CYP Child and Youth Program Leader

Full Job Description

The purpose of the Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader is to provide appropriate specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more Child and Youth programs.

This includes the provision of guidance, assistance, and mentoring for the Child and Youth Program Assistants.

In accordance with DoDI 6060.2, must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent. The Military Child Care Act requires national accreditation of CY programs.

Minimum education requirements are required by the accrediting body.

Incumbents must have one of the following: Completion of DoN Standardized Module Training AND 12-Months experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) Level.

OR A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age (MSA) credential AND completion of 1 year at the CY Program Assistant/Base Level 4 were incumbent displayed knowledge of and competency in developmentally appropriate programming for children and youth.

OR A minimum of a 2-year degree in Youth Development, Child Development or a related field, which can include Recreation, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics with an emphasis in Human Development, or other degrees as appropriate

Major Duties:

The duties and responsibilities of the CYP Leader are grouped into categories, mentor, curriculum, indoor & outdoor environment, interactions & relationships, supervision of children & youth, parent &employee communication, assessment, compliance, & additional responsibilities.

Mentors As a CY Program Assistant, this role supports senior staff by training lower-level employees in Standardized Module Training & collaborates with the Training & Curriculum Specialist to apply professional development through mentoring & role-modeling.

They demonstrate effective youth engagement techniques, advise credential candidates, track team skill development, & regularly consult the specialist to improve growth initiatives.

Curriculum Plans Develops & implements tailored activities for children & youth, collaborating with staff, & accommodating special needs.

Indoor & Outdoor Environment Works with team members to prepare, arrange, & maintain indoor & outdoor activity areas & materials to accommodate daily schedules.

Makes suggestions about improvements to the activity areas. Inventories equipment on a recurring basis & recommends replenishing damaged, missing, & depleted supplies.

Interactions & Relationships Encourages participant interest & establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions with other children, youth, & adults.

Supervision of Children & Youth Provides oversight & accountability for program participants in line with DoD & local policies.

Ensures safety & proper supervision of children & youth during activities & events.

Responsible for monitoring participants for signs of illness or abuse, & mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse & neglect.

Parent & Employee Communication Interacts professionally with employees, parents, & local installation command personnel.

Participates in conferences with parents, employees, school representatives, & local installation command personnel. Briefs other employees & parents.

Plans & conducts activities for parents in order to encourage parents to become involved.

Assessment Observes children/youth & documents developmental progression and/or concerns & uses the information in planning. Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks when needed.

Participates in program evaluation using designated instruments such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools (as required), self-inspection materials, & national accreditation tools.

Compliance Ensures assigned area achieves & maintains standards for DoD certification & national accreditation or equivalent.

Ensures compliance with law, policies, & regulations applicable to DoD CY programs. Additional Responsibilities Collects, maintains, & reports program participation data.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Classification Factors The position requires knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs for children & youth aged 6 weeks to 18 years, child development principles, & applicable Federal & State child abuse prevention laws.

Essential skills include program planning, leadership, emergency identification, staff training, curriculum development, & effective English communication with strong interpersonal abilities.

The incumbent works under general supervision, exercising flexibility, initiative, & creativity to achieve goals, consulting supervisors as needed, with work reviewed for results & compliance.

Operational guidelines encompass federal & military regulations such as the MCCA, DODINST 6060.2, OPNAVINST 1700.9, NAVMED P-5010, SOPs, & professional standards, alongside NAEYC, COA, NAFCC, BGCA, & 4-H curricula, guiding the incumbent in implementing program policies & procedures to achieve timely goals.

The incumbent manages diverse, year-round developmental activities in a CYP, coordinating employee planning sessions to schedule & resource programs, guiding staff toward DoD certification, & collaborating with leadership to improve services.

Scope & Effect The primary purpose of the position is to provide leadership, assistance, & mentoring for CY Program Assistants & to contribute to the efficient operation & administration of the program(s) & related activities.

This contributes to the emotional wellbeing & morale of the military &civilian personnel whose children & youth attend the CY program.

The incumbent maintains personal contacts with CYP leadership, children &youth, parents, employees, military personnel, community members, school officials, & local child & youth & civic organizations.

Purpose of Contacts with children, youth, & parents identify needs to ensure safety, mentor staff, & coordinate community activities.

The incumbent frequently walks, stands, bends, & lifts up to 40 pounds, mainly working in classrooms with occasional driving.

The work environment involves typical safety risks like disease exposure & lifting injuries, with activities indoors or outdoors, adequate facilities, & occasional evening or weekend shifts.