CYP Child and Youth Program Assistant (Multi Level)

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Monterey, CA

About The Position

Child and Youth Program Assistants work directly with children and youth to keep them actively engaged, well cared for, and safe while participating in the Child and Youth Program (CYP). They help participants develop social skills, make healthy choices, build self-help and school-readiness skills, and explore their environment. The role includes planning and facilitating activities, maintaining safe and engaging indoor and outdoor spaces, supervising participants, communicating with parents and coworkers, observing and documenting development, and supporting program compliance and evaluation. The posting describes entry, intermediate, and target levels, with level-specific qualifications and experience requirements.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and follow verbal and written instructions.
Must be able to complete required Department of the Navy training within the specified timeframe and maintain certifications or credentials required by applicable authorities and accreditation institutions.
Must promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers and work cooperatively as a team member.
Must pass applicable records and background checks, including checks required for child-care positions.
Must undergo pre-employment and random drug testing; failure to submit or a positive test result is grounds for removal or withdrawal of the tentative job offer, as stated in the posting.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations against communicable diseases.
Must provide proof of education if it was not provided with the application.
Intermediate level: Entry-level abilities, knowledge of basic child and youth development principles, ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices and interpret a curriculum or activity plan, and six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Intermediate level: High school diploma or equivalent, six months of relevant experience, and completion of Navy Entry Level training (or an accepted Army, Air Force, or Marine equivalent).
Target level: Entry- and intermediate-level knowledge and abilities, skill implementing child- and youth-development practices and services, effective verbal communication of basic program information and CYP processes, and one year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Target level: High school diploma or equivalent and one of the following: completion of DoD standardized training courses; a valid CDA or MSA credential; or at least a two-year degree in a listed or related education, child-development, recreation, or youth-development field.
Entry level: High school diploma or equivalent; prior experience working with children or youth is preferred.
Must complete the Installation Records Check and other applicable suitability checks. Certain convictions or findings involving sexual offenses, child victims, felony drug offenses, or negligence resulting in a child’s or dependent person’s death or serious injury are automatic disqualifiers, as described in the posting.
May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
The employer uses E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
Applicants requesting access as non-affiliated individuals beginning May 7, 2025, need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred for entry-level applicants.
A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential, completion of DoD standardized training courses, or a relevant two-year degree is an accepted qualification route for the target level.

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, including reviewing and providing input on plans developed by entry- and intermediate-level assistants.
Ensure program plans and activities reflect the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Implement activities and special events that meet participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Incorporate parents’ special instructions, including dietary or physical needs, and prepare program options for participants with special requirements.
Care for children and youth with special needs as directed by the supervisor.
Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous activities; model developmentally appropriate practices and classroom or activity-area management.
Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices, and help arrange or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials; set up displays and bulletin boards.
Inventory equipment and recommend replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Create an environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions; use approved child-guidance and youth-development techniques.
Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability in accordance with applicable DoD, NAF Component, and local installation policies and standards.
Maintain control of and account for participants’ whereabouts and safety during daily activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensure participants depart with an authorized person according to written parental instructions, as applicable.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed; act as a mandatory reporter under local policy for suspected child abuse or neglect.
Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; provide parents daily verbal or written feedback and participate in conferences.
Observe participants, document developmental progress or concerns, and use findings in planning.
Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments, including rating scales, risk assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.
Assist with achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent; help ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Notify the supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.