Lead and Inspire: Becoming a Child and Youth Program Leader at NSA Great Lakes

Supporting military families is one of the most impactful ways to serve those who defend our nation. At Naval Support Activity (NSA) Great Lakes, the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is looking for dedicated, passionate, and qualified professionals to step into the role of Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader.

Offering a competitive hourly wage of $27.04 to $35.14 per hour, this position goes far beyond traditional child care. It represents a vital leadership opportunity where you will mentor junior staff, design engaging educational activities, and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for children ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years of age. If you are looking for a career that combines leadership, education, and service, this role is the perfect fit.

About the Agency: Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP)

Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) professionals make a visible difference every single day. When military parents know their children are safe and in excellent care, they can focus on their critical national security missions.

Navy CYP is a massive, global network. With programs in 19 states and vibrant international locations such as Italy, Spain, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Bahrain, Cuba, and Guam, the opportunities for career growth and global relocation are nearly limitless. The agency is renowned for its commitment to employee development, offering continuous paid training, credential sponsorship, and tuition assistance for college courses. Whether you have an advanced degree or are just starting out, Navy CYP provides the pathway, support, and resources you need to succeed.

Key Job Responsibilities

The Child and Youth Program Leader is a dynamic, multi-faceted position that balances hands-on care with professional administrative, curriculum, and mentoring responsibilities. Below is a detailed breakdown of what your daily routine will look like:

1. Mentoring and Professional Guidance

As a Leader, you are the bridge between senior educational specialists and junior CY Program Assistants. You will:

Mentor and guide assigned team members, modeling appropriate developmental techniques and behaviors.
Assist lower-level employees in completing their Standardized Module Training.
Collaborate with the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist to record team member observations and help staff translate training into actual daily practice.

2. Curriculum Design and Activity Planning

Education within Navy CYP is developmentally structured, active, and engaging. Your responsibilities include:

Planning and implementing activities based on the documented needs and progress of the children in your group.
Incorporating parental guidance regarding dietary requirements, physical accommodations, or specialized behavioral needs.
Creating adjustments to lesson guides to accommodate unusual situations or children with unique physical/developmental requirements.

3. Maintaining Safe Environments

Safety is paramount when working with military youth. You will:

Prepare and maintain both indoor and outdoor play spaces to ensure compliance with strict Department of Defense (DoD) standards.
Inventory equipment on a regular basis, securing materials and requesting replacements for damaged items.
Closely monitor arrivals and departures, ensuring children only leave with pre-authorized individuals as documented by parents.

4. Direct Interaction and Communication

Communication links everyone together. In this role, you will:

Use approved positive behavioral guidance techniques to promote healthy peer-to-peer relationships.
Lead group outings, educational field trips, and special community events.
Participate in professional parent-teacher conferences and provide status briefs to base command personnel when necessary.

Qualifications and Education Pathways

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate a mix of educational coursework and real-world experience. All applicants must have at least 12 months of professional child care experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level or its equivalent.

Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following educational criteria:

Educational Pathway	Required Credentials / Degrees	Minimum Experience
DoD Module Pathway	Completion of DoD Standardized Module Training	12 months at CY-II (GSE-04) level or equivalent
Credential Pathway	Active Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential	12 months at CY-II (GSE-04) level or equivalent
Academic Pathway	Minimum 2-year degree (Associate's or higher) in Child Development, Youth Development, Early Childhood Education, Physical Education, Human Development, Recreation, or closely related field	12 months at CY-II (GSE-04) level or equivalent

Note: You must provide physical proof of your credentials, transcripts, high school diploma, or GED at the exact time of application to be considered.

Salary, Incentives, and Federal Benefits

Navy CYP rewards hard work with top-tier compensation and benefits that rival private-sector childcare institutions:

Competitive Compensation: Earn between $27.04 and $35.14 per hour, based on experience and educational benchmarks.
Retention Incentives: You may be eligible for a $1,000.00 cash incentive paid out incrementally. Successful hires receive installments at the 6-month and 1-year marks of continuous employment.
Insurance & Retirement: Employees enjoy robust federal health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as access to retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions.
Generous Paid Time Off: Start your career with 13 days of paid annual leave per year, plus sick leave and federal holidays.
Educational Funding: Take advantage of Navy CYP's programs to help pay for child care industry certifications or relevant college courses.

Security, Background Checks, and Base Access

Working on a secure military installation alongside children requires a high level of trust. Candidates must meet strict background and suitability criteria:

Background Screenings

All personnel must undergo a thorough Installation Records Check (IRC). This process screens records in the Alcohol and Drug Management Information Tracking System (ADMITS), Fleet and Family Support Management Information System (FFSMIS), and the Navy Justice Information System (NJIS). Convictions for sexual offenses, offenses involving children, or felony drug charges are automatic disqualifiers.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Commander, Navy Installations Command is a drug-free federal workplace. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, regardless of state legislation. A positive pre-employment drug test will result in the immediate revocation of your tentative job offer and will bar you from applying for any Department of Defense role for 6 months.

Base Access and REAL ID Compliance

To access NSA Great Lakes, employees must possess a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another approved form of federal identification, such as a valid U.S. Passport, military ID, or Permanent Resident Card.

Tips for a Winning Application

To make sure your application package is reviewed and sent to the hiring manager, keep these critical tips in mind:

Respect the Two-Page Limit: The application system strictly rejects any uploaded resumes that are longer than two pages. Keep your resume focused, high-impact, and directly aligned with the job description.
Verify Educational Transcripts: Ensure any uploaded college transcripts clearly display your full name, the school name, your specific major, and the date your degree was conferred. Altered transcripts or those missing this data will result in disqualification.
Use the USAJobs Resume Builder: This tool helps structure your experience to align perfectly with federal hiring criteria and prevents formatting errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What age groups will I be working with in this role?

This position covers developmental programs catering to children and youth ranging from 6 weeks old up to 18 years of age.

Q: Can I apply if my degree is not yet officially awarded?

Yes, but you must provide alternative proof, such as your High School Diploma or GED, along with any active certificates of completion for DoD approved competency-based training courses or valid CDA/MSA credentials.

Q: Are foreign transcripts accepted?

Yes, but they must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a recognized private credentialing agency. You are responsible for obtaining and paying for this evaluation before submitting your application.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for this position?

Your complete application, including the online questionnaire and all required documents, must be submitted via USAJobs by 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2026.

If you want to step into a leadership role that directly supports military families, provides phenomenal benefits, and offers a clear path for professional advancement, the Child and Youth Program Leader position at NSA Great Lakes is your next step. Prepare your documents, refine your resume to meet the two-page limit, and apply today to join a global team dedicated to building a brighter future for military youth.

Why This Child And Youth Program Leader Job Matters

Empower military families and shape the next generation of resilient leaders at NSA Great Lakes.

Child And Youth Program Leader Job Overview

Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is seeking a motivated Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader to join the team at Naval Support Activity Great Lakes, Illinois. In this vital role, you will deliver high-quality developmental care and age-appropriate instruction to military children aged 6 weeks to 18 years. Additionally, you will serve as a lead mentor, helping junior Child and Youth Program Assistants translate their training into real-world, positive interactions. Offering competitive hourly wages, continuous paid training, college tuition assistance, and an extensive federal benefits package, this is an unmatched opportunity to build a meaningful, long-term career while supporting our nation's service members.

Requirements for Child And Youth Program Leader

Must be a U.S. Citizen or authorized national.
Must successfully complete an Installation Records Check (IRC) and comprehensive background screening.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and remain drug-free (marijuana remains a federal disqualifier).
Must possess a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate.
Must meet specific education and credential guidelines alongside 12 months of experience at the CY-02 (GSE-04) level or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications for Child And Youth Program Leader

A direct Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, Child Psychology, or Recreation.
An active Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential.
Proven experience leading, training, and mentoring peer child care educators in a structured environment.
Strong skills in lesson plan creation and behavioral guidance for diverse age groups (infants to teenagers).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay ($27.04 to $35.14 per hour).
✓Potential retention incentive of $1,000.00, paid out at 6 months and 1 year of service.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (Thrift Savings Plan equivalent or NAF Retirement).
✓Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 13 days of annual leave per year).
✓Funding and assistance for professional credentials and college coursework.
✓Global advancement opportunities across 19 states and multiple international bases.

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

Application Steps for Child And Youth Program Leader Job

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page maximum limit.
Gather your educational transcripts (showing degree conferred/major), high school diploma, or active credentials (CDA/MSA).
If claiming preference, gather supporting documents (DD-214, SF-50, PAR, PCS military spouse orders, or marriage certificate).
Access the USAJobs portal and log in to initiate the application process.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire and upload all required documents.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Adhere to the Strict Page Limit: The recruitment system will reject any resume submissions exceeding two pages in length.
Be Explicit with Your Experience: Clearly state how your background matches the needed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), particularly in mentoring junior staff and planning lessons.
Double-Check Transcript Formats: Transcripts must explicitly state your full name, the school name, degree awarded, date conferred, and your specific major. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but they must not be altered.
Understand Base Access Protocols: Successful candidates must obtain base access under the REAL ID Act. Ensure you have a compliant driver's license or an alternate approved ID, such as a U.S. Passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly salary range for this position?

The pay rate is between $27.04 and $35.14 per hour, depending on experience and meeting educational qualifications.

Is there a signing or retention bonus?

Yes. Qualified candidates may be eligible for a $1,000.00 cash incentive, with split payments awarded at the 6-month and 1-year milestones of continuous employment.

What background checks are required for employment?

Because you will work directly with children, you must undergo a rigorous Installation Records Check (IRC). This includes checks of substance abuse programs (SARP), Family Advocacy Programs (FAP), and local base security databases.

Are there federal restrictions on marijuana use for this role?

Yes. Despite state laws, the Commander, Navy Installations Command operates under federal law. A positive test for marijuana will result in the immediate withdrawal of any job offer and a 6-month bar from applying to Department of Defense positions.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

The online application system enforces a strict electronic restriction. Any attempt to upload a resume longer than two pages will be blocked, so you must edit your experience down to fit the limit.