Launch Your Career as a Child and Youth Program Leader with the Navy

Are you looking for a career that combines your passion for child development with the stability of a federal position? The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is currently hiring for Child and Youth Program Leader positions in Bangor and Bremerton, Washington. This is an exceptional opportunity to support military families while growing your professional skills.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Leader, you act as a mentor, educator, and guardian. Your daily tasks include:

Mentoring: Training and guiding entry-level Program Assistants.
Curriculum Planning: Creating engaging activities tailored to physical, emotional, and social needs of children aged 6 weeks to 18 years.
Supervision: Ensuring the safety and accountability of all participants in compliance with DoD standards.
Communication: Maintaining professional relationships with parents, staff, and school representatives.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must demonstrate competence in developmentally appropriate programming. You must meet one of the following criteria:

DoD Standardized Module Training + 12 months of experience at the CY-II level.
CDA or MSA credential + 12 months of experience.
A 2-year degree in a relevant field + 12 months of experience.

Salary and Benefits

Category	Details
Hourly Range	$27.18 – $35.33
Schedule	Full-time/Part-time available
Incentive	Up to $1,000 at 6 and 12-month marks
Childcare Benefit	Up to 100% discount for children of employees

Application Tips

Focus on KSAs: Clearly articulate your skills and knowledge in your resume.
Mind the Limit: Keep your resume under two pages.
Include Documentation: Don't forget your transcripts, diplomas, or preference documents.

Serving as a Child and Youth Program Leader is more than a job; it is a commitment to the families who protect our nation. With paid training, tuition support, and competitive benefits, there is no better time to apply for a career with the Department of the Navy.

Why This Child And Youth Program Leader Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on military families by shaping the future of Navy children—apply today to join our mission-driven Child and Youth Programs team.

Child And Youth Program Leader Job Overview

The Commander, Navy Installations Command is seeking dedicated Child and Youth Program Leaders to provide exceptional developmental care for children ranging from infancy to age 18. This role is perfect for those passionate about early childhood education and youth development who want to build a fulfilling career within the Department of the Navy. Working at locations in Bangor and Bremerton, Washington, you will provide critical support to military families, guiding both youth participants and program staff in a structured, nurturing environment.

Requirements for Child And Youth Program Leader

Completion of DoD Standardized Module Training with 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential with 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
Minimum 2-year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field (e.g., Psychology, Education, Social Work) with 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
Submission of High School Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts upon application.
Must be able to pass a rigorous background check, including Installation Records Checks.
Ability to maintain a drug-free workplace in compliance with Federal law.

Preferred Qualifications for Child And Youth Program Leader

Experience in mentoring or leading entry-level child care staff.
Strong proficiency in developing curriculum and lesson plans for diverse age groups.
Proven ability to identify and respond effectively to emergency situations in a child-care setting.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly wages
✓Comprehensive health insurance packages
✓Retirement savings plans
✓Paid time off starting at 13 days
✓Significant childcare discounts for eligible employees
✓Potential for $1,000 hiring incentive at 6 and 12-month milestones
✓Ongoing professional training and support for industry certifications

💡 How to Apply Child And Youth Program Leader Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Child And Youth Program Leader Job

Ensure you have a registered account on USAJobs.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your experience with children and youth, keeping it under the two-page limit.
Gather required documentation, including college transcripts or high school diploma and any necessary preference documents (DD-214, SF-50).
Visit the provided application link to complete the online questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the deadline of September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be clear and specific in your resume; link your past work duties directly to the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) requested.
Do not exceed the two-page resume limit, as the system will not accept longer files.
Double-check your email address to ensure you receive notifications regarding your application status.
If claiming preference (Veteran, Spouse, or BBA), ensure you attach the required proof, such as PCS orders or DD-214, at the time of submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a college degree required for this position?

Not necessarily. You can qualify with DoD Standardized Module Training or a CDA/MSA credential combined with the required experience.

What happens if I test positive for marijuana?

Because this is a Federal position, marijuana remains prohibited. A positive test result will result in the withdrawal of your job offer and potential disqualification for six months.

Can I receive childcare discounts as a Navy CYP employee?

Yes. Eligible staff working at least 15 hours per week may receive a 100% discount on their first child's enrollment and a 25% discount for additional children.

Job from Commander, Navy Installations Command

Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) are vital to the mission of the Department of the Navy. By providing safe, high-quality care for the children of service members, the CYP allows military personnel to focus on their essential duties. Operating globally, the Navy offers a unique, diverse work environment with excellent opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development.