CYP 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 (6 weeks to 18 years) as well as CY Program Assistants. Work is performed independently with oversight for technical or complex tasks.

Responsibilities

• Mentor
  • Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team and assists senior employees in training lower-level staff.
  • Helps lower-level employees complete Standardized Module Training.
  • Assists the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist in translating 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.
  • Records observations and tracks team members' progress in on-the-job skills with the T&C Specialist.
  • 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 in collaboration with the T&C Specialist, supervisor, and CY Program Assistants.
  • Implements activities and special events addressing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
  • Incorporates parental instructions regarding special dietary, physical, or other 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 to meet 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.
  • Inventories equipment 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.
  • Interacts using 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 persons per written parental instructions.
  • Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth.
  • Supervises 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 and documents developmental progression or concerns to inform 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.