Child And Youth Program Assistant (Cdc-Flex)

U.S. Air Force Academy • Air Force Academy, CO

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is assigned to the Donna Head Child Development Center at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. The Child and Youth Program Assistant serves in one or more child and youth programs and is accountable for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth ages 6 weeks through 18 years. The role supports a positive program environment, prepares and maintains activity areas and materials, supervises participants during indoor and outdoor activities and events, promotes safety and healthy practices, and follows applicable Air Force Child and Youth Programs policies and regulations. Duties and qualifications vary by entry, intermediate, and target level.

At the entry level, the assistant helps lead planned activities, supports children with projects, homework, and life skills, performs routine tasks, uses prepared curriculum materials, and assists with program records and evaluations. At the intermediate level, the assistant helps plan and conduct activities, implements age-appropriate schedules, participates in parent and staff conferences and program evaluations, oversees participants, and tracks and maintains supplies and participation data. At the target level, the assistant implements activities and special events, develops and carries out schedules and plans, supports children with special requirements, leads planned and spontaneous activities, briefs employees and parents, and participates in program evaluations.

The position requires a favorable background investigation and pre-employment physical, current required immunizations, and completion of assigned training, including Food Handlers certification. Entry-level applicants need no prior experience. Intermediate- and target-level applicants must meet the applicable experience and training or education requirements described in the posting. The listed recruiting incentive pay is $18.70 at entry level, $20.89 at intermediate level, and $22.33 at target level; the posting says pay will be set based on experience, education, and/or certification. The position includes a child care discount for employees’ children and USAFA Commissary privileges.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Must successfully complete and receive favorable adjudication of applicable background investigations and installation, state, and national criminal background checks.
• Must meet minimum immunization requirements for working with children and youth, including the stated requirement for annual influenza vaccination, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical and subsequent physicals.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and remain active for extended periods.
• Must be able to obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate and complete assigned training within specified timeframes.
• Must obtain and maintain required certifications, including First Aid and CPR, as applicable.
• Entry level: no previous experience required.
• Intermediate level: six months of experience equivalent to the entry level, working in a group program with children or youth, and one qualifying training or education pathway: documented DoW standardized entry-level training; equivalent industry training; or at least six semester hours in a related education, child/youth development, or special education field.
• Target level: 12 months of childcare or youth-program experience and demonstrated knowledge of child/youth development theories and principles, plus one qualifying education or training pathway: documented DoW-approved competency-based training; a qualifying child or youth development credential; or at least 12 semester hours of coursework directly related to the age group served.
• Must provide evidence of eligibility and any required preference documentation by the application closing date, 04/14/2027.
• U.S. citizens and qualifying non-U.S. nationals must meet the stated U.S. territory residency requirement or provide the specified installation memorandum.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit is required, and employment verification through E-Verify must be completed.

Responsibilities

• Help establish a program environment that promotes positive interactions among children, youth, and adults.
• Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials.
• Supervise children and youth during daily activities, field trips, outings, and special events, and remain accountable for their whereabouts and safety.
• Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices.
• Care for children and youth with special needs as directed by the supervisor.
• Notify the supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.
• Help arrange and serve appropriate snacks and meals, where applicable.
• Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed.
• Note special instructions from parents and ensure participants depart with an authorized person according to written parental instructions.
• Support DoD certification and national accreditation, where applicable, and comply with Air Force Child and Youth Programs policies and regulations.
• At entry level, assist with planned activities, special projects, homework, life skills, routine tasks, curriculum materials, program participation data, daily reports, and program evaluations.
• At intermediate level, assist with planning and conducting group and individual activities; review and implement age-appropriate schedules; participate in parent and staff conferences and program evaluations; oversee participants; inventory equipment; recommend replenishment; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities; and collect, maintain, and report participation data.
• At target level, implement activities and special events meeting participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs; prepare and implement program options for children and youth with special requirements; develop schedules and plans; demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate activities; brief employees and parents; and participate in program evaluations.

Benefits

• First child: 100% free childcare at the center.
• Second child: 37% employee discount on childcare.
• USAFA Commissary privileges.
• Recruiting incentive pay based on experience, education, and/or certification: $18.70 entry level, $20.89 intermediate level, and $22.33 target level.

What This Job Offers

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