Become an Educational Aid at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Twentynine Palms

Are you dedicated to working with youth, fostering early childhood development, and serving military families? Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is actively recruiting Educational Aids (CY1-CY2 / GSE-02/03/04) to support the Child and Youth Programs (CYP) at Twentynine Palms, California.

This position provides a unique opportunity to build a stable federal career while providing top-quality developmental care to children of military service members. Offering competitive hourly pay ranging from $19.48 to $23.04 per hour, this role serves as an entry and intermediate step for individuals passionate about early childhood education, youth instruction, and community service.

About the Agency: Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) operates under the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Guided by the motto "Serving Those Who Serve," MCCS delivers comprehensive, high-quality programs designed to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of Marines, sailors, and their families.

The Child and Youth Programs (CYP) division within MCCS provides critical care networks, structured environments, and enrichment programs for children ranging from 6 weeks up to 18 years old. Employees working in CYP are essential to operational readiness, enabling service members to perform their military duties knowing their children are safe, supported, and nurtured.

Daily Duties and Core Responsibilities

Educational Aids work under supervision to provide developmental care, structured educational instruction, and recreational guidance. The duties grow in responsibility as candidates progress through the GSE pay band.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Program Implementation: Assist in executing age-appropriate activities, indoor/outdoor games, learning modules, and creative projects based on established curriculums.
Direct Supervision: Maintain sight-and-sound supervision of youth across diverse settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, field trips, and special events.
Inclusive Care: Support children and youth with special needs by adhering to individualized action plans (IAT), dietary guidelines, and physical assistance protocols.
Health and Safety Support: Implement proper sanitation standards, provide basic first aid for minor injuries, manage snack/meal service, and maintain mandatory child-to-staff safety ratios.
Observation and Reporting: Monitor children for developmental milestones as well as signs of illness, stress, or potential abuse/neglect, acting as a legally mandated reporter.
Customer Interaction: Communicate professionally with military parents, facility team members, and base supervisors regarding child progress and daily activities.

Qualification Levels and Criteria

Candidates can qualify at different pay levels depending on their combined practical experience, training certifications, and college education.

General Requirements for All Levels

Age 18 or older.
Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent.
Strong command of the English language (reading, writing, speaking).
Capability to handle physical tasks, including lifting up to 45 pounds unassisted.
Ability to obtain a government driver's license if transporting youth is required.

Level Breakdown Comparison Table

Level & Grade	Required Work Experience	Education / Certification Requirement
All Levels (GSE-02)	Entry level; prior child/youth experience preferred	High School Diploma or GED equivalent
CY1 (GSE-03)	Minimum 6 months of group childcare experience	Completion of DoW standardized entry training OR 6 college credit hours in relevant fields
CY2 (GSE-04)	Minimum 12 months of group childcare experience	Completion of DoW standardized training, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Military School-Age (MSA) credential, OR 12 college credit hours

Note: Relevant academic fields include Early Childhood Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, Child/Youth Development, and Special Education.

Mandatory Conditions of Employment

Working with military families requires strict adherence to federal safety and medical standards. Candidates must meet the following criteria before final placement:

Background Checks: Must pass a comprehensive background check (NACI) in accordance with Section 231 of the Crime Control Act of 1990 and DoD instructions.
Medical Evaluation & Immunizations: Must complete a pre-employment physical exam. Employees must show proof of required immunizations, including the annual influenza vaccine.
Certifications: Candidates must obtain and maintain valid CPR and First Aid certifications within designated timelines.
Drug Testing Program: This position is designated as a Test Designated Position (TDP). Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug screening and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment.

Salary Overview and Compensation

The position offers competitive hourly wages ranging from $19.48 to $23.04 per hour, depending on the qualification level (GSE-02, GSE-03, or GSE-04) at which the candidate is hired.

Because this role is structured with developmental progression in mind, employees who enter at a lower grade have clear pathways to complete specialized Department of Defense training and advance into higher-paying performance tiers.

Benefits and Employment Perks

Employees hired through MCCS receive access to a comprehensive federal support package:

Federal Job Security: Stability working within non-appropriated fund (NAF) federal civilian service systems.
Base Privileges: Access to Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) shopping facilities and recreational base amenities.
Work-Life Balance: Structured operating schedules, paid leave programs, and holiday schedules.
Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive medical, dental, and retirement plan options for eligible positions.
Career Training: Access to fully funded DoD standardized early childhood training programs.

Practical Application Tips for Job Seekers

To ensure your application is reviewed successfully by the Human Resources Office, pay close attention to these vital instructions:

1. Strictly Observe the Resume Page Limit

CRITICAL RULE: The NAF Human Resources Office strictly enforces a two-page maximum limit for resumes under their Merit Hiring Plan. Any resume exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified and marked ineligible without review.

2. Attach Required Supporting Documents

Make sure to upload all essential documents when submitting your online application:

High School Diploma or College Transcripts (if qualifying via coursework).
Certifications (CDA, MSA, CPR, First Aid) if applicable.
Military Preference Documents: DD-214 (Member Copy) showing discharge status for veterans, or sponsor PCS orders and marriage certificates for military spouses.
Disability Documentation if claiming hiring preferences.

3. Take Advantage of Application Assistance

Military family members and veterans can contact the Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) for help with resume tailoring, interview prep, and federal application strategies. Call 760-830-4030 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted electronically through the official MCCS Careers online portal. Emailed or paper applications will not be accepted.

Q: Can active duty service members applying for transition use this opening?

Active duty service members transitioning out within 120 days must submit a DD-214 or Statement of Service. Note that a 180-day waiting period applies to recently retired military members unless a formal waiver is executed.

Q: What are the shift hours for this position?

Child and Youth Programs operate across varying schedules to accommodate military operating hours. Positions may involve early morning, evening, or weekend shifts.

Q: What happens if I am missing required training certifications?

Entry-level selectees will receive mandatory Department of Defense standardized training during their orientation and initial employment period.

Working as an Educational Aid (CY1-CY2) with Marine Corps Community Services in Twentynine Palms, California, is more than just a job—it is an opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on military families while establishing a secure federal workforce foundation. Apply online today, ensure your resume stays under the two-page limit, and take your next step in child and youth education!

Why This Educational Aid Cy1-Cy2 (Gse-02/03/04) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on military families while building a rewarding career in child development at Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms!

Educational Aid Cy1-Cy2 (Gse-02/03/04) Job Overview

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is hiring up to 19 Educational Aids (CY1-CY2 / GSE-02/03/04) to support Child and Youth Programs in Twentynine Palms, California. This position provides direct care and instructional guidance to children ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years old. Offering hourly pay between $19.48 and $23.04, this role offers federal stability, comprehensive training, base privileges, and clear paths for professional growth in early childhood education.

Requirements for Educational Aid Cy1-Cy2 (Gse-02/03/04)

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED.
Demonstrated ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend English effectively.
Ability to independently lift and carry children and objects weighing up to 45 lbs (over 45 lbs with assistance).
Favorable adjudication of a background check in accordance with DoD instructions and federal law.
Pass a pre-employment physical and remain free from communicable diseases.
Must obtain and maintain required immunizations, including the annual influenza vaccine.
Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
Subject to random drug testing as a Test Designated Position (TDP).

Preferred Qualifications for Educational Aid Cy1-Cy2 (Gse-02/03/04)

Prior experience working with children or youth in group settings.
Completion of Department of Defense (DoD/DoW) standardized training modules.
Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential.
6 to 12+ semester hours of college coursework in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, child/youth development, or special education.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly salary ($19.48 - $23.04/hr).
✓Federal civilian service job stability.
✓Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) and base facility privileges.
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefit options.
✓Generous work-life balance and paid time off.
✓Structured career progression and paid professional training.

💡 How to Apply Educational Aid Cy1-Cy2 (Gse-02/03/04) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Educational Aid Cy1-Cy2 (Gse-02/03/04) Job

Visit the official MCCS Careers website.
Search for Job Opening ID 78789.
Prepare a resume that strictly does NOT exceed two (2) pages.
Attach required documentation including high school diploma/transcripts, certifications, and military preference documents if applicable.
Complete and submit the online application prior to 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

STRICT TWO-PAGE LIMIT: Resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified due to Merit Hiring Plan policies.
Include relevant transcripts or college certificates if qualifying based on education.
Submit your DD-214 or Statement of Service if applying under Veteran or Active Duty transitioning status.
Ensure your background details are accurate to avoid delays in security clearance and background check processing.
Contact the Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) at 760-830-4030 for professional resume review support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pay scale for this position?

The pay rate ranges between $19.48 and $23.04 per hour depending on qualifications, entry level (GSE-02, 03, or 04), and experience.

Where is the job located?

The position is located at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) in Twentynine Palms, California.

Are there strict formatting rules for the resume?

Yes. Federal hiring guidelines for this announcement strictly state that resumes exceeding two pages will be rejected without review.

Is drug testing mandatory?

Yes. This is a Test Designated Position (TDP), requiring candidates to pass pre-employment screening and participate in random drug testing.

What are the physical requirements?

Candidates must be able to lift up to 45 pounds independently and more than 45 pounds with assistance, alongside stooping, bending, and actively walking.