Launch Your Career: Child and Youth Program Assistant at Joint Base Andrews
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? The Air Force District of Washington is looking for energetic and dedicated individuals to join our team as Child and Youth Program Assistants at the Child Development Center, located at the prestigious Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Job Responsibilities
The Child and Youth Program Assistant (CYPA) is responsible for the safety, supervision, and engagement of participants ranging from infants to teenagers. Depending on your experience level, your duties may include:
- Providing Care: Ensuring the safety and well-being of children during all program hours.
- Activity Planning: Assisting in the preparation of age-appropriate educational and recreational activities.
- Environment Management: Creating a welcoming space that promotes positive interactions.
- Coordination: Communicating daily schedules, activities, and needs to parents, staff, and management.
Comparison of Position Levels
| Level | Experience Required | Pay Rate (Hourly) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | None | $18.70 |
| Intermediate Level | 6 Months | $23.29 |
| Target Level | 18 Months + Credentials | $24.90 |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Strong English communication skills are essential. All candidates must successfully clear background and employment verification (E-Verify) processes to ensure the safety of our children.
Salary and Benefits
Beyond competitive hourly wages, employees receive:
- Childcare Discounts: 100% discount on the first child and 25% for additional children for direct care staff.
- Bonuses: A $750 recruitment bonus is available with a signed service agreement.
- Professional Growth: Access to DoD-approved training and certification pathways.
Application Tips
Submit your resume and supporting documentation early. Ensure your work history clearly outlines your experience with specific age groups and programs. When in doubt, list all volunteer work, as this counts toward your qualifications!
Working as a Child and Youth Program Assistant is more than a job—it is a way to serve the military community while developing your professional skills. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply by October 21, 2026.
Why This Child And Youth Program Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on military families and help shape the next generation at Joint Base Andrews—join the Air Force Child and Youth team today!
Child And Youth Program Assistant Job Overview
The Air Force District of Washington is seeking dedicated individuals for the position of Child and Youth Program Assistant at the Child Development Center on Joint Base Andrews. This role is a vital part of our mission to support military families by providing high-quality care, supervision, and engaging developmental activities for children ranging from infancy through age 18. This position offers competitive hourly wages, opportunities for professional growth, and the unique chance to contribute to the well-being of the military community in the National Capital Region.
Requirements for Child And Youth Program Assistant
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
- Must be able to provide a REAL ID or authorized combination of identity documents for installation access.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must pass employment verification (E-Verify) and background suitability requirements.
- For Target Level: 18 months of relevant childcare experience and specific DoD competency training/credentials.
- For Intermediate Level: Six months of experience in a group program for children/youth and completion of required Air Force modules.
Preferred Qualifications for Child And Youth Program Assistant
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
- Military School Age Credential.
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, or related fields.
- Previous experience in a structured, professional childcare setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive hourly pay ($18.70 - $24.90)
- âś“Significant childcare fee discounts for direct care staff
- âś“Recruitment bonus ($750.00 with service agreement)
- âś“Additional special recognition bonuses
- âś“Professional development and certification opportunities
đź’ˇ How to Apply Child And Youth Program Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Child And Youth Program Assistant Job
- Log in to your USAJobs account or create a new one.
- Review the full job announcement details carefully.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it highlights all relevant paid and volunteer childcare experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire linked within the announcement.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, such as transcripts, diplomas, or credentials.
- Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of October 21, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes full contact information for all professional and personal references.
- Be specific when describing your experience; include dates, duties, and the age groups you worked with.
- Sanitize sensitive information from documents like marriage certificates or military orders if preferred.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJobs dashboard.
- Do not wait until the final hour to submit, as document uploads can take time to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree required to apply?
No, a high school diploma or equivalent is the base requirement for entry-level positions. Higher levels of pay are available for those with specific credentials or degrees.
What is a NAF position?
NAF stands for Nonappropriated Fund. These positions are specifically designed to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, you may include both paid and unpaid (volunteer) experience in your resume as long as it is relevant to the requirements of the position.
Do I need a background in education?
While an educational background is a plus, entry-level positions require no prior experience.
Where can I check my application status?
You can view the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJobs account.
Job from Air Force District Of Washington
Joint Base Andrews, often called "America's Airfield," is a premier joint base that serves a vital mission in supporting the President of the United States and our senior national leaders. Working within the Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) team means you are not just an employee; you are a key contributor to the well-being of the families who support our national security mission.