Child & Youth Program Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Child & Youth Program Assistant (CYP)
• Focus: Direct care and youth development within a DoD Child and Youth Program

Description

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth to keep them actively engaged, well-cared for, and safe while participating in daily program activities. The role includes supporting social skill development, helping children make healthy choices, building self-help and school readiness skills, implementing curriculum and special events, and supervising participants indoors, outdoors, and on field trips. The assistant also documents developmental progression or concerns, supports parent/employee communication, and helps maintain compliance with applicable child care and program safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop schedules and activity plans; incorporate observed needs of individual children/youth
• Implement developmentally appropriate activities and special events for physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs
• Support children/youth with special requirements and directed care needs
• Model and facilitate safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate practices
• Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor/outdoor activity areas and materials
• Maintain inventories, secure supplies/equipment/facilities, and replenish depleted items
• Establish a positive program environment and use approved child guidance/youth development techniques
• Provide care and supervision in compliance with DoD/NAF/local installation policies; maintain accountability for whereabouts/safety
• Supervise indoor/outdoor activities and outings; ensure authorized departures per written parental instructions
• Observe and report signs of illness, abuse, or neglect; act as a mandatory reporter per local policy
• Communicate professionally with employees and parents; provide daily feedback and participate in conferences
• Observe and document developmental progression/concerns; use program evaluation tools and risk assessment instruments
• Assist with DoD certification/national accreditation compliance; report health/fire/safety compliance concerns
• Collect and report participation data; perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Complete required training certificates and maintain required certifications/credentials for DoD Child and Youth Programs
• Pass all applicable records and background checks (including fingerprint-based child care checks)
• Pass pre-employment physical and provide evidence of immunization; be free of communicable diseases and obtain appropriate immunizations
• Pass pre-employment and random drug testing; do not test positive for illegal drug use
• Provide proof of education if not provided at application time
• Provide a copy of H.S. Diploma, GED, or college transcripts when applying
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written) and follow verbal/written instructions
• Promote effective working relationships with children/youth and coworkers; work cooperatively in a team
• For intermediate level: 6 months experience working with children/youth in a child/youth setting
• For target level: 1 year experience working with children/youth in a child/youth setting and eligibility via DoD standardized training, CDA/MSA credential, or an eligible 2-year degree

Benefits

• Flexible schedule based on mission needs and availability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7/365 support
• Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs and facilities
• Discounted tickets and travel options; outdoor recreation rentals
• Navy Exchange shopping privileges
• Access to professional development resources
• Medical benefits if scheduled and working an average of 30 hours/week
• Childcare discounts