Child and Youth Program Leader

Summary

Incumbent provides appropriate specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more CY programs. This includes the provision of guidance, assistance, and mentoring for the CY Program Assistants, working under the direction of the supervisor or other qualified higher‑graded employee.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and instruction to children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years) and mentor CY Program Assistants.
• Plan and implement activities based on the observed needs of individual children and youth, including daily schedules, special events, and special requirements.
• Maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas, manage equipment, and secure supplies.
• Supervise and ensure compliance with DoD, NAF Component, and local command policies; maintain control of and account for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth.
• Communicate professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel and participate in conferences and briefings.
• Conduct observations and assessments of children and youth, document developmental progression, and use the information to plan programming.
• Ensure area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent; maintain compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
• Collect, maintain, and report program participation data and perform any additional related duties assigned.

Requirements

• Must consent to pre‑employment random drug testing and complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 check, and State Criminal History Repository check.
• Must pass the E‑Verify employment verification check; resolve any discrepancies as a condition of employment.
• Must pass a pre‑employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, and be free of all communicable diseases.
• Must successfully obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance as needed.
• Must 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.
• Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required.
• Starting May 7 2025, non‑affiliated individuals requesting access must possess a REAL‑ID compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Skill in applying Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect.
• Understanding of the interests and motivation of individuals and groups in a CYP environment.
• Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
• Ability to provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to CY Program Assistants.
• Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to train employees on a variety of issues including recognition of child abuse and related topics.
• Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans/guides.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication in English, both orally and in writing.
• One (1) year of experience at the CY‑02 (GSE‑04) level or equivalent demonstrating competency in developmentally appropriate programming for children and youth.

Education

• Completion of DOD Standardized Module Training AND 12 months experience at the CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.
• OR Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School‑Age (MSA) credential AND 12 months experience at the CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.
• OR Minimum of a 2‑year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field (e.g., Recreation, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics with an emphasis in Human Development) AND 12 months experience at the CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.
• Must provide a copy of HS diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing degree awarded/conferred when applying.

Additional Information

The Department of Defense requires a drug‑free workplace. All federal employees are required to remain drug‑free throughout their employment. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties, including removal from federal service. Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act; a positive drug test may result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and ineligibility to apply for a DoD position for 6 months. All individuals providing child care services on a Department of Navy installation must complete the Installation Records Check and meet all DoDI background‑check requirements.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the federal government, uphold the rule of law, and support the ideals of the United States Constitution.

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