth (6 weeks–18 years).
• Understanding of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to apply Federal and State laws governing detection and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
• Skill in recognizing interests and motivations of individuals and groups in a CY environment.
• Experience in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
• Leadership, mentoring, and guidance abilities for CY Program staff.
• Capability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to train employees on topics such as childhood illnesses and child abuse identification.
• Proficiency in developing curriculum outlines and lesson plans/guides.
• Effective oral and written communication in English; strong interpersonal skills.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience at the CY‑02 (GSE‑04) level or equivalent, demonstrating competency in developmentally appropriate programming.
• Education options (any one of the following):
  • Completion of DoD Standardized Module Training + 12 months experience at CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School‑Age (MSA) credential + 12 months experience at CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.
  • Minimum 2‑year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, Recreation, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics (human development emphasis), or related field + 12 months experience at CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.
• Must provide a copy of high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts (showing degree awarded) with the application. If the degree is pending, also provide HS diploma or equivalent.

Additional Information

Executive Order 12564 requires a drug‑free Federal workplace. All Federal employees must remain drug‑free; illegal drug use, including marijuana, will result in penalties up to removal from Federal service. A positive drug test for marijuana will withdraw the tentative job offer and disqualify the applicant from DoD positions for six months. All individuals providing child‑care services on a Department of Navy installation must complete the Installation Records Check (IRC), which includes checks of substance‑abuse, family advocacy, and security databases. Convictions for sexual offenses, child‑victim crimes, felony drug offenses, or negligent civil judgments related to child injury or death will result in automatic disqualification. Candidates should be committed to improving Federal government efficiency, uphold the ideals of the American Republic, and support the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.