Child and Youth Program Assistant
Assists in child and youth programs by providing care, supervision, and age-appropriate activities for participants ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years old.
Responsibilities
The incumbent will serve as a Child and Youth Program Assistant (CYPA) in one or more child and youth programs and will be accountable for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth.
Provides care/supervision, oversight and accountability for program participants. Assists in preparing age appropriate activities; supervises children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities, on field trips, outings and special events; arranges and serves snacks/meals. Executes work in accordance with policies and regulations. May be required to transport children in government vehicles.
Target Level Duties
Coordinates and conducts activities for children and/or youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years. Creates an environment which welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions. Implements program options for children and youth with special requirements. Demonstrates, instructs, leads and facilitates planned and spontaneous program activities. Briefs staff, management, and parents on activities. Conducts inventory on equipment and supplies.
Intermediate Level Duties
Assists in planning, coordinating and conducting activities for program participants. Creates an environment which welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions. Implements daily schedules and activity plans to ensure age/stage appropriateness. Briefs staff, management, and parents on activities. Conducts inventory on equipment and supplies.
Entry Level Duties
Performs simple routine tasks following step-by-step instructions. Assists in providing planned activities using prepared curriculum and program materials. Creates an environment which welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions. Generates a list of needed supplies and equipment. Attends to the physical needs of the children, as applicable.
Requirements
Who May Apply
Open to everyone. Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities. An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 04/24/2026.
Business Based Action
Family Member Preference
Military Spouse Preference
Outside Applicant Veteran
Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran
Transition Hiring Preference
The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is US Citizens and legal US residents in Okinawa, Japan. Legal US residents must possess a social security number and be citizens of a NATO country. Must be able to provide documentation proving residence status overseas.
Qualifying Experience
ALL LEVELS
Must be a high school graduate, or equivalent; and be able to provide proof (i.e., diploma or equivalent) for verification
CY Program Assistant (Target Level)
- 18 months working in any childcare or youth program
- Completion of DoD approved competency-training courses
- Additionally, entry and intermediate level training must be completed and evident by Service-issued documentation
- 18 months of experience working in a childcare or youth program, plus possession and maintenance of one of the following directly related to the age group of the position to which assigned: child development associate credential, military school age credential, or other nationally recognized youth development credential
- 18 months of experience working in a childcare or youth program, plus an associate degree that includes a major course of study (24 credit hours) with content directly related to the age group to which assigned, from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- Possession and maintenance of one of the following directly related to the age group of the position to which assigned: child development associate credential, military school age credential, Army youth practicum or other nationally recognized youth development credential
- A bachelor's degree or at least 120 semester hours with a major course of study (24 credit hours) from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with content directly related to: early childhood education, child development, youth development, human development, elementary education, special education, secondary education, youth program administration, recreation, and physical education
CY Program Assistant (Intermediate Level)
- Six months experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program for children or youth
- Completion of 3 AF modules (or equivalent)
- AF Orientation Training Program
CY Program Assistant (Entry Level)
This is an entry level position; no previous experience required.
Benefits
Child Development Program will provide 100% childcare fee discount for all CYP staff for the first child enrolled in a full-time or regular part-time DAF CDP. A 37% discount will apply for each subsequent child.
Post Allowance is authorized for Regular Full Time employment category.
Additional Info
Locations
Kadena Air Base Okinawa, Japan
Position Details
This position is located at the Youth Center on Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
Pay will be set based on experience and education and/or certification:
- Target Level: $21.53
- Intermediate Level: $20.31
- Entry Level: $18.70
Conditions of Employment
- This is a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position carrying out Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force
- Individual must fully meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position
- Direct deposit is required
- A probationary period may be required
- Pre-employment requirements must be satisfactorily met prior to Entrance on Duty (EOD)
- Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized
- LQA is not authorized
- Multiple positions may be filled from this job opportunity announcement
- Selection(s) are subject to restrictions resulting from hiring preferences and priority consideration eligible
Application Information
If interested in this position please preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12940355
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/24/2026 to receive consideration.
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