Child And Youth Program Assistant (Entry Level)

Air Education and Training Command • Altus AFB, OK

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) position is located at the Altus AFB Child Development Center. The assistant works in one or more child and youth programs and is accountable for participants’ whereabouts and safety. The role includes providing care and supervision, preparing and supervising activities, arranging snacks or meals, and following applicable policies and regulations. The position may require transporting children in a government vehicle; a valid state driver’s license and good driving record may be required.

At the entry level, the assistant performs routine tasks following step-by-step instructions, helps deliver planned activities using prepared curriculum and materials, creates a welcoming environment, identifies needed supplies and equipment, and attends to children’s physical needs as applicable. Higher-level duties vary: Intermediate assistants help plan and coordinate activities and implement daily schedules, while Target-level assistants coordinate and conduct activities for children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years, including activities for participants with special requirements.

Applicants must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must communicate effectively in English orally and in writing. No prior experience is required for the Entry Level. Intermediate and Target levels require specified experience and training, credentials, or coursework. Employment is contingent on required background and pre-employment checks, drug testing, a favorable pre-employment physical, current immunizations, and completion of assigned training, including Food Handlers certification.

Pay is set based on experience and education and/or certification. Listed rates are $18.70 for Entry Level, $20.35 for Intermediate Level, and $21.76 for Target Level. The Child Development Program offers direct-care staff a 100% child care fee discount for their first child enrolled in a full-time or regular part-time DAF Child Development Program, and a 25% discount for additional children, subject to the stated work-schedule conditions.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Entry Level: no previous experience is required.
• Intermediate Level: six months of experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program for children or youth, plus one of the specified training, credential, or education pathways.
• Target Level: twelve months of experience working in a childcare or youth program and demonstrated knowledge of child/youth development theories and principles, plus one of the specified training, credential, or education pathways.
• Must complete satisfactory 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 as a Test Designated Position.
• Must meet the physical lifting requirement and complete a favorable pre-employment physical.
• Must 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 period after hire or assignment.
• A valid state driver’s license must be obtained and maintained if required to transport children; a good driving record may be required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must use direct deposit and satisfactorily complete an E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must provide a REAL ID or an authorized combination of identity documents to access the installation.
• Must provide supporting documentation for Intermediate or Target Level qualifications and any claimed eligibility or preference.
• Foreign education may qualify if evidence demonstrates equivalence to a conventional U.S. education program.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth participating in the program.
• Help prepare age-appropriate activities and supervise participants 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.
• At the Target Level, coordinate and conduct activities for children and youth ages 6 weeks to 18 years.
• Create an environment that welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions.
• Implement program options for children and youth with special requirements.
• Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities.
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities.
• Conduct inventories of equipment and supplies.
• At the Intermediate Level, assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting activities for program participants.
• Implement daily schedules and activity plans that are appropriate to participants’ ages and developmental stages.
• At the Entry Level, perform routine tasks following step-by-step instructions and assist with planned activities using prepared curriculum and program materials.
• At the Entry Level, generate lists of needed supplies and equipment and attend to children’s physical needs as applicable.

Benefits

• 100% child care fee discount for the first child enrolled in a full-time or regular part-time DAF Child Development Program for eligible direct-care staff meeting the stated work-schedule condition.
• 25% child care fee discount for additional children of eligible direct-care staff meeting the stated work-schedule condition.

What This Job Offers

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