Child and Youth Program Assistant

Air Mobility Command • Little Rock AFB, AR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB), Arkansas Child Development Center, serving children from infancy through Pre-K. The Child and Youth Program Assistant provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth in one or more programs, and may be required to transport children in government vehicles. Pay is based on experience, education, and/or certification: Target Level $21.76, Intermediate Level $20.35, and Entry Level $18.70.

At all levels, the assistant prepares or supports age-appropriate activities, supervises children during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events, and arranges and serves snacks or meals. Work is performed in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.

Target-level assistants coordinate and conduct activities for participants ages 6 weeks to 18 years, support positive interactions and participant interests, implement options for children and youth with special requirements, lead planned and spontaneous activities, brief staff, management, and parents, and inventory equipment and supplies. Intermediate-level assistants help plan, coordinate, and conduct activities, implement age- and stage-appropriate daily schedules and activity plans, brief staff, management, and parents, and inventory equipment and supplies. Entry-level assistants perform routine tasks using step-by-step instructions, assist with planned activities using prepared curriculum and materials, help create a welcoming environment, identify needed supplies and equipment, and attend to children’s physical needs as applicable.

Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and communicate effectively in English orally and in writing. Entry level requires no previous experience. Intermediate and target levels have additional experience and training, credential, or coursework requirements. Employment is contingent on required background, physical, immunization, training, and drug-testing requirements. The position is a Nonappropriated Fund position supporting Air Force and Space Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both 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: One of the following: completion of 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: Six months of experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program for children or youth.
• Intermediate level: One of the following: completion of Entry Level DoW standardized training documented by the Service; completion of equivalent industry training; or at least six semester hours of qualifying college credit in early childhood, elementary or secondary education, child and youth development, or special education.
• Entry level: No previous experience required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks and a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• Consent to pre-employment and random drug testing; the position is designated as a Test Designated Position.
• Ability to meet the physical lifting requirement and pass a favorable pre-employment physical.
• Ability to obtain, maintain, and provide evidence of current immunizations, including annual influenza vaccination, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Complete assigned training, including Food Handlers certification, within the specified time after hire or assignment.
• Provide documentation supporting eligibility and qualifications, as applicable.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Provide a REAL ID or authorized combination of identity documents for installation access.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth in one or more programs.
• Prepare or assist in preparing age-appropriate activities.
• 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.
• May transport children in government vehicles.
• 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 activities.
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities.
• Conduct inventories of equipment and supplies.
• At the intermediate level, assist in planning, coordinating, and conducting activities and implement age- and stage-appropriate daily schedules and activity plans.
• At the entry level, assist with planned activities using prepared curriculum and program materials, 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.
• 25% child care fee discount for additional children of eligible direct care staff.

What This Job Offers

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