Child And Youth Program Assistant

Air Education and Training Command • Keesler AFB, MS

2d

About The Position

This Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) position is located at a Child Development Center and serves in one or more child and youth programs. The assistant is accountable for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth, provides care and supervision, helps prepare age-appropriate activities, supervises indoor and outdoor activities and events, and arranges and serves snacks or meals. Work is performed in accordance with applicable policies and regulations; transporting children in government vehicles may be required.

Duties vary by level. Target-level assistants coordinate and conduct activities for children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years, implement options for participants with special requirements, lead planned and spontaneous activities, brief staff, management, and parents, and inventory equipment and supplies. Intermediate-level assistants help plan and conduct activities, implement daily schedules and activity plans, brief staff, management, and parents, and inventory supplies and equipment. Entry-level assistants perform routine tasks from step-by-step instructions, help deliver prepared activities, identify needed supplies, and attend to children’s physical needs as applicable.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on level, relevant experience and training, credentials, or coursework. Employment is subject to pre-employment checks, a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation, a favorable pre-employment physical, current immunizations including annual influenza vaccination, and completion of assigned training including Food Handlers certification. Employees must communicate effectively in English and provide required eligibility and supporting documents.

Pay is set based on experience and education and/or certification: Target Level $21.76, Intermediate Level $20.35, and Entry Level $18.70. Direct-care staff may receive a child-care fee discount under the conditions described in the posting.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent, with proof for verification.
• Must complete pre-employment checks in accordance with Air Force and DoD policy, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• Must meet the physical lifting requirement and pass a favorable pre-employment physical.
• Must obtain and maintain current immunizations, including annual influenza vaccinations, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must complete assigned training, including Food Handlers certification, within the specified time after hire or assignment.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• 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: Meet one of the following: complete DoW-approved competency-based training requirements; hold a CDA, Military School-Age, or other nationally recognized age-appropriate child/youth development credential; or complete at least 12 semester hours of coursework directly related to the age group served.
• Intermediate level: Six months of experience equivalent to CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program with children or youth.
• Intermediate level: In addition to the experience requirement, meet one of the following: complete Entry Level DoW standardized training documented by the Service; complete industry training considered equivalent to DoW Entry Level requirements; or have at least six semester hours of college credit in a relevant education, child/youth development, or special education field.
• Entry level: No previous experience is required.
• Foreign education may be used if documented as equivalent to a conventional U.S. education program.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit is required, and applicants must satisfactorily complete an E-Verify employment verification check.
• Applicants must provide a REAL ID or an authorized combination of source identity documents for installation access.
• Provide proof of eligibility claimed in the application by the announcement closing date, 10/28/2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants and ensure their safety and whereabouts.
• 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.
• Perform 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 at the target level.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting activities at the intermediate level.
• Implement daily schedules and activity plans that are appropriate to participants’ ages and developmental stages at the intermediate level.
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities at target and intermediate levels.
• Conduct inventories of equipment and supplies at target and intermediate levels.
• At the entry level, perform routine tasks following step-by-step instructions and assist with 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 qualifying direct-care staff.
• 25% child-care fee discount for additional children of qualifying direct-care staff.

What This Job Offers

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