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) while supporting CY Program Assistants. Work is performed independently with technical assistance available from a supervisor as needed.

Responsibilities

• Mentor
  • Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team and works with senior employees to train lower-level staff.
  • Assists lower-level employees in completing Standardized Module Training.
  • Supports 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 suggestions and recommendations to credential practicum candidates.
  • Assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and tracking team members' on-the-job skills progress.
  • Consults with the T&C Specialist for guidance on strategies to support team members' professional development.
• 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 and special events addressing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
  • Incorporates parent-provided instructions (e.g., dietary restrictions, physical needs, or other relevant information).
  • 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 address unusual situations.
  • Sets up displays, bulletin boards, and arranges or serves snacks/meals as applicable.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment
  • Prepares, arranges, and maintains indoor and outdoor 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 participant interest and fosters a program setting that promotes positive interactions among children, youth, and adults.
  • Interacts using 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 accountability for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth.
  • Ensures children and youth depart only with authorized persons according to 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 other employees and parents as needed.
• Assessment
  • Observes children and youth, documents developmental progression 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 or equivalent 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.