Children Program Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Summary
Interested in working with kids? Vance Child Care Centers are hiring for Child and Youth Program Assistants to help with youth development and instruction. This position is developmental, with promotion potential!
Initial level and pay will be set based on experience, education, and/or certification:
Entry Level: $18.76
Intermediate Level: $20.35
Target Level: $21.76
Employee Child Care Discount available (see Additional Information).
Position eligible for FY26 Recruitment Incentive Bonus.
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Duties
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CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (ALL LEVELS):
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.
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (TARGET LEVEL):
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.
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL):
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.
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (ENTRY LEVEL):
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.
If interested in this position please preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12927769
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• This position requires satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks in accordance with Air Force and DoD policy, and a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• This position has physical lifting requirement which requires the incumbent to complete a favorable pre-employment physical.
• This position requires the incumbent to be able to obtain, maintain, and provide evidence of current immunizations this includes annual influenza vaccinations and be free of all communicable diseases.
• This position requires the incumbent to complete assigned training, to include Food Handlers certification, within specified time from date hire or assignment to position.
• The position may require the incumbent to transport children in a government vehicle therefore a valid state driver's license must be obtained and maintained; a good driving record may be required as a condition of employment.
• 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.

Qualifications
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, 06/30/2026

• Business Based Action
• Military Spouse Preference
• Outside Applicant Veteran
• Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran
• Transition Hiring Preference

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.
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.
The position may require the incumbent to transport children in a government vehicle therefore a valid state driver's license must be obtained and maintained; a good driving record may be required as a condition of employment.
AND
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 AND Completion of 3 AF modules (or equivalent) AND AF Orientation Training Program.

CY PROGRAM ASSISTANT (ENTRY LEVEL):

• This is an entry level position; no previous experience required.

Education
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. This position does allow for education substitution in order to qualify.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information

• Individual must fully meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position. This includes providing any supporting documents needed for verification.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.
• This position requires the incumbent to be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit is required.
• Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
• 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 are not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this job opportunity announcement. And additional selections may also be made from this job opportunity announcement.
• Selection(s) are subject to restrictions resulting from hiring preferences and priority consideration eligible.
• This is a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position carrying out Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force.
• Applicants must be able to provide a REAL ID or present a combination of source identity documents authorized to facilitate access to the installation. Please contact the servicing HR Office with any questions

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. CYP Staff must spend a minimum of 75% of their work schedule in the classroom and flex employees who average 15 hours a week. Please contact local NAF HR Office for additional information.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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