Child and Youth Program Leader

Summary Incumbent provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more CY programs. The incumbent guides, assists, and mentors CY Program Assistants and works under the direction of the supervisor or a higher graded employee. Duties Mentor Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team. Works with senior employees to provide instruction and training to lower-level employees. Assists lower-level employees in completing the Standardized Module Training. Assists the Training and Curriculum Specialist in helping lower-level CY Program Assistants translate professional development training into practice through mentoring, guiding, and role‑modeling. Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth. Provides suggestions and makes recommendations to credential practicum candidates. Assists the Training and Curriculum Specialist with recording observations and charting progress of team members’ on‑the‑job skills. Consults frequently with the Training and Curriculum Specialist for guidance on strategies to further assist team members’ professional development efforts. Curriculum Plans activities for program participants based on observed needs of individual children and youth and continually reviews them for appropriateness. Works with the Training and Curriculum Specialist, supervisor, and CY Program Assistants to implement activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth, incorporating special instructions from parents. Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements and assists them with special projects, homework, and life skills. Recommends changes and adjustments to activities and plans where necessary to meet unusual situations. Sets up displays and bulletin boards. Arranges for and/or serves appropriate snacks or meals where applicable. Indoor and Outdoor Environment Prepares, arranges, and maintains indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules and makes suggestions about improvements. Inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies. Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities. Interactions and Relationships Encourages participant interest and establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions among children, youth, and adults. Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques. Supervision of Children and Youth Provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with DoD, NAF Component, and local installation command policies and standards. Maintains control of and accounts for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth; ensures they depart with an authorized person per written parental instructions. Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth. Supervises children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events. Parent and Employee Communication Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel. Participates in conferences with parents, employees, school representatives, and local installation command personnel. Briefs other employees and parents. Assessment Observes children and youth and documents developmental progression and/or concerns, using the information in planning. Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks when needed. Compliance Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification, national accreditation, or equivalent. Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs. Additional Responsibilities Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data. Performs other related duties as assigned. Conditions of Employment This position is a Test Designated Position (TDP) and requires pre‑employment and random drug testing. Must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 Child Care check, and a State Criminal History Repository check. Must pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. Must pass a pre‑employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, and be free of communicable diseases. Must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as needed. Must complete required training certificates and maintain certifications required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions for DoD Child and Youth Programs. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days is required. Non‑affiliated individuals requesting access must have a REAL ID‑compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification as of May 7, 2025. Must be a U.S. citizen or hold at least 3 years of lawful U.S. residency. Qualifications Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs for children and youth 6 weeks to 18 years. Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques. Skills to apply Federal and State laws governing detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect. Skill in understanding interests and motivation of individuals and groups in a CYP environment. Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling. Skills 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 and identification of childhood illnesses and child abuse. Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans or guides. Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal skills. One (1) year of experience at the CY‑02 (GSE‑04) level or equivalent. Knowledge and competency in developmentally appropriate programming for children and youth. Education Completion of DoD Standardized Module Training and 12 months of experience at the CY‑II (GSE‑04) level; or Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School‑Age (MSA) credential and 12 months experience at the CY‑II level; or a minimum of a 2‑year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field and 12 months experience at the CY‑II level. Applicants must provide a copy of their high‑school diploma, GED, or college transcripts. Salary and Benefits Hourly rate: $27.67 per hour. Eligible for up to $2,000.00 in Retention Bonuses and Time Off Awards. Full‑time – 35 to 40 hours per week. Eligible for benefits. Location Indian Head, MD – on‑site work only; no telework or remote options. EEO Statement DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non‑merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants who need accommodations should email to ensure proper consideration is given. #J-18808-Ljbffr