Duties
The Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader provides direct care and instruction to children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years) in addition to guidance, assistance, and mentoring for CY Program Assistants. Routine day-to-day assignments are normally performed independently with technical assistance available from supervisor when required. Routine assignments are spot-checked; the more technical assignments are closely reviewed for adherence to policies, procedures, and instructions.
The duties and responsibilities have been grouped into categories, including mentor, curriculum, indoor and outdoor environment, interactions and relationships, supervision of children and youth, parent and employee communication, assessment, compliance, and additional responsibilities. Each is described below.
Mentor
Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team. Works with senior employees to provide instruction and training to lower-level employees. Assists lower-level employees in completing the Standardized Module Training. Assists the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist in helping lower-level CY Program Assistants translate professional development training into practice by mentoring, guiding and role-modeling. Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth. Provides suggestions and makes recommendations to credential practicum candidates. Assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and charts progress of team members' on-the-job skills. Consults frequently with the T&C Specialist for guidance on strategies to further assist team members' professional development efforts.
Curriculum
Plans activities for program participants based on observed needs of individual children and youth. Continually reviews activities and plans for appropriateness. Works with T&C Specialist, supervisor, and the CY Program Assistants to implement activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth. Incorporates special instructions provided by parents such as special dietary needs, physical needs, or other information that may affect the child or youth's experience in the program. Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements. Assists children and youth with special projects, homework, and life skills. Recommends to the T&C Specialist and CY Program Assistants changes and adjustments to activities and plans where necessary to meet unusual situations. Sets up displays and bulletin boards. Arranges for and/or serves appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Indoor and Outdoor Environment
Works with team members to prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Makes suggestions about improvements to the activity areas. Inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies.Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Interactions and Relationships
Encourages participant interest and establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions with other children, youth, and adults. Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
Supervision of Children and Youth
Provides care and supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with the Department of Defense (DoD), NAF Component, and local installation command policies, guidance, and standards. Maintains control of and accounts for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth. Ensures children and youth (as applicable) depart with authorized person according to written parental instructions. Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth. Supervises children and youth during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities and on 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 local installation command personnel. Briefs other employees and parents.
Assessment
Observes children and youth and documents developmental progression and/or concerns and uses the information in planning. Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks when needed.
Compliance
Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent. Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs.
Additional Responsibilities
Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data. Performs other related duties as assigned. A complete list of duties and responsibilities will be provided at the time of hire.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete required training certificates, and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions used as part of DoD's Child and Youth Programs.
- Undergo pre-employment and random drug testing. A positive drug test, or failure to submit for testing, is a basis for removal from this position.
- Pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of all communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
- Employment contingent upon proof of education if not provided at time of application.
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
- Must meet federal suitability requirements including successful completion of background investigation.
Qualifications
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
A qualified candidate possesses the following:
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs 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.
- Skills to apply Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect.
- Skill in understanding interests and motivation of individuals and groups in a CYP environment.
- Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
- Skills to provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to CY Program
- Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
- Ability to train employees on variety of issues to include recognition and identification of childhood illnesses and child abuse, etc.
- Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans/guides.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing and possess strong interpersonal skills.
- One (1) year of experience at the CY-02 (GSE-04) level or equivalent displaying knowledge of and competency in developmentally appropriate programming for children and youth.
Education
**Must provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) when you apply.**
Completion of DOD Standardized Module Training AND High school diploma or equivalent (or higher degree awarded).
OR
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age (MSA) credential AND High school diploma or equivalent (or higher degree awarded).
OR
Associate or higher degree awarded in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Youth Development, or other field related to Pre-K or Primary Education.
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.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How to Apply
Applications are not accepted in person or via email. Applicants must apply online.
Click the blue APPLY button at the top of this announcement to apply.
Next steps
Using the required qualifications of the position, a standardized rating and ranking criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used to screen and assess each application.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Times may vary during the hiring process, as your application status updates/changes you will be notified with a notification letter via email.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., Spam Blocker, etc.), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.