Child and Youth Program Leader

About the Role

The Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader provides direct care, instruction, guidance, and mentoring for children and youth (ages 6 weeks to 18 years) and CY Program Assistants. The incumbent works under the supervision of a higher-graded employee, handling routine assignments independently with technical assistance available as needed. Assignments are reviewed for adherence to policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Mentor
  • Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team and assists with training and professional development.
  • Helps lower-level employees complete Standardized Module Training.
  • Collaborates with the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist to translate professional development training into practice.
  • Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth.
  • Provides feedback and recommendations to credential practicum candidates.
  • Assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and tracking team members' progress.
• Curriculum
  • Plans activities based on the observed needs of children and youth.
  • Reviews and adjusts activities for appropriateness.
  • Collaborates with the T&C Specialist, supervisor, and CY Program Assistants to implement activities meeting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
  • Incorporates parental instructions (e.g., dietary needs, physical needs).
  • Prepares and implements program options for children with special requirements.
  • Assists with special projects, homework, and life skills.
  • Recommends adjustments to activities as needed.
  • Sets up displays, bulletin boards, and arranges snacks/meals where applicable.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment
  • Prepares, arranges, and maintains activity areas and materials.
  • Makes suggestions for improvements to activity areas.
  • Inventories equipment and recommends replenishing supplies.
  • Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Interactions and Relationships
  • Promotes positive interactions among children, youth, and adults.
  • Uses approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
• Supervision of Children and Youth
  • Provides care, supervision, and accountability in compliance with DoD, NAF, and local policies.
  • Maintains control and ensures the safety of children and youth.
  • Oversees arrival and departure, ensuring children depart with authorized persons.
  • Supervises children during indoor/outdoor activities and field trips.
• Parent and Employee Communication
  • Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and installation personnel.
  • Participates in conferences with parents, school representatives, and command personnel.
• Assessment
  • Observes and documents developmental progression or concerns for planning.
  • Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks.
• Compliance
  • Ensures the assigned area meets DoD certification and national accreditation standards.
  • Ensures compliance with laws, policies, and regulations for DoD CY programs.
• 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).
• Must pass background checks, including fingerprinting, Tier 1 with Child Care check, and State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check.
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide immunization records, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance.
• Must complete required training certificates and maintain certifications for DoD Child and Youth Programs.
• Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days is required.
• Automatic disqualification for convictions involving sexual offenses, child victims, or felony drug offenses, as well as negligence in civil/administrative proceedings concerning child injury or death.

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs for children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years).
• Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
• Skill in applying Federal and State laws on child abuse and neglect detection/prevention.
• Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
• Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to train employees on childhood illnesses, child abuse recognition, and other issues.
• Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English (oral and written).
• One year of experience at the CY-02 (GSE-04) level or equivalent.

Education

• Completion of DOD Standardized Module Training AND 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
• OR Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential AND 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
• OR A minimum of a 2-year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or related field (e.g., Recreation, Education, Psychology) AND 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.

Must provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED, or college transcripts (showing degree awarded). If your degree is pending, you must also provide certificates of completion for DoD-approved competency-based training courses and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential.