Qualifications
The Military Child Care Act requires national accreditation of CY programs. Minimum education requirements are required by the accrediting body. Incumbents must have one of the following:
A 4-year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or related field, which can include Recreation, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics with an emphasis in Human Development or other degrees as appropriate AND 2 years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth.
OR
Two years of specialized experience teaching children or similar work equivalent to at least the next lower grade or level requiring application of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position to be filled.
- Knowledge of regulations, policies, and standards applicable to the CYP.
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programming designed to meet the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years of age.
- Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
- Knowledge of Federal and State laws governing the detection, prevention, and reporting of child abuse and/or neglect.
- Knowledge of leading a team and understanding motivation and learning styles of individuals and groups in a CYP environment.
- Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
- Skill to provide leadership, mentoring, coaching to develop and lead teams in collaborative environments.
- Skills to conduct informal and formal assessments of children to inform decisions about the children, to improve teaching practices and activity planning, and to drive program improvement.
- Skill to conduct and document observations of CYP direct care staff to determine progression and provide feedback and follow up.
- Ability to support and consistently reinforce developmental training of CYP direct care staff, providing ongoing guidance on the range of principles, practices, and techniques to ensure safe, healthy, and appropriate classroom/activity area operations, including recognition and identification of childhood illnesses and child abuse, etc.
- Ability to conduct and review program evaluations of classroom and activity areas, identifying areas that need improvement, and establishing and implementing corrective action plans to address deficiencies.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing in order to communicate with CYP team and customers, prepare reports and plans, and document observations. Possesses strong interpersonal skills with children, youth, and adults.
- Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations including evacuations, child illness, and physical and emotional needs.
- Ability to maintain records and reports.
- Ability to safeguard and account for monies and equipment.
- Ability to supervise others.
Education
**Must provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) when you apply.**
A 4 year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or related field, which can include Recreation, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics with an emphasis in Human Development or other degrees as appropriate AND 2 years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth.
OR
Two years of specialized experience teaching children or similar work equivalent to at least the next lower grade or level requiring application of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position to be filled.
Note: If your degree has not been awarded and/or you possess certificates of completion for DoD approved competency-based training courses, and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential(s), you MUST also provide a copy of your HS Diploma or equivalent.