CYP Child and Youth Program Assistant (Multilevel)

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Coronado, CA

About The Position

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth, keeping them engaged, cared for, and safe while participating in the Child and Youth Program (CYP). They help participants develop social skills, make healthy choices, build self-help and school-readiness skills, and explore their environment. The role includes planning and carrying out activities, maintaining safe indoor and outdoor environments, supervising participants, communicating with parents and coworkers, documenting development, and supporting program compliance and evaluation. The position serves children and youth across entry, intermediate, and target levels. Required qualifications differ by level: entry-level candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent; intermediate-level candidates also need six months of relevant experience and specified entry-level training; target-level candidates need one year of relevant experience and qualifying DoD training, a CDA/MSA credential, or an eligible related degree. The position requires background checks, drug testing, a pre-employment physical, and compliance with applicable training and credential requirements.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; provide the required diploma, GED, or qualifying college transcripts.
Must complete required training and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions used by DoD Child and Youth Programs.
Must pass applicable records and background checks.
Must undergo pre-employment and random drug testing; a positive test or failure to submit is grounds for removal from consideration or the position.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
Entry level: ability to communicate effectively in English orally and in writing, follow verbal and written instructions, complete DoN training within the required timeframe, foster effective working relationships, and work cooperatively on a team.
Intermediate level: meet entry-level qualifications; know basic child and youth development principles; implement developmentally appropriate care and education; interpret curricula or activity plans; plan and organize; and have six months of experience working with children or youth in a child-and-youth setting. Completion of Navy Entry Level training, or an accepted Army, Air Force, or Marine equivalent, is also required.
Target level: meet entry- and intermediate-level knowledge and abilities; apply child and youth development principles; provide high-quality direct care and education; foster effective relationships and teamwork; communicate basic program information and explain CYP processes and procedures; and have one year of relevant experience.
Target level additionally requires one of the following: completion of DoD standardized training courses; a valid CDA or 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 comply with Federal drug-free workplace requirements.
Non-U.S. citizens with fewer than three years of recent residential history in the United States may be determined ineligible.
Selectees may be required to complete a one-year probationary period and must participate in direct deposit/electronic funds transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
Individuals requiring access to CNRMA installations must meet the stated identification requirements; beginning May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable identification form.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, incorporating observed participant needs and, where applicable, reviewing plans developed by entry- and intermediate-level assistants.
Implement activities and special events that meet children’s and youths’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Incorporate parent-provided instructions, including dietary and physical needs, and prepare program options for participants 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 or serve appropriate meals and snacks 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.
Establish an environment that sustains participant interest and encourages positive interactions; use approved child-guidance and youth-development techniques.
Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability in accordance with applicable DoD, NAF, and installation policies and standards.
Maintain control of and account for participants’ whereabouts and safety during daily activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensure participants depart with authorized persons in accordance with written parental instructions, as applicable.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed; fulfill mandatory reporting duties under local policy.
Communicate professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; provide parents daily verbal or written feedback and participate in conferences.
Observe participants and document developmental progress or concerns, using the information in planning.
Participate in program evaluations using designated rating scales, risk-assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and accreditation tools.
Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent; ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Notify the supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data; perform other related duties as assigned.