Child and Youth Program Assistant

Summary

The purpose of the CY Program Assistant is to provide appropriate developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more CY programs.

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates: 02/04/2026 to 02/12/2026

• Salary: $21.55 to $24.20 per hour
• Up to $2,000.00 in Retention Bonuses & Time Off Awards
• Pay scale & grade: CY 1 - 2
• Location:
  
  Indian Head, MD (6 vacancies)
• Remote job:
  No
• Telework eligible:
  No
• Travel Required:
  
  Not required
• Relocation expenses reimbursed:
  No
• Appointment type:
  Permanent
• Work schedule:
  
  Intermittent - FLEX Schedule / 0-40 hours per week / not eligible for benefits
• Service:
  Competitive
• Promotion potential: 2
• Job family (Series):
  
  --
• Supervisory status:
  No
• Security clearance:
  
  --
• Drug test:
  Yes

Indian Head, MD

The duties and responsibilities of the CY Program Assistant are grouped into categories, including curriculum, indoor and outdoor environment, interactions and relationships, supervision of children and youth, parent and employee communication, assessment, compliance, and additional responsibilities. Each is described below.

Curriculum

Develops schedules and activity plans. This may include reviewing and providing input into schedules and activity plans developed by the entry level and intermediate level Educational Aids (CY Program Assistants), CY-1702-I. Ensures that program plans and activities incorporate the observed needs of individual children and youth. Implements 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, physical needs, or other information that may affect the child or youth's experience in the program. Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements. Cares for children and youth with special needs as directed by the supervisor. Demonstrates, instructs, leads, and facilitates planned and spontaneous program activities.

Role models developmentally appropriate practice and classroom or activity area management techniques. Promotes and models safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices. Helps arrange for and/or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.

Indoor and Outdoor Environment

Helps prepare, arrange and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Sets up displays and bulletin boards. Inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies. Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.

Interactions and Relationships

Establishes a program environment that sustains participant interest and 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 the Department of Defense (DoD), NAF Component, and local installation policies, guidance, and standards. Maintains control of and accounts for whereabouts and safety of children and youth. Supervises children and youth during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events. Ensures children and youth depart with authorized person according to written parental instructions.

Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect and reports as directed. Incumbent is a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as prescribed by local policy in the case of suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect.

Parent and Employee Communication

Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel. Provides parents with daily verbal or written feedback about their child/youth or program activities. Participates in conferences with parents and employees.

Assessment

Observes children and youth and documents developmental progression and/or concerns. Uses the information in planning. Participates in program evaluation using designated instruments such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools (as required), self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.

Compliance

Assists in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent. Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs. Notifies supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.

Additional Responsibilities

Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data. Performs other related duties as assigned.

• This position has been identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent of this position will be subject to and must consent to a pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Must satisfactorily complete all…