Child and Youth Program Training and Curriculum Specialist

Summary

The purpose of the Child and Youth Program (CYP) Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist position is threefold: (1) to provide and deliver a comprehensive training program to CYP professionals and alike, that supports the professional requirements of their positions; (2) to assist with the implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum/program for children and youth, ages 6 weeks to 18 years; and (3) to promote school readiness and support ongoing school success.

Duties

• Major duties and responsibilities are summarized below. Training Orients new employees to the whole CYP system and provides them with basic information that can be applied in all settings. Works with CYP Directors to establish training plans and schedules for employee and provider training. Arranges for total CYP training opportunities, including training of management, administration, food service, and direct staff and volunteers/contractors who support the CY Program. Provides training that is appropriate for and tailored to the age group of the children and youth with whom the CYP employees and CDH provider's work. Executes the Department of Navy (DoN) Standardized Module Training, provides initial and ongoing annual training, and ensures training is available to support career progression. Arranges for subject matter experts to conduct/support specialized training. Ensures completion and documentation of required monthly training. Works with CY Program Assistants to ensure DOD standardized courses are completed. Identifies additional training needs. Maintains training records and individual development plans. Prepares training status reports and recommendations to supervisors and notifies CYP Directors of employees' and providers' training status and performance. Develops programs that encourage and support the pursuit of continuing higher education by documenting requirements for completion of the Child Development Associate (CDA) or the Military School-Age Credential (MSA), and providing information, assistance and guidance to employees and providers who are seeking college-level classes to meet their professional goals. Assists the CDH Director and CDH Monitor(s) to encourage providers to become accredited. Develops a working relationship with local colleges, universities and professional organizations and advises employees/providers about continuing avenues of professional development. Classroom/Program Support Ensures that the required Navy curriculum is implemented within each CYP (i.e., supports implementation and execution of the Navy standardized curriculum within the Child Development Center (CDC), including assisting CY Program Assistants and Leaders by documenting observations and assessments, evaluating classroom environments, reviewing weekly activity plans, and providing additional training when needed). Coordinates programming that supports the children and youth's physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development regardless of setting or length of time in care. Ensures the quality and consistency of developmental programming to include the environment, equipment, materials, program structure, curriculum, risk management practices, and oversight and coordination of activity schedules and lesson plans. Role models appropriate behaviors and techniques working with children and youth. Observes in program settings throughout all hours of operation to assess employee competency and direct training needs for groups and/or individuals. Provides feedback to employees and supervisors. Works with CY Program Assistants and Leaders to evaluate classroom or activity area environments and makes recommendations to the Director for the selection of developmentally appropriate toys, materials and equipment. Maintains a resource file library to aid employees in preparing lesson plans and activity schedules and to assist with training objectives. Reviews lesson plans to ensure they are appropriate and based on curriculum requirements. Provides daily assistance with plans if needed. Assists in and supports development and implementation of parent education and parent participation programs. Compliance Provides training to CYP employees so they can ensure classroom and activity area compliance with fire, safety, and sanitation rules and regulation. Provides support for CYP employees and CDH providers in preparing for inspections and accreditation. Carries out EEO policies and communicates support of those policies to CYP employees. Additional Responsibilities In the absence of the CYP Director, incumbent may assume the responsibilities of the CYP Director and perform duties and requirements of the position. 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. Performs other duties as assigned. A complete list of duties and responsibilities will be provided at the time of hire.

Qualifications

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs. A qualified candidate possesses the following: Knowledge, skill, and ability to independently manage a developmentally appropriate program for the age groups served. Knowledge and background of child and youth programs including principles, practices and techniques of child and youth development. Knowledge of adult learning techniques and strategies and experience training adult learners. Knowledge of Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect. Knowledge of the NAEYC, COA and NAFCC accreditation criteria and process, the required programs of the BGCA, 4-H, and the Skills and knowledge to implement the Department of Defense (DoD) certification standards. Knowledge in interests and motivation of individuals and groups. Skill in planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of programs. Skill to develop curriculum outlines, courses of study lesson plans/guides, and to conduct training workshops. Ability to provide guidance and leadership to employees and providers. Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations including evacuations, child illness, and physical and emotional disorders. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal communication skills.

Education

A Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development AND 1 year of full-time experience working with children and/or youth. OR A 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development AND 3 years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth. OR A combination of education and experience with courses (24 higher level semester hours) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development AND 3 years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth. Note: A copy of your H.S. diploma, GED, or college transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) MUST be submitted when applying. If your degree has not been awarded you MUST also provide a copy of your HS Diploma or equivalent.

How to apply

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. When building or uploading your resume, please note there is a two-page limit. The system will restrict any attempts to submit a longer document. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/30/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13015217 It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJobs account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to [email protected] to ensure proper consideration is given.