Child & Youth Program Leader

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Oak Harbor, WA

12h

About The Position

The Child & Youth Program Leader works within Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP), which provides early care and youth services in center-based, facility-based, and recreational settings. The role mentors and supports CY Program Assistants, helps plan and deliver activities for children and youth, and contributes to a safe, positive, developmentally appropriate program. The position supports compliance with Department of Defense, Navy, state, local, and accreditation requirements and assists with program evaluation and participation reporting. The Leader supervises children and youth during daily activities, meals or snacks where applicable, field trips, outings, and special events. The role includes maintaining safe indoor and outdoor environments; communicating with parents, employees, schools, and installation personnel; observing and documenting developmental progress or concerns; and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect as required. The position may require evening or weekend work, transportation of children, and attendance at field trips. Employment is contingent on completing required background and employment checks, passing a pre-employment physical, meeting immunization and health requirements, and obtaining and maintaining applicable training, credentials, and security clearance. Applicants must meet the specified education and experience criteria for work in child and youth programs.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must satisfactorily complete required child-care background checks, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, a Tier 3 check if applicable, and a State Criminal History Repository check.
Must pass E-Verify employment verification; discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
Ability to sustain considerable walking, standing, bending, and stooping, and lift up to 40 pounds.
Must obtain and maintain applicable security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Ability to complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions used by DoD Child and Youth Programs.
May be required to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license, transport children, and attend field trips.
Knowledge of child and youth development principles and designing and managing complex programs covering safety, security, disease prevention, employee training, developmentally appropriate activities, parent involvement, and facility management.
Knowledge of DoD, DON, local, and state regulations, instructions, and procedures pertaining to military child care.
Knowledge of Federal and State laws governing detection and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Knowledge of facility design, functional use, and maintenance concepts related to military child care.
Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and purchasing as they relate to a child and youth program.
Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating program components.
Skill in interpersonal communication and leadership to facilitate a collaborative and cohesive installation CYP team.
Ability to identify and respond appropriately to emergencies, including evacuations, illness, and physical or emotional disorders.
Ability to supervise others, exercise sound business skills, and provide positive personnel management.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and strong interpersonal communication skills.
Three years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth with a four-year degree or a combination of experience and education, or one year of professional experience working with children and/or youth with a graduate degree.
Must provide a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing degree awarded when applying.
Must meet the education requirement through a master’s or higher degree, bachelor’s degree, or qualifying combination of education and experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Youth Development, or another field directly related to Pre-K or Primary Education.
If the degree has not been awarded, or the applicant has DoD-approved competency-based training certificates and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential, a copy of a high school diploma or equivalent must also be provided.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with military families and understanding of military lifestyles is preferred.

Responsibilities

Mentor assigned CY Program Assistant team members and help train lower-level employees.
Assist employees with Standardized Module Training and with applying professional development to their work through mentoring, guidance, and role-modeling.
Recommend practicum candidates and assist the Training and Curriculum Specialist with observing, recording, and tracking team members’ on-the-job skills and professional development.
Plan and review activities based on the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Work with the Training and Curriculum Specialist, supervisor, and CY Program Assistants to deliver activities and special events that meet participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Incorporate parent-provided instructions, including dietary and physical needs, and prepare program options for participants with special requirements.
Assist children and youth with special projects, homework, and life skills; recommend adjustments to activities and plans as needed.
Set up displays and bulletin boards, and arrange for or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity spaces and materials; suggest improvements and inventory equipment and supplies.
Encourage participant interest and positive interactions, using 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 children and youth, oversee arrivals and departures, and release participants only to authorized persons according to parental instructions.
Supervise children and youth during daily activities, field trips, outings, and special events; observe for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed.
Serve as a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services for suspected child abuse or neglect, as prescribed by local policy.
Communicate professionally with employees, parents, schools, and local installation command personnel; participate in conferences and brief employees and parents.
Plan and conduct parent activities to encourage parent involvement.
Observe children and youth, document developmental progress and concerns, and use findings in planning; assist CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks when needed.
Participate in program evaluation using designated rating scales, risk assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.
Help ensure the assigned area meets and maintains DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent standards and complies with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.