Child and Youth Program Assistant

Quick Facts

• Role: Child and Youth Program Assistant (Entry, Intermediate, and Target levels)

Description

Child and Youth Program Assistants provide direct care and structured programming for children and youth, keeping participants engaged, safe, and well-cared for. The role includes planning and implementing curriculum activities, supporting healthy choices and self-help/school readiness skills, supervising participants indoors/outdoors and on outings, and communicating with parents and staff. Assistants also observe and document developmental progress/concerns and help maintain compliance with DoD and local policies.

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 special instructions (e.g., dietary/physical needs) and care for children with special requirements as directed
• Set up and maintain indoor/outdoor activity areas, materials, and safety supplies; inventory equipment and recommend replenishment
• Establish positive interactions using approved child guidance and youth development techniques
• Supervise participants, account for whereabouts, and ensure authorized departure per parental instructions
• Observe for signs of illness/abuse/neglect and report as directed (mandatory reporter)
• Provide daily feedback to parents and participate in parent/employee conferences
• Document developmental progression/concerns and support program evaluation using required tools
• Assist with compliance toward DoD certification and national accreditation; report health/fire/safety concerns
• Collect and report participation data and perform other assigned duties

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Complete required training certificates and maintain required credentials
• Pass all applicable records and background checks
• Pass pre-employment and random drug testing; positive test or refusal can result in removal
• Pass pre-employment physical; provide evidence of immunization; free of communicable diseases
• Provide proof of education if not provided at application (HS diploma/GED or transcripts required)
• Entry level: Effective English communication; follow verbal and written instructions; complete DoN training on time; foster relationships with children/youth and coworkers; teamwork
• Intermediate level: Entry-level abilities plus basic child and youth development knowledge; implement developmentally appropriate care; interpret curriculum; 6 months experience working with children/youth
• Target level: Entry/intermediate abilities plus child and youth development knowledge; implement developmentally appropriate practices; verbal communication to explain CYP processes; 1 year experience; meet training/credential/degree options

Benefits

• Flex Continuous positions: access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs (e.g., gyms/fitness centers, marinas, golf), and discounted tickets/travel plus Navy Exchange shopping privileges
• May be eligible for Flex with medical benefit after one year (average ~30 hours/week)
• May be eligible for conversion to Full Time with benefits after one year as Flex (average ~35 hours/week, contingent on position availability)
• Daycare discount