Child And Youth Program Assistant

Air Force Materiel Command • Tinker AFB, OK

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at one of the Tinker Child Development Centers or Youth Center, based on facility hiring needs. The Child and Youth Program Assistant (CYPA) serves in one or more child and youth programs and is accountable for the whereabouts and safety of program participants. The role provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth, and may require transporting them in government vehicles. Pay is set based on experience, education, and/or certification: Target Level $21.76, Intermediate Level $20.35, and Entry Level $18.70.

At the Target Level, the assistant coordinates and conducts activities for children and youth ages 6 weeks through 18 years; creates an inviting environment that encourages interest and positive interactions; implements program options for participants with special requirements; demonstrates, instructs, leads, and facilitates planned and spontaneous activities; briefs staff, management, and parents; and inventories equipment and supplies.

At the Intermediate Level, the assistant helps plan, coordinate, and conduct activities; fosters participant interest and positive interactions; implements daily schedules and age- and stage-appropriate activity plans; briefs staff, management, and parents; and inventories equipment and supplies.

At the Entry Level, the assistant performs routine tasks using step-by-step instructions, helps provide planned activities using prepared curriculum and program materials, fosters participant interest and positive interactions, identifies needed supplies and equipment, and attends to children’s physical needs as applicable.

The position requires satisfactory pre-employment checks, a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation, and consent to pre-employment and random drug testing. It also requires a favorable pre-employment physical for lifting, current immunizations including annual influenza vaccination, freedom from communicable diseases, and completion of assigned training—including Food Handlers certification—within the specified time after hire or assignment. A child care fee discount is available to eligible direct care staff.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Must satisfactorily complete pre-employment checks under Air Force and DoD policy, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• Must consent to pre-employment and random drug testing; the position is designated as a Test Designated Position.
• Must complete a favorable pre-employment physical due to a physical lifting requirement.
• Must be able to obtain, maintain, and provide evidence of current immunizations, including annual influenza vaccination, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must complete assigned training, including Food Handlers certification, within the specified time after hire or assignment.
• Target Level: 12 months of experience working in a childcare or youth program and demonstrated knowledge of child/youth development theories and principles.
• Target Level: Must have one of the following: completed DoW-approved competency-based training requirements; a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Military School-Age Credential, or other nationally recognized credential appropriate to the age group served; or at least 12 semester hours of directly related coursework from an accredited college or university.
• Intermediate Level: Six months of experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program for children or youth.
• Intermediate Level: Must have one of the following: completed Entry Level DoW standardized training documented by the Service; completed industry training considered equivalent to DoW Entry Level training; or at least six semester hours of college credit in early childhood, elementary or secondary education, child and youth development, or special education.
• Entry Level: No previous experience required.
• Applicants qualifying through foreign education must provide evidence that their education is equivalent to a conventional U.S. education program.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit is required, and applicants must satisfactorily complete E-Verify employment verification.
• Applicants must provide a REAL ID or an authorized combination of source identity documents to facilitate installation access.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth, and ensure their safety and whereabouts.
• Prepare, plan, coordinate, and conduct age-appropriate activities, as applicable to the assigned level.
• Supervise children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
• Arrange and serve snacks and meals.
• Carry out work in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Transport children in government vehicles when required.
• Create an environment that welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions.
• Implement program options for children and youth with special requirements (Target Level).
• Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities (Target Level).
• Implement daily schedules and activity plans that are appropriate to participants’ age and developmental stage (Intermediate Level).
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities (Target and Intermediate Levels).
• Inventory equipment and supplies (Target and Intermediate Levels).
• Assist with planned activities using prepared curriculum and program materials (Entry Level).
• Generate lists of needed supplies and equipment (Entry Level).
• Attend to children’s physical needs, as applicable (Entry Level).

Benefits

• 100% child care fee discount for the first child enrolled in a full-time or regular part-time Department of the Air Force Child Development Program for eligible direct care staff.
• 25% child care fee discount for any additional children of eligible direct care staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED