Child and Youth Program Leader

Incumbent provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more Child and Youth (CY) programs. This includes guidance, assistance, and mentoring for CY Program Assistants. The position operates under the direction of a supervisor or higher-level employee, who provides guidance on assignments and assistance with complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Mentor
  • Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team.
  • Works with senior employees to train and instruct lower-level staff.
  • Assists lower-level employees in completing Standardized Module Training.
  • Helps the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist translate professional development training into practice through mentoring and role-modeling.
  • 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 in on-the-job skills.
  • Consults with the T&C Specialist for guidance on professional development strategies.
• Curriculum
  • Plans activities based on the observed needs of individual 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 restrictions, physical needs) into program activities.
  • Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements.
  • Assists with special projects, homework, and life skills.
  • Recommends adjustments to activities to address unusual situations.
  • Sets up displays, bulletin boards, and arranges or serves snacks/meals as applicable.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment
  • Prepares, arranges, and maintains activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules.
  • Makes suggestions for improvements to activity areas.
  • Conducts recurring equipment inventories and recommends replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies.
  • Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Interactions and Relationships
  • Encourages 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 Component, and local installation policies.
  • Maintains control and ensures the safety and whereabouts of children and youth.
  • Ensures children and youth depart only with authorized individuals per written parental instructions.
  • Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth.
  • Supervises participants during indoor/outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
• Parent and Employee Communication
  • Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel.
  • Participates in conferences with parents, employees, school representatives, and command personnel.
  • Briefs employees and parents as needed.
• Assessment
  • Observes children and youth to document developmental progress or concerns and uses this information 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 applicable to 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 as a Test Designated Position (TDP).
• Must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 with Child Care check, and State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check.
• Must pass the E-Verify employment verification check; discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain required immunizations.
• Must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as needed.
• Must complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions.
• Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or hold 3 years of lawful U.S. residency.
• Automatic disqualification for convictions (civilian or military) involving sexual offenses, child victims, or felony drug offenses, or for negligence in civil/administrative proceedings concerning child injury or death.

Qualifications

Resumes must demonstrate experience and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) relevant to this position. A qualified candidate possesses:

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs for children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years).
• Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
• Skills to apply Federal and State laws governing child abuse and neglect detection/prevention.
• Skill in understanding interests and motivations of individuals and groups in a CY environment.
• Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and guide CY Program Assistants.
• Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to train employees on recognizing childhood illnesses, child abuse, and other issues.
• Ability to develop curriculum outlines, lesson plans, and guides.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• One year of experience at the CY-02 (GSE-04) level or equivalent, demonstrating competency in developmentally appropriate programming.

Education

• Completion of DOD Standardized Module Training and 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
• OR Child Development Associate (CDA) credential 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 a related field (e.g., Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work) and 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.

Applicants must provide a copy of their high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) at the time of application. If the degree is not yet awarded, certificates of completion for DoD-approved competency-based training courses and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential must also be provided along with a high school diploma or equivalent.