Educational Aids/Technicians (CYP Assistants) work directly with children and youth, keeping them actively engaged, well‑cared for, and safe while participating in the CYP. Their day involves helping children develop social skills such as making friends and conflict resolution, making healthy choices, building self‑help and school readiness skills, and exploring the environment around them.
Responsibilities
Curriculum
- Develop schedules and activity plans, review and provide input on plans created by entry and intermediate level aids.
- Ensure program activities incorporate the observed needs of individual children and youth.
- Implement activities and special events meeting the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth.
- Prepare and implement options for children and youth with special requirements and provide care as directed by the supervisor.
- Demonstate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities.
- Role‑model developmentally appropriate practice and classroom or activity area management techniques.
- Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices.
- Help arrange for and/or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Indoor and Outdoor Environment
- Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules.
- Set up displays and bulletin boards.
- Inventory equipment on a recurring basis and recommend replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies.
- Secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Interactions and Relationships
- Establish a program environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions with other children, youth, and adults.
- Interact with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
Supervision of Children and Youth
- Provide care and supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with DoD, NAF, and local installation policies.
- Maintain control of and account for whereabouts and safety of children and youth.
- Supervise children and youth during daily schedules of indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events.
- Ensure children and youth depart with an authorized person in accordance with written parental instructions.
- Observe program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect and report as directed; act as a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services.
Parent and Employee Communication
- Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel.
- Provide parents with daily verbal or written feedback about their child and program activities.
- Participate in conferences with parents and employees.
Assessment
- Observe children and youth and document developmental progression and/or concerns; use information in planning.
- Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments such as rating scales, risk assessment tools, self‑inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.
Compliance
- Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations, and notify supervisor of health, fire, and safety concerns.
Additional Responsibilities
- Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by federal, state, and/or national accreditation institutions for DoD Child and Youth Programs.
- Pass all applicable records and background checks.
- Undergo pre‑employment and random drug testing; a positive test is grounds for withdrawal of the job offer.
- Pass a pre‑employment physical examination, provide evidence of immunization, and be free of communicable diseases.
- Ability to sustain considerable walking, standing, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
- Male candidates born after December 31, 1959, and at least 18 years of age, must certify they have registered with the Selective Service System.
- Eligible candidates must possess a No‑Fee Passport, Sponsor’s Orders or Command‑sponsorship authorization, and a sojourner’s permit/application letter.
Qualifications
Entry Level (CY-1702-01)
- Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
- Follow verbal and written instructions.
- Complete all Department of the Navy training requirements within the specified timeframe.
- Promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.
- Work cooperatively as a member of a team.
Intermediate Level (CY-1702-01)
- Six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
- Knowledge of basic child and youth development principles.
- Implement developmentally appropriate principles and practices to provide high‑quality direct care and education.
- Interpret a curriculum or activity plan.
- Follow written instructions.
- Plan and organize, working cooperatively as a team member.
- Promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.
Target Level (CY-1702-02)
- One year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
- Knowledge of child and youth development principles to inform program response.
- Implement developmentally appropriate child and youth development principles, practices, and services for high‑quality care and education.
- Promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.
- Work cooperatively as a team member.
- Communicate verbally to provide basic program information and explain CYP processes and procedures.
Education
- Must provide a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing the degree awarded.
Note: Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred.
