Child and Youth Program Training and Curriculum Specialist

Full Job Description

The purpose of the Child and Youth Program (CYP) Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist position is threefold: (1) to provide and deliver a comprehensive training program to CYP professionals and alike, that supports the professional requirements of their positions; (2) to assist with the implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum/program for children and youth, ages 6 weeks to 18 years; and (3) to promote school readiness and support ongoing school success.

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position.

Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

A qualified candidate possesses the following: Knowledge of early childhood or youth education principles, concepts, and techniques to develop, interpret, monitor and evaluate the execution of curriculum and age-appropriate activities.

Knowledge of adult learning techniques and experience training adult learners. Knowledge of Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect.

Knowledge of the national accreditation criteria and process, the required core programs of School Age Care (SAC) and Youth Programs (YP), and the skills and knowledge to implement the Department of Defense (DoD) certification standards.

Skill in planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of programs. Skill to develop curriculum outlines, courses of study lesson plans/guides, and to conduct training workshops.

Ability to support DOD certification, accreditation, and staff credentialing (Child Development Associate (CDA), Military School-Age (MSA) and higher education) by ensuring required training is administered and successfully accomplished to meet statutory and program requirements.

Ability to provide guidance and leadership to CYP Professionals. Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations including evacuations, child illness, and physical and emotional disorders.

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal communication skills. Major Duties:

Major duties and responsibilities are summarized below. Training Serves as a lead participant in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent.

Develops, coordinates, and delivers a comprehensive training program that is designed to expand the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of individuals assigned to work with children and youth in Navy CYP, ensuring appropriateness for the age group(s)/program area that the learner is assigned.

Arranges for subject matter experts to conduct/support specialized training, as needed.

Identifies ongoing training needs by evaluating individual's strengths and challenges and tailors training plans and content to meet the needs of learners.

Coordinates with CYP Directors to establish training plans that addresses the range of CYP training requirements, confirms each professional is scheduled for required learning opportunities and ensures resources are available to support career progression Works primarily with CY Program Assistants to ensure DoD standardized courses are completed and competencies are documented as mastered within specified timeframes.

Classroom/Programming Support Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs.

Monitors and provides quality assurance for the development and implementation of curriculum, activity plans, schedules, and routines that incorporate the observed needs of children and youth.

Observes, reviews, evaluates, and modifies activities and plans for appropriateness and effectiveness to optimize the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development, unique developmental needs, and experiences in classrooms/activity areas and programs.

Coordinates recommendations for adjustment and conducts follow up observations, as needed Provides frequent physical check of assigned classrooms/activity areas to ensure supervision and accountability measures are implemented and ensures professionals functioning in single ratio are supported as needed.

Conducts quality assurance checks on classroom/activity records to include lesson plans, after action plans, medication and allergy documentation, classroom inspection checklists, temperature logs, child portfolios, inclusion and behavior support plans, accident/incident reports, child attendance and accountability reports, as well as any locally required documentation.

Ensures the quality and consistency of developmental programming to include the environment, equipment, materials, program structure, curriculum, risk management practices, and oversight and coordination of activity schedules and lesson plans.

Reviews inspection and accreditation requirements for knowledge of overall process and updates Provides direction and support for CYP professionals in preparing for and completing tasks and procedures related to inspections and accreditation.

Advises appropriate behavior management techniques and classroom management strategies while working with children and youth.

Ensures best practices in supporting and responding to children and youth of all abilities. Facilitates inclusion of children who require accommodations for participation in CYP.

Guides Program Assistant team in preparing and implementing program options for children and youth with special or unique requirements and individual needs.

Monitors and ensures care for children with special needs is applied, evaluated, and modified, in accordance with policy.

Mentoring Creates a work environment that supports ongoing professional development and continuous quality improvement through observation, coaching, mentoring, collaborative learning, and reflective practice.

Mentors, guides, coaches, and provides role-modeling consistently for the CYP direct care team. Serves as a resource for the overarching CYP team.

Monitors and coordinates with the CYP Lead to ensure recording of observations and documenting progress of team members' on-the-job skills implementation and professional development.

Participates in meetings, events and training as required. Observes and provides guidance to CYP team on parent communication strategies.

Monitors verbal and written feedback provided to parents about their child or program activities.

Provides timely and critical on the spot feedback to CYP team members, including positive recognition, as well as constructive feedback to ensure smooth classroom/activity operations.

Elicits support from Director and supervisor as needed and communicates ongoing team performance to supervisor. Carries out EEO policies and communicates support of those policies to CYP employees.