Become a Beacon of Support: Child and Youth Program Assistant Careers at Fort Hunter Liggett

Our military families carry unique responsibilities, and ensuring their children receive excellent care and development is essential to our national readiness. The Department of the Army’s Child and Youth Services (CYS) division provides this stability. At Fort Hunter Liggett in California, CYS is currently recruiting passionate, responsible, and motivated individuals to fill the role of Child and Youth Program Assistant (CY-01/02).

Whether you are an experienced childcare professional or a motivated candidate looking to start a rewarding career, this path offers a structured framework for advancement, fully paid professional development, and competitive pay. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about this opportunity, from responsibilities and requirements to application strategies and benefits.

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About the Agency: Army Installation Management Command

The United States Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) supports the soldiers, civilian personnel, and families who reside on and work near our military installations. As a branch of IMCOM, Child and Youth Services (CYS) is dedicated to delivering exemplary programs that enrich the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of military youth.

CYS programs are highly respected, providing structured environments where children ranging from age 6 weeks to 18 years can learn, grow, and build resilience. The agency places a heavy emphasis on learning, integrating science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and interactive play into daily routines. By joining this organization, you do not just secure a job; you join a supportive family that invests in your future through training, professional mentorship, and career growth.

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Job Responsibilities

As a Child and Youth Program Assistant, your primary objective is to maintain a safe, welcoming, and educationally stimulating environment. While tasks can vary based on the age group of the facility to which you are assigned, core duties typically include:

• Developmental Care and Instruction: Administer age-appropriate education and interactive activities using pre-approved curricula. You will support learning for children across various development phases, from early childhood to high school.
• Active Supervision: Ensure the safety and constant accountability of all children during daily indoor activities, outdoor playtime, field trips, and special community events.
• Activity Implementation: Help organize, set up, and execute planned lessons, physical education, and creative play schedules using prepared resources.
• Nutritional Support: Assist with preparing, serving, and supervising healthy meals and snacks, ensuring appropriate nutrition guidelines are followed.
• Emergency Response: Remain alert to manage emergency situations, handle safety evacuations, care for ill children, and address sudden emotional or physical needs with professionalism.

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Key Requirements and Progression Levels

To ensure top-quality care, the Army uses a pay-banded classification system divided into Entry, Skill, and Target levels. All candidates must be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and speak and write fluent English. Beyond these basic qualifications, academic achievements and past experience determine where you start.

Career Level Comparison Table

Level	Pay Band	Experience Required	Educational / Training Requirements
Entry Level	CY-01	None	High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent proof of graduation.
Skill Level	CY-01	Minimum of 6 months in group child settings.	Completion of Entry Level standardized training OR 6 semester hours of relevant early childhood/education college credit.
Target Level	CY-02	Minimum of 12 months in group child settings.	Completion of Skill Level standardized training OR CDA / Military School-Age (MSA) credential OR 12 semester hours of relevant child/youth development college credit.

Note: If you are applying for the Skill or Target levels based on college courses or professional certifications, you must upload English transcripts or certificates during the application process.

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Salary and Compensation Overview

Positions under this vacancy announcement offer competitive compensation ranging from $19.53 to $27.20 per hour.

Because this role operates within a pay-banded system, employees can progress up the wage scale as they complete training milestones and gain experience. Additional premium pay elements may be authorized by the Garrison Commander, including Sunday premium pay or night differential pay for regularly scheduled employees working late-shift hours.

There are two schedule pathways available:

1. Regular Part-Time: Guarantees a minimum of 20 working hours per week. This status makes you fully eligible for the standard federal benefits package.
2. Flexible (Flex): Features an irregular schedule with hours varying from 0 to 40 per week. While hours are not guaranteed, Flex employees enjoy maximum schedule control and eligibility for 401(k) enrollment.

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Comprehensive Benefits Package

Working as a Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) employee for the Department of the Army carries structural and personal benefits that rival commercial employers:

• Childcare Fee Discounts: To assist our working parents, CYS provides a 100% childcare fee discount for your first child enrolled in base program care. Eligible regular and flex employees working at least 15 hours a week receive a 25% discount for second and subsequent children.
• Retirement & Savings: Access to a secure 401(k) savings plan with matching agency contributions, as well as pension plan opportunities for regular part-time staff.
• Health and Wellness: Regular part-time personnel are eligible to participate in federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance policies.
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of personal annual leave, sick leave, and paid holiday time off for regular part-time employees.
• Installation Perks: Access to excellent base facilities, including fitness complexes, libraries, and discount services.

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Application Tips for Success

Applying for a federal position is a precise process. Utilize these strategic tips to make your application stand out:

1. Observe the Two-Page Limit: Federal hiring regulations require resumes to be strictly two pages or less. Any content beyond two pages may be disregarded. Keep your formatting clean and concise.
2. Focus on PDF Format: Save your resume and supporting documents as PDF files under 5 megabytes. This ensures your formatting remains perfect across all systems.
3. Provide Proof of Education: You must upload evidence of educational completion (such as high school diploma, GED certificate, or college transcripts) when submitting your application. Failure to attach these files will result in disqualification.
4. List References Early: Including contact details (name, email, and phone number) for professional references on your resume helps accelerate the background and onboarding verification processes.
5. Claim Your Preferences: Review preference eligibility guidelines carefully. If you are a military spouse, veteran, or former NAF employee, gather and submit the required documentation (such as DD-214 or marriage certificates) to claim selection priority.

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A career with Army Child and Youth Services at Fort Hunter Liggett is more than a daily job; it is a vital service that supports our nation's military community. Combining competitive pay, paid training, deep childcare discounts, and clear paths to advancement, this role is a great gateway into federal service. Ready to start your journey? Compile your documents, polish your two-page resume, and submit your application before the closing date!