Child and Youth Program Assistant

Air Education and Training Command • Lackland AFB, TX

1d

About The Position

This Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position is located at the Lackland Child Development Center. It is a flexible-category position with no guaranteed hours; the schedule is as needed and may be up to 40 hours per week. The position is not eligible for benefits. Pay is based on experience, education, and/or certification: Target Level $22.08, Intermediate Level $20.65, and Entry Level $18.70.

The Child and Youth Program Assistant works in one or more child and youth programs and is accountable for participants’ whereabouts and safety. The assistant provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability; helps prepare age-appropriate activities; supervises participants during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events; and arranges and serves snacks and meals. Work must follow applicable policies and regulations. The assistant may be required to transport children in government vehicles.

At the Target Level, the assistant coordinates and conducts activities for children and youth ages 6 weeks through 18 years, supports positive interactions and participant interest, implements program options for children and youth with special requirements, leads 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, supports 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 deliver planned activities using prepared curriculum and materials, supports positive interactions, identifies needed supplies and equipment, and attends to children’s physical needs as applicable.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Must complete pre-employment checks under Air Force and DoD policy, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• Must pass a favorable pre-employment physical because of the position’s physical lifting requirement.
• 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 time after hire or assignment.
• Must have resided in the United States for 3 years and reside in the commuting area of the vacancy location.
• 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 also 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 age-appropriate child or youth development credential; or at least 12 semester hours of directly related coursework from an accredited college or university.
• Intermediate Level: 6 months of experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry Level, working in a group program for children or youth.
• Intermediate Level: Must also 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 6 semester hours of college credit in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education, child and youth development, or special education.
• Entry Level: No previous experience is required.
• Foreign education may qualify if evidence is provided that it is equivalent to a conventional U.S. education program.
• Applicants must provide supporting documentation for Intermediate and/or Target Level qualifications.
• Applicants must provide any documents needed to verify qualifications, eligibility, and background requirements.
• 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 identity documents to access the installation.

Responsibilities

• Account for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth participating in programs.
• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants.
• Help prepare age-appropriate activities and 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.
• At the Target Level, coordinate and conduct activities for children and youth ages 6 weeks through 18 years; implement options for participants with special requirements; and demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous activities.
• At the Intermediate Level, help plan, coordinate, and conduct activities and implement daily schedules and age- and stage-appropriate activity plans.
• At the Entry Level, assist with planned activities using prepared curriculum and materials, perform routine tasks following step-by-step instructions, identify needed supplies and equipment, and attend to children’s physical needs as applicable.
• Create an environment that welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions.
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities at the Target and Intermediate Levels.
• Conduct inventories of equipment and supplies at the Target and Intermediate Levels.

Benefits

• The position is not eligible for benefits.
• Direct care staff may receive a 100% child-care fee discount for their first child enrolled full-time or regular part-time in a DAF Child Development Program, and a 25% discount for additional children, subject to the stated work-schedule requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED