Summary

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth, keeping them actively engaged, well-cared for, and safe while participating in the CYP. The CYP Assistant's day includes helping children develop social skills such as making friends and conflict resolution; make healthy choices whether it be choosing nutritional snacks or appropriate recreational activities; build self-help and school readiness skills; and explore the environment around them.

Learn more at: https://www.navycyp.org.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Clarification from the agency

WHO MAY APPLY: Applicants with SOFA Sponsorship only. This includes applicants with current Military Spouse Preference, Family member preference, and current Federal employees within the Kanto region.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities of the CY Program Assistant have been grouped into categories, including 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.

Curriculum

Develops schedules and activity plans. This may include reviewing and providing input into schedules and activity plans developed by the entry level and intermediate level Educational Aids (CY Program Assistants), CY-1702-I. Ensures that program plans and activities incorporate the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Implements 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. Cares for children and youth with special needs as directed by the supervisor.
Demonstrates, instructs, leads, and facilitates planned and spontaneous program activities.
Role models developmentally appropriate practice and classroom or activity area management techniques.
Promotes and models safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices.
Helps arrange for and/or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.

Indoor and Outdoor Environment

Helps prepare, arrange and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules.
Sets up displays and bulletin boards.
Inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies.
Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.

Interactions and Relationships

Establishes a program environment that sustains participant interest and 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 policies, guidance, and standards.
Maintains control of and accounts for whereabouts and safety of children and youth.
Supervises children and youth during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensures children and youth (as applicable) depart with authorized person according to written parental instructions.
Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect and reports as directed. Incumbent is a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as prescribed by local policy in the case of suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect.

Parent and Employee Communication

Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel.
Provides parents with daily verbal or written feedback about their child/youth or program activities.
Participates in conferences with parents and employees.

Assessment

Observes children and youth and documents developmental progression and/or concerns. Uses the information in planning.
Participates in program evaluation using designated instruments such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools (as required), self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.

Compliance

Assists in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent.
Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs Notifies supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.

Additional Responsibilities

Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be 18 years of age or older.
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.
Pass all applicable records and background checks.
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.
Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and therefore use of marijuana is illegal under Federal law regardless of State laws.
A positive drug test result for marijuana (or any other drug tested for) will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and ineligibility to apply for a position within the Department of Defense for 6 months from the date of the drug test.
This position has been identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent of this position will be subject to and must consent to a pre-employment and random drug testing.
Ability to sustain considerable walking, standing, bending and stooping, and lifting up to 40 pounds.

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:

Entry Level (CY-1702-01)

Prior experience working with children and/or youth preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to complete all Department of the Navy (DoN) training requirements within the specified timeframe.
Ability to promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.
Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.

Intermediate Level (CY-1702-01)

Entry Level abilities plus:

Knowledge of basic child and youth development principles to meet the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development needs of children and youth.
Ability to implement developmentally appropriate principles and practices to provide high-quality direct care and education and development.
Ability to interpret a curriculum or activity plan.
Ability to follow written instructions.
Ability to plan and organize, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
Ability to promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.
Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
Six (6) months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.

Target Level (CY-1702-02)

Entry and Intermediate Levels' knowledge and abilities plus:

Knowledge of child and youth development principles in order to appropriately inform the efficient and effective program response to meet the needs of children and youth.
Skill to implement developmentally appropriate child and youth development principles, practices, and services in order to provide high-quality direct care and education for children and youth, either individually or within groups.
Skill to promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.
Skill to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
Skill in verbal communication in order to provide basic program information and explain CYP processes and procedures.
One (1) year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.

Education

**Must provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) when you apply.**

Entry Level (CY-1702-01)

A successful candidate must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Note: Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred.

Intermediate Level (CY-1702-01)

A successful candidate must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent, have six (6) months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting AND have the following:

Completion of Navy Entry Level training requirement (Army, Air Force, and Marine equivalent accepted).

Target Level (CY-1702-02)

A successful candidate must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent, possess one (1) year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting AND have one of the following:

Completion of the DoD standardized training courses;

A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age (MSA) credential;

A minimum of a 2-year degree in degree 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.

When education is a basic requirement for the position, or when substituting education for experience, applicants MUST submit a copy of your high school transcripts, college transcript, or a list of courses which includes grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and/or semester hours earned as part of your application package.

Foreign education must include evidence that it is comparable to education received at accredited educational institutions in the United States.

All substitutions of education for experience will be made in accordance with OPM approved qualification standards. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U.S. Department of Education websites at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications and http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Additional information

Conditions of Employment Cont.:

Non-US Citizen or Non-US Bona Fide Resident Alien (Non-Green Card Holder) applicants who are SOFA sponsored must provide a completed police record check with at least seven (7) years of history from the embassy/consulate of their country of citizenship upon receipt of a formal job offer.

Incumbents must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, and a State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check. All individuals involved in the provision of child care services on a Department of Navy (DON) installation or in a DON-sanctioned program must complete the Installation Records Check (IRC). The IRC includes a check of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) records in the Alcohol and Drug Management Information Tracking System (ADMITS) database, a check of the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) records in the Fleet and Family Support Management Information System (FFSMIS), and an installation security/base check via the Navy Justice Information System (NJIS) database and/or other law enforcement systems. This information will be used to determine suitability for the applicant in accordance with criteria for automatic and presumptive disqualifiers, per DoDI 1402.05.

Per Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1402.05 Background Checks on Individuals in DoD Child Care Services Programs, incumbents will be automatically disqualified for a conviction in either civilian or military court (to include any general, special, or summary court-martial conviction or if they received non-judicial punishment [under Article 15 or chapter 47 of Title 10, U.S.C]) for any of the following: a sexual offense, any criminal offense involving a child victim, or a felony drug offense. Additionally, the incumbent will be automatically disqualified if he/she has been held to be negligent in a civil adjudication or administrative proceeding concerning the death of or serious injury to a child or dependent person entrusted to the individual's care.

Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. We utilize E-Verify to confirm selectee's eligibility to work in the United States.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

NAF Flexible (FLEX) employees are not eligible for benefits or leave accrual.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be screened for the following minimum qualifications:

Minimum Requirement (Yes/No): Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated for:

PD# CY-13-01: Must meet minimum requirements.

PD# CY-13-02 - Intermediate (GSE-03): Must have one of the following: Successful completion of Navy Entry Level Training requirements (Army, Air Force, Marine equivalent accepted) AND 6 months of experience working with children or youth in a child or youth setting

PD# CY-13-03 - Full Performance (GSE-04): Must have one of the following: Successful completion of DOD standardized training courses AND possess 1 year of experience working with children and youth OR a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age (MSA) credential AND 1 year of experience OR a 2-year degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development or related field of study, which can include Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Youth Development, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics with an emphasis in Human Development, or other degrees as appropriate AND 1 year of experience.

Note: Experience outside of Federal childcare is acceptable (e.g., paid, volunteer, student teaching, practicum).
Completion of the Department of Defense (DoD) Standardized Training Modules from another Branch (i.e., Air Force, Army, Marines) is acceptable.

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. Resumes will be rated based on the information provided to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for the grade level they are qualified for. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Required Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application:

Resume: two-page limit, learn more here - Resume Requirements
Proof of education/training: provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s); if degree hasn't been conferred, provide copy of HS Diploma, GED, or equivalent
If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation
Proof of SOFA Status: provide a copy of PCS orders and Family Entry Approval (Military) or Letter of Employment (Civilian)
If claiming Military Spouse or Family Member Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application
If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.)
If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50

Note: When submitting transcripts for an Associate degree or higher, proof of a high school diploma or equivalent is not required. All transcripts MUST show student's name, the name of the awarding university or educational institution, degree type, awarded/conferred date, and the field of study (major). 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. Altered transcripts will not be accepted.

Transcripts from foreign colleges must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in order to be considered. Applicants are responsible to obtain and submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency which is a private U.S. organization. Credential evaluations are not free and applicants are responsible for the cost of the selected service.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. When building or uploading your resume, please note there is a two-page limit. The system will restrict any attempts to submit a longer document.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/12/2026 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12869839

It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant

To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJobs account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status

DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to usn.ncr.cnicwashingtondc.mbx.naf-hrinquiries@us.navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given.

Agency contact information

CNRJ NAF Human Resources

Phone: 81-468-16-5446
Email: FFR_NAFRecruitment@us.navy.mil

Address: Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka
CNRJ NAF HRO (N941)
PSC 473 Box 12
FPO, AP 96349-0001
US

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.

Child and Youth Program Assistant (Flex) Job