Child and Youth Program Leader

About the Role

The Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader provides direct care, instruction, guidance, and mentoring to children and youth (ages 6 weeks to 18 years) and assists CY Program Assistants. Work is performed independently with oversight for technical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Mentorship:
  • Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team and works with senior employees to train lower-level staff.
  • Assists in completing Standardized Module Training and helps translate professional development into practice.
  • Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth.
  • Provides feedback and recommendations to credential practicum candidates.
  • Records observations and tracks progress of team members' on-the-job skills with the T&C Specialist.
• Curriculum:
  • Plans activities based on individual needs of children and youth, ensuring 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 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 to accommodate daily schedules.
  • Suggests improvements to activity areas.
  • Conducts recurring equipment inventories and recommends replenishment of 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 Component, and local installation policies.
  • Maintains safety and tracks the whereabouts of children and youth.
  • Ensures children depart with authorized persons per parental instructions.
  • Oversees arrival and departure, and 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, school representatives, and command personnel.
• Assessment:
  • Observes and documents developmental progression or concerns to inform planning.
  • Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks.
• Compliance:
  • Ensures the program 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.