CYP 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 works with senior staff to train lower-level employees.
  • 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 team members' progress in on-the-job skills.
  • Consults with the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist on professional development strategies.
• Curriculum
  • Plans activities based on individual needs of children and youth.
  • Reviews and adjusts activities for appropriateness in collaboration with the T&C Specialist and supervisor.
  • Implements activities and special events addressing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
  • Incorporates parental instructions (e.g., dietary restrictions, physical needs).
  • Prepares and implements program options for children with special requirements.
  • Assists with homework, life skills, and special projects.
  • Recommends adjustments to activities as needed.
  • Sets up displays, bulletin boards, and arranges snacks or meals where applicable.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment
  • Prepares, arranges, and maintains activity areas and materials.
  • Makes suggestions for improvements to activity spaces.
  • Conducts recurring equipment inventories and recommends supply replenishments.
  • 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 safety and tracks the whereabouts of children and youth.
  • Ensures authorized departure of children per parental instructions.
  • Supervises indoor/outdoor activities, field trips, outings, 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.
  • Briefs employees and parents as needed.
• Assessment
  • Observes and documents developmental progress or concerns for planning purposes.
  • 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.