Launch Your Career in Child Development at Malmstrom Air Force Base

Are you looking for a fulfilling career where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of military families? The 341st Force Support Squadron (FSS) at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team as Child and Youth Program Assistants (CYPA). Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in early childhood education, we have opportunities for you to grow.

Job Responsibilities

As a CYPA, your primary responsibility is ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in our care. You will assist in:

Supervision: Maintaining accountability for children during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, and events.
Programming: Helping to prepare and execute age-appropriate activities based on prepared curriculums.
Nutrition: Assisting in the preparation and serving of healthy snacks and meals.
Environment: Creating a welcoming space that encourages positive social interaction and development.
Administration: Keeping inventory of supplies and updating parents on daily activities.

Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

Age: At least 18 years old.
Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Communication: Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively.
Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background check and E-Verify process.

Comparison of Position Levels

Position Level	Experience Required	Educational/Credential Requirement
Entry	None	High School Diploma/GED
Intermediate	6 Months	AF Orientation & 3 Training Modules
Target	18 Months	CDA, Associate, or Bachelor's Degree

Salary Overview

The pay for this position ranges from $18.70 to $21.76 per hour, depending on your qualifications and the specific level of the position assigned. Additionally, new hires may be eligible for a recruitment bonus ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Benefits

Working for the Air Force NAF program comes with significant perks:

Childcare Discounts: Significant fee reductions for staff children.
Base Access: Access to fitness centers, libraries, and recreational facilities.
Professional Growth: Tuition assistance, leadership training, and career vectoring for eligible employees.
Incentive Awards: Opportunities for performance-based cash bonuses.

Application Tips

Be Comprehensive: Clearly document all relevant experience, including volunteer and community work.
Check Your Documents: Ensure your diploma or GED and any credentials are uploaded clearly.
Sanitize Personal Info: Remove Social Security numbers or sensitive info from documents that contain data belonging to others.
Apply Early: Don't wait until the last minute—technical issues can happen.

Malmstrom Air Force Base offers a unique, vibrant atmosphere to work in. If you are ready to start a career that balances professional growth with the joy of working with children, we encourage you to apply by September 15, 2026. Join us and see why "Big Sky Country" is the perfect place to grow your career.

Why This Child And Youth Program Assistant (Entry, Intermedate & Target Level) Job Matters

Shape the future in Big Sky Country! Join the Malmstrom Air Force Base team as a Child and Youth Program Assistant and earn competitive pay while making a lasting impact on military families.

Child And Youth Program Assistant (Entry, Intermedate & Target Level) Job Overview

The 341st Force Support Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Child and Youth Program Assistants. This non-appropriated fund (NAF) role offers a unique opportunity to provide essential care, supervision, and engaging programming for children and youth ranging from six weeks to 18 years old. Whether you are launching your career in child development or bring years of experience, we offer positions across entry, intermediate, and target levels to match your professional background.

Requirements for Child And Youth Program Assistant (Entry, Intermedate & Target Level)

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Successful completion of employment verification (E-Verify) and background checks.
Must be registered for Selective Service (for male applicants born after December 31, 1959).
Must be able to provide valid identification for base access.

Preferred Qualifications for Child And Youth Program Assistant (Entry, Intermedate & Target Level)

Target Level: 18 months of relevant childcare experience plus a Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent credential.
Target Level: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (with at least 24 credit hours in the discipline).
Intermediate Level: Six months of equivalent experience plus completion of Air Force modules and orientation training.
Entry Level: No prior experience required; open to motivated individuals beginning their career.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay
✓Recruitment bonus ($500 - $1,000 for qualifying candidates)
✓Childcare fee discounts for direct care staff
✓Access to on-base amenities including fitness centers and recreational facilities
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Incentive awards program

💡 How to Apply Child And Youth Program Assistant (Entry, Intermedate & Target Level) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Child And Youth Program Assistant (Entry, Intermedate & Target Level) Job

Create or log in to your USAJobs account.
Review the specific questionnaire link provided in the announcement.
Prepare your resume detailing all relevant paid and volunteer experience.
Gather supporting documentation, including your high school diploma/GED and any professional credentials.
Submit your complete application package via the online portal by the closing date of September 15, 2026.
Monitor your status through the USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes full contact information for professional references.
Double-check that you have uploaded all required documents, including your diploma or GED, to avoid an incomplete application status.
Carefully answer the online questionnaire; do not inflate your experience levels as your resume must support your responses.
Sanitize sensitive documents, such as military orders or marriage certificates, if they contain personal info for individuals other than yourself.
Submit well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a federal government position?

Yes, this is a Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) position within the Department of the Air Force, supporting Morale, Welfare, and Recreation activities.

What happens if I don't have experience?

The entry-level position requires no previous experience. It is designed to train motivated individuals who meet basic requirements.

Are there childcare benefits for employees?

Yes, direct care staff receive a 100% discount on childcare fees for their first child and a 25% discount for additional children, provided they meet specific work schedule requirements.

What is a NAF position?

*A: NAF stands for Non-appropriated Fund. These positions are primarily supported by the revenue generated from activities like our child development centers, bowling alleys, and golf courses rather than tax dollars.*

Can I use education to substitute for experience?

*A: Yes, specific educational degrees or credits can count toward meeting qualification requirements for higher-level positions.*

Job from Air Force Global Strike Command

The Department of the Air Force, through its Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) programs, supports the health and wellbeing of service members by providing high-quality care for their children. Working at the 341st FSS Child Development Center means more than just a job; it means joining a community that values service, growth, and professional excellence. Our staff members have access to fantastic on-base amenities and a supportive culture dedicated to family-friendly values.