Child And Youth Program Assistant (Cdc-Regular)

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 (CYPA) works in one or more child and youth programs and is accountable for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth ages 6 weeks to 18 years. The role supports a positive program environment, prepares and maintains indoor and outdoor activity areas, supervises participants during activities and events, models health and safety practices, and communicates professionally with staff, parents, supervisors, and volunteers. The assistant observes participants for possible illness, abuse, or neglect and reports concerns as directed; follows parental instructions, including authorized departure arrangements; supports meals or snacks where applicable; and helps meet applicable Air Force Child and Youth Program policies, DoD certification, and national accreditation requirements.

Responsibilities vary by level. Entry-level assistants help lead planned activities, assist with projects, homework, and life skills, perform routine tasks, use prepared curriculum materials, and help maintain participation data and reports. Intermediate-level assistants help plan and conduct individual and group activities, implement age-appropriate schedules, participate in parent and staff conferences and program evaluations, maintain participant records, inventory equipment, and secure supplies and facilities. Target-level assistants implement activities and special events, develop schedules and plans, support children and youth with special requirements, lead planned and spontaneous activities, brief employees and parents, and participate in program evaluations.

The position requires satisfactory pre-employment checks, a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation, a favorable pre-employment physical, required immunizations including annual influenza vaccination, and freedom from communicable diseases. The incumbent must complete assigned training, including Food Handlers certification, within the specified timeframe. Recruiting incentive pay is set based on experience, education, and/or certification: Entry Level $18.70, Intermediate Level $20.89, and Target Level $22.33. The listed employee childcare discount is 100% for the first child and 37% for the second child. USAFA Commissary privileges are also listed.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age and hold 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; a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation is required.
• Must meet minimum immunization requirements for working with children and youth, including annual influenza vaccination, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical and subsequent physical.
• 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.
• Must obtain and maintain required certifications, including First Aid and CPR, as applicable.
• Must successfully complete required training within established timeframes, including assigned training such as Food Handlers certification.
• Entry level: no previous experience is required.
• Intermediate level: six months of experience equivalent to CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program with children or youth, plus one of the specified training or education alternatives: completed DoW standardized entry-level training; equivalent industry training; or at least six semester hours in a relevant education, development, or special education field.
• Target level: 12 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 education or credential alternatives: DoW-approved competency-based training; a relevant nationally recognized credential; or at least 12 semester hours of coursework directly related to the age group served.
• Must meet applicable eligibility and background requirements. Applicants must provide proof of claimed eligibility by the application closing date, 04/14/2027.
• Foreign education used to meet requirements must be documented as equivalent to conventional U.S. education.
• Direct deposit is required, and employment verification (E-Verify) must be completed satisfactorily.
• Applicants must provide a REAL ID or an authorized combination of identity documents to facilitate installation access.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accountability for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth ages 6 weeks to 18 years.
• 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 for the daily schedule.
• Interact professionally with staff members, parents, supervisors, and volunteers.
• Supervise children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
• 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 or serve appropriate snacks and meals, where applicable.
• Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report as directed.
• Note special instructions provided by parents and ensure children and youth leave with an authorized person according to written parental instructions.
• Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation, where applicable, and comply with applicable Air Force Child and Youth Program policies and regulations.
• At entry level, help provide and lead planned activities; assist with projects, homework, and life skills; complete routine tasks; use prepared curriculum materials; and help identify needed supplies and equipment.
• At entry level, help create games and play materials, use approved child guidance and youth development techniques, attend to participants' physical needs as applicable, maintain participation data, complete daily reports, and participate in evaluations.
• At intermediate level, help plan, coordinate, and conduct group and individual activities; assist with projects and life skills; participate in parent and staff conferences; and review and implement age- and stage-appropriate schedules and activity plans.
• At intermediate level, participate in evaluations using designated tools, provide care and supervision in accordance with policies and standards, inventory equipment and recommend replenishment, secure supplies, equipment, and facilities, and collect, maintain, and report participation data.
• At target level, implement activities and special events addressing participants' physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs; support projects, homework, and life skills; and prepare and implement program options for children and youth with special requirements.
• At target level, develop and implement schedules and plans; demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate activities; participate in parent and staff conferences; brief employees and parents; and participate in program evaluations.

Benefits

• Childcare discount: first child receives 100% free childcare; second child receives a 37% employee discount.
• USAFA Commissary privileges.
• Recruiting incentive pay, set based on experience, education, and/or certification: Entry Level $18.70, Intermediate Level $20.89, Target Level $22.33.

What This Job Offers

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