Child and Youth Program Leader

Child and Youth Program Leader - Retention Bonuses Summary Incumbent provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more CY programs. This includes guidance, assistance, and mentoring for the CY Program Assistants. The incumbent works under the direction of the supervisor or other qualified higher graded employee, who provides guidance on scope of assignments and assistance on more complex, non‑routine problems. Responsibilities Mentor : Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team; works with senior employees to provide instruction and training to lower‑level employees; assists lower‑level employees in completing the Standardized Module Training; assists the Training and Curriculum Specialist in translating professional development training into practice by mentoring, guiding, and role‑modeling; models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth; provides suggestions and makes recommendations to credential practicum candidates; assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and charts progress of team members on‑the‑job skills; consults frequently with the T&C Specialist for guidance on strategies to further assist team members’ professional development efforts. Curriculum : Plans activities for program participants based on observed needs of individual children and youth; reviews activities and plans for appropriateness; works with T&C Specialist, supervisor, and the CY Program Assistants to implement activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth; incorporates special instructions provided by parents such as special dietary needs; prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements; assists children and youth with special projects, homework, and life skills; recommends changes and adjustments to activities and plans where necessary; sets up displays and bulletin boards; arranges for appropriate snacks or meals where applicable. Indoor and Outdoor Environment : Works with team members to prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules; suggests improvements to activity areas; inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies; secures supplies, equipment, and facilities. Interactions and Relationships : Encourages participant interest and establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions with other children, youth, and adults; interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques. Supervision of Children and Youth : Provides care and supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with DoD policies and standards; maintains control of and accounts for whereabouts and safety; ensures children and youth depart with authorized person according to written parental instructions; oversees arrival and departure; supervises children and youth during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events. Parent and Employee Communication : Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; participates in conferences with parents, employees, school representatives, and local installation command personnel; briefs other employees and parents. Assessment : Observes children and youth and documents developmental progression and/or concerns and uses the information in planning; assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks when needed. Compliance : Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent; ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs. Additional Responsibilities : Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data; performs other related duties as assigned; a complete list of duties and responsibilities will be provided at the time of hire. Requirements This position has been identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent will be subject to and must consent to a pre‑employment and random drug testing. Must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, and a State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check. Must successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment. Must pass a pre‑employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of all communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases. Must successfully obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as needed. Ability to complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions used as part of DoD’s Child and Youth Programs. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund