Child and Youth Program Leader

Summary

Incumbent provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more Child and Youth (CY) programs. The role includes guidance, assistance, and mentoring for CY Program Assistants. The incumbent works under the direction of a supervisor or other higher graded employee, who provides guidance on scope of assignments and assistance on complex, non‑routine problems encountered.

The role is grouped into several categories:
Mentor, Curriculum, Indoor and Outdoor Environment, Interactions and Relationships, Supervision of Children and Youth, Parent and Employee Communication, Assessment, Compliance, and Additional Responsibilities.

• Mentor – Provides instruction and training to lower‑level employees, assists with Standardized Module Training, collaborates with the Training and Curriculum Specialist, models appropriate behaviors, offers suggestions and recommendations to credential practicum candidates, records observations, and consults frequently for professional development guidance.
• Curriculum – Plans activities based on observed needs, reviews activities for appropriateness, works with the T&C Specialist to implement events that meet physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, incorporates special parental instructions, prepares program options for children with special requirements, recommends changes to activities, and sets up displays and bulletin boards.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment – Prepares, arranges, and maintains activity areas, suggests improvements, inventories equipment, recommends replenishment, and secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Interactions and Relationships – Encourages participant interest, establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions, and interacts using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
• Supervision of Children and Youth – Provides care and supervision, maintains control and accounts for whereabouts and safety, oversees arrival and departure, supervises daily schedules and special events.
• Parent and Employee Communication – Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; participates in conferences; briefs other employees and parents.
• Assessment – Observes developmental progression, documents concerns, assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks.
• Compliance – Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification and national accreditation; 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; a complete list of duties will be provided at the time of hire.

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs designed to meet the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years.
• Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
• Skills to apply Federal and State laws governing the 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.
• Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to train employees on a variety of issues to include recognition and identification of childhood illnesses and child abuse.
• Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans/guides.
• Communication effectiveness in English, orally and in writing, and strong interpersonal skills.
• One (1) year of experience at the CY‑02 (GSE‑04) level or equivalent displaying knowledge of and competency in developmentally appropriate programming for children and youth.

• This position has been identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent must consent to pre‑employment random drug testing.
• Must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 with Child Care check, and State Criminal History…