Child and Youth Program Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Child and Youth Program Assistant
• Focus: Direct care and program support for children and youth (CYP)

Description

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth, helping keep them engaged, well-cared for, and safe while participating in the program. The role includes supporting social skills (e.g., making friends, conflict resolution), helping children make healthy choices, building self-help and school readiness skills, and helping them explore their environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop schedules and activity plans; incorporate observed needs of individual children and youth
• Implement activities and special events meeting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs
• Support children with special requirements and special needs as directed
• Demonstrate and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities; model appropriate classroom/activity management
• Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices; help arrange or serve snacks/meals where applicable
• Prepare and maintain indoor/outdoor activity areas and materials; set up displays and bulletin boards
• Inventory equipment and recommend replenishing damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Create a program environment that sustains interest and promotes positive interactions
• Interact using approved child guidance and youth development techniques
• Provide care and supervision in compliance with DoD/NAF and local installation policies
• Maintain control and accountability for participants’ whereabouts and safety
• Supervise activities and transportation on field trips/outings/special events
• Ensure children depart with authorized persons per parental instructions
• Observe and report signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect (mandatory reporter)
• Communicate professionally with employees, parents, and installation command personnel; provide daily feedback
• Participate in parent/employee conferences
• Observe and document developmental progression and/or concerns; use information for planning
• Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments and tools (e.g., rating scales, risk assessment tools)
• Assist with DoD certification and national accreditation/equivalent compliance; report health/fire/safety compliance concerns
• Collect, maintain, and report program participation data
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

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