Child & Youth Program Leader- May be eligible for 1000.00 Incentive at 6 mo. and 1 year

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, including guidance, assistance, and mentoring for CY Program Assistants. Works under the direction of a supervisor or higher‑graded employee who provides scope guidance and assistance with complex, non‑routine problems.

Responsibilities

• Mentor: Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team; works with senior employees to provide instruction and training; assists lower‑level employees with Standardized Module Training; supports the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist by translating professional development training into practice, modeling appropriate behaviors, recording observations, and consulting on professional development strategies.
• Curriculum: Plans activities based on individual children’s and youth’s observed needs; reviews and adjusts activities for appropriateness; collaborates with T&C Specialist, supervisor, and assistants to implement activities and special events that meet physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs; incorporates parent‑provided instructions (dietary, physical, etc.); prepares program options for children with special requirements; assists with homework, life‑skills projects, and makes recommendations for activity adjustments; sets up displays and bulletin boards; arranges and serves appropriate snacks or meals.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment: Prepares, arranges, and maintains indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials; suggests improvements; inventories equipment regularly and recommends replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Interactions and Relationships: Encourages participant interest; establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions among children, youth, and adults; uses approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
• Supervision of Children and Youth: Provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability in compliance with DoD, NAF Component, and local installation policies; maintains control and accounts for whereabouts and safety; ensures children depart with authorized persons per parental instructions; oversees arrival and departure; supervises daily 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 other employees and parents.
• Assessment: Observes children and youth, documents developmental progression or concerns, and uses information for planning; assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks as needed.
• Compliance: Ensures assigned area meets DoD certification and national accreditation standards; maintains compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations for DoD CY programs.
• Additional Responsibilities: Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data; performs other related duties as assigned. A complete list of duties will be provided at hire.

Requirements

• Test Designated Position (TDP) – subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing.
• Successful completion of all background checks for child‑care positions, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 Child Care check, and State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check.
• Pass E‑Verify employment verification check; resolve any discrepancies.
• Pass a pre‑employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain required immunizations.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as needed.
• Complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions used in DoD Child and Youth Programs.
• Participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.

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.
• Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
• Leadership, mentoring, and guidance abilities for CY Program staff.
• Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Capability to train employees on topics such as recognition of childhood illnesses and child abuse.
• Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans/guides.
• Effective oral and written communication in English and strong interpersonal skills.
• Minimum of 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, or a related field (e.g., Recreation, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics with Human Development emphasis) + 12 months experience at CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.
• Must provide a copy of high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing degree awarded; if degree not yet awarded, also provide HS diploma or equivalent along with certificates of completion for DoD‑approved competency‑based training or valid CDA/MSA credential(s).