ISS (Prekindergarten)
Department of Defense Education Activity
RecentPosted Feb 19
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: February 26, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Program Associate (Pre-Kindergarten) NF-03
United States Army Installation Management Command
Department of the Army
Location
South Carolina
Salary
$40,652 - $48,000
per year
Type
Closes
March 5, 2026
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves working as a program associate in a pre-kindergarten program on a military base, helping young children build essential skills like taking turns and following classroom rules to prepare them for kindergarten.
You'll supervise kids, ensure their safety, and coordinate with school staff for smooth transitions.
It's a great fit for someone with experience in child care or early education who enjoys working with young children in a structured group setting.
Key Requirements
- 18 months experience working in a group program with children or youth (for target level)
- Possess and maintain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age Credential (for target level)
- 12 months experience in a group program with children or youth, plus an AA degree in early childhood education or child development (for entry level alternative)
- BA/BS degree in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, home economics, special education, or related behavioral sciences (for entry level alternative)
- Ability to motivate children to develop kindergarten readiness skills like etiquette and behaviors
- Provide supervision and ensure compliance with DoD, Army, and local policies for child safety
- Complete required training and maintain an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Full Job Description
This position is located at Fort Jackson, SC.
Child and Youth Services (CYS) Employee Childcare Fee: *CYS Regular and FLEX employees (working a minimum of 15 hours) First Child: 100% childcare fee discount (all CYS employees) Second and Subsequent Child: 25% childcare fee discount (all CYS employees) Incentives and Bonuses Incentives will not be paid.
Resumes must be two pages (or less). Resumes should clearly demonstrate the applicant's relevant experience, skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to this position.
A qualified candidate must possess the following: - Meet Target-level requirements and satisfactory performance.
- Possess eighteen (18) months experience working in a group program with children and/or youth. - Possess and maintain a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age Credential.
OR -Meet Entry -level requirements.- Possess twelve (12) months experience working in a group program with children and/or youth.
- Possess AA degree with major emphasis in early childhood education or child development. OR -Meet Entry -level requirements.
- Possess BA/BS degree with a major emphasis in early childhood education, Elementary Education, Child Development, Home Economics, Special Education or related behavioral sciences.
In addition to the above qualifications, candidates who possess the following qualifications will be considered "Highly Preferred" or "Best Qualified": Experience working as a Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant, Child and Youth Program Technician, or Child and Youth Program Assistant (Target Level - 4) is highly preferred.
Major Duties:
- Serves as a Pre-Kindergarten Program Associate in the CYS Services Strong Beginnings Pre-K Program.
- Motivates children to develop “Kindergarten Etiquette” skills, knowledge and behaviors that build a strong foundation for school success such as taking turns, raising hands, walking in a line, etc.
- Provides supervision, oversight, and accountability for children in compliance with DoD, Army and local policies, guidance, and standards.
- Works with the School Liaison Officer and school officials to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Kindergarten.
- Completes designated training requirements and tracks and records training on own Individual Development Plan (IDP).
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