Child and Youth Program Assistant

Overview CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth in the Child and Youth Programs (CYP), ensuring they remain engaged, safe, and well‑cared for while participating in the program. The role includes helping children develop social skills, make healthy choices, build self‑help and school readiness skills, and explore the environment around them. Responsibilities Develop schedules and activity plans, review and provide input to program plans. Implement activities and special events that meet physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. Prepare and implement program options for children and youth with special requirements. Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities. Role model developmentally appropriate practices and classroom or activity area management techniques. Promote safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices. Help arrange and serve appropriate snacks or meals. Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials. Set up displays and bulletin boards. Inventory equipment and recommend replenishment. Secure supplies, equipment, and facilities. Establish a program environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions. Interact with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques. Provide care and supervision, oversight, and accountability in compliance with DoD, NAF, and local policies. Maintain control of and account for whereabouts and safety. Supervise during daily schedule of activities, field trips, outings, and special events. Ensure children and youth depart with authorized person as per parental instructions. Observe signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report as directed; act as mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services. Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel. Provide parents with daily verbal or written feedback. Participate in conferences with parents and employees. Observe and document developmental progression and concerns; use information in planning. Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments such as rating scales and risk assessment tools. Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations; notify supervisor of health, fire, and safety concerns. Collect, maintain, and report program participation data. Perform other related duties as assigned. Requirements Must be 18 years of age or older. Complete required training certificates and maintain credentials required by Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions used for DoD CY programs. Pass all applicable records and background checks. Undergo pre‑employment and random drug testing; a positive drug test or failure to submit is basis for removal. Pass a pre‑employment physical; provide evidence of immunization; be free of communicable diseases; obtain appropriate immunizations. Employment contingent upon proof of education if not provided at time of application. Must be U.S. citizen or hold 3 years of lawful U.S. residency. Qualifications A qualified candidate possesses the following: Entry Level (CY‑1702‑01) Effective oral and written communication in English. Follow verbal and written instructions. Complete DoN training requirements within the specified timeframe. Promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers. Work cooperatively as a member of a team. Intermediate Level (CY‑1702‑01) All entry‑level abilities plus: Knowledge of basic child and youth development principles. Implement developmentally appropriate practices to provide high‑quality direct care and education. Interpret a curriculum or activity plan. Plan and organize, work cooperatively as a team. Six (6) months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting. Target Level (CY‑1702‑02) All entry and intermediate knowledge and abilities plus: Knowledge of child and youth development principles to inform efficient program response. Skill to implement developmentally appropriate principles, practices, and services for high‑quality care. Skill to promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers. Skill to work cooperatively as a team. Skill in verbal communication to provide basic program information and explain CYP processes. One (1) year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting. Education High school diploma, GED, or college transcript showing degree awarded. Additional Conditions of Employment Complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint, SCHR, IRC, and other checks. Attendance of required pre‑employment training and physical. All conditions are outlined in accordance with DoDI 1402.05. #J-18808-Ljbffr Navy Region Naval District Washington Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR)