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 incumbent works under the direction of a supervisor or other qualified higher-graded employee, who provides guidance on the scope of assignments and assistance on complex, nonroutine problems.

Responsibilities

The Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader provides direct care and instruction to children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years) and mentors CY Program Assistants. Routine assignments are performed independently, with technical assistance available from a supervisor as needed. Responsibilities are grouped into the following categories:

• Mentor
  • Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team.
  • Works with senior employees to train 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 suggestions and recommendations to credential practicum candidates.
  • Assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and charting team members' progress.
  • 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 special instructions from parents (e.g., dietary needs, physical needs).
  • Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements.
  • Assists with special projects, homework, and life skills.
  • Recommends adjustments to activities and plans as needed.
  • Sets up displays and bulletin boards.
  • Arranges for and serves snacks or 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
  • 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, and local policies.
  • Maintains control and ensures the safety of children and youth.
  • Ensures children depart with authorized persons per parental instructions.
  • Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth.
  • Supervises during indoor/outdoor activities, field trips, and special events.
• Parent and Employee Communication
  • Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and installation personnel.
  • Participates in conferences with parents, employees, and school representatives.
  • Briefs employees and parents as needed.
• 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.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days.
• Must reside within 50 miles of zip code 70143 at the time of applying.
• 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.
• Skills 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 in developmentally appropriate programming.

Education

One of the following:

• Completion of DOD Standardized Module Training and 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential and 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
• 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.

Must provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED, or college transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) when applying. If your degree is not yet awarded, you must also provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma or equivalent.

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 13 days per calendar year (earned incrementally; must be onboard 90 days before use).
• Sick Leave: 13 days per calendar year (earned incrementally).
• Paid Holidays: 11 days per year.
• Medical/Vision/Dental: Immediate enrollment and coverage (no waiting period).