Child and Youth Program Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Child and Youth Program Assistant

Description

The Child and Youth Program Assistant supports children and youth by planning and facilitating age-appropriate activities, maintaining safe indoor and outdoor environments, and providing direct care and supervision. The role focuses on social skills (friendship and conflict resolution), healthy choices, self-help and school readiness, and exploring the environment. It also requires professional communication with parents and staff, observing and documenting developmental progress/concerns, and maintaining compliance with DoD Child and Youth program standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop schedules and activity plans; tailor activities to individual needs

• Implement planned and spontaneous activities and special events meeting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs

• Provide care for children and youth with special requirements and support safety, health, and nutrition practices

• Prepare and maintain indoor/outdoor activity areas; inventory and secure supplies and equipment

• Support positive interactions using approved child guidance and youth development techniques

• Supervise participants and ensure accountability and safety in accordance with DoD/NAF/local installation policies

• Manage authorized departures per parental instructions and supervise field trips/outings

• Observe for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report as directed (mandatory reporter)

• Communicate professionally with employees and parents; provide daily feedback and participate in conferences

• Observe, document developmental progression/concerns and use results in planning

• Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments

• Support DoD certification and national accreditation compliance and report health/fire/safety concerns

• Collect and report program participation data

Benefits

• Regular full-time position

• Annual leave, sick leave, and paid holidays

• Medical (vision included) and dental insurance

• NAF retirement plan and 401(k) with employer match (up to 3%)

• Basic life insurance and optional life/spouse/dependent coverage

• Medical savings account (FSA)

• Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs

• Discounted tickets and travel options and Navy Exchange shopping privileges

• Childcare discount