CYP Assistant

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Groton, CT

About The Position

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth to keep them actively engaged, well cared for, and safe while participating in the Child and Youth Program (CYP). The role supports children and youth in developing social skills, making healthy choices, building self-help and school-readiness skills, and exploring their environment. The position involves planning and carrying out activities, preparing indoor and outdoor spaces, providing direct care and supervision, communicating with parents and coworkers, observing and documenting development, and supporting program evaluation and compliance. Assistants must follow Department of Defense, Navy, and local installation policies and standards. Duties may vary according to the employee’s entry, intermediate, or target level.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and follow verbal and written instructions.
Must be able to complete required Department of the Navy training within the specified timeframe and maintain required training certificates, certifications, or credentials.
Must promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers and work cooperatively as a team member.
Must pass applicable records and background checks, including required child-care background checks and installation records checks.
Must undergo pre-employment and random drug testing and consent to testing; a positive test or failure to submit for testing is grounds for removal from the position.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations.
Must provide proof of education if it was not provided with the application.
Entry-level qualification: high school diploma or equivalent; ability to follow instructions and complete required training.
Intermediate-level qualification: entry-level abilities plus knowledge of basic child and youth development principles; ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices, interpret a curriculum or activity plan, plan and organize, and work cooperatively. Requires six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Intermediate-level education requirement: high school diploma or equivalent, six months of relevant experience, and completion of Navy Entry Level training (or an accepted Army, Air Force, or Marine equivalent).
Target-level qualification: entry- and intermediate-level knowledge and abilities plus knowledge and skill in applying child and youth development principles and services, fostering effective working relationships, working as a team member, and providing basic program information and explaining CYP processes and procedures. Requires one year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Target-level education requirement: high school diploma or equivalent, one year of relevant experience, and one of the following: completion of DoD standardized training courses; a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential; or at least a two-year degree in a listed or related education, child development, recreation, physical education, or youth development field.
Must complete fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, a State Criminal History Repository check, and the Installation Records Check. Certain convictions and findings involving sexual offenses, child victims, felony drug offenses, or negligence resulting in a child’s or dependent person’s death or serious injury are disqualifying.
May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States; the employer uses E-Verify.
Candidates should be committed to improving federal government efficiency, the ideals of the American republic, and upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred for entry-level candidates.

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, and provide input on plans developed by entry- and intermediate-level Educational Aids when appropriate.
Ensure activities address the observed needs of individual children and youth and support their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Incorporate parents’ special instructions, including dietary or physical needs, and prepare and implement program options for children and youth with special requirements.
Care for children and youth with special needs as directed by the supervisor.
Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous activities; model developmentally appropriate practices and activity-area management.
Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices; help arrange and serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials; set up displays and bulletin boards.
Inventory equipment and recommend replenishing damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Create a program environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions; use approved child-guidance and youth-development techniques.
Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for participants in accordance with applicable DoD, NAF Component, and installation policies and standards.
Maintain control of and account for participants’ whereabouts and safety during activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensure children and youth depart with an authorized person according to written parental instructions, as applicable.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed; act as a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as prescribed by local policy.
Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; provide parents daily verbal or written feedback and participate in conferences.
Observe children and youth, document developmental progression or concerns, and use the information in planning.
Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments, which may include program rating scales, risk-assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.
Assist with achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent; follow applicable laws, policies, and regulations and notify the supervisor of health, fire, or safety compliance concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.