Launch Your Career with Navy Child and Youth Programs in Great Lakes
Are you looking for a fulfilling career where your daily work makes a tangible difference in the lives of others? The Commander, Navy Installations Command is currently hiring Child and Youth Program (CYP) Assistants at the Naval Support Activity in Great Lakes, Illinois. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to support the brave men and women of our military by providing high-quality care and education for their children.
Job Responsibilities
As a CYP Assistant, you will work directly with children and youth to create a safe and stimulating environment. Your core responsibilities include:
- Curriculum Development: Planning and implementing activities that meet the physical, social, and emotional needs of children.
- Environment Management: Preparing indoor and outdoor areas to ensure they are safe and conducive to learning.
- Supervision: Providing constant oversight to ensure the safety and accountability of all program participants.
- Communication: Maintaining open, professional lines of communication with parents and teammates regarding child development and daily activities.
- Compliance: Adhering to Department of Defense and local installation policies regarding health, safety, and child protection.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Minimum age of 18.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively in English.
- Ability to pass comprehensive background checks, including a Tier 1 Child Care check and fingerprinting.
Qualifications Comparison
| Level | Experience Required | Education/Training Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | None required | High School Diploma/GED |
| Intermediate | 6 months in childcare | Navy Entry Level training or equivalent |
| Target Level | 1 year in childcare | CDA/MSA credential or 2-year degree in ECE |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21.02 to $33.15, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond the paycheck, the Navy offers a robust benefits package:
- Childcare Discounts: Save 50% on childcare fees for one child if you work at least 15 hours per week.
- Healthcare & Retirement: Access to quality health insurance and retirement savings plans.
- Paid Time Off: Start your journey with 13 days of paid time off.
- Professional Growth: Access to paid training, college tuition assistance, and industry certification programs.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Any document longer than this will be automatically rejected by the system.
- Highlight Experience: Use clear, specific language to describe your past work with children.
- Submit All Docs: Ensure you upload your high school diploma or college transcripts immediately, as the application cannot be considered without them.
- Check Your Email: Ensure your provided email address is active and not blocking messages from federal hiring authorities.
If you have a heart for children and a desire to serve those who protect our nation, we encourage you to apply. With training provided and a career ladder waiting for you, there has never been a better time to join the Navy Child and Youth Program team at Great Lakes.
Why This Child And Youth Program Assistant - May Be Eligible For 1000.00 Incentive At 6 Mo. And 1 Year Job Matters
Make a lasting impact on military families! Join the Navy Child and Youth Program in Great Lakes, IL—where your passion for child development is rewarded with competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a supportive team environment.
Child And Youth Program Assistant - May Be Eligible For 1000.00 Incentive At 6 Mo. And 1 Year Job Overview
The Commander, Navy Installations Command is seeking dedicated Child and Youth Program (CYP) Assistants to join the team at Naval Support Activity Great Lakes. In this role, you will be the backbone of our childcare mission, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for the children of our service members. Your daily contributions will help foster social skills, emotional growth, and school readiness in a vibrant educational setting. This position offers not just a job, but a pathway to professional development and a chance to support those who serve our country.
Requirements for Child And Youth Program Assistant - May Be Eligible For 1000.00 Incentive At 6 Mo. And 1 Year
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must hold a High School Diploma or GED.
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
- Must successfully complete comprehensive background checks (including fingerprinting and Installation Records Check).
- Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions and work cooperatively as part of a team.
- Must submit all required documentation, including transcripts or diploma, at the time of application.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain base access credentials.
Preferred Qualifications for Child And Youth Program Assistant - May Be Eligible For 1000.00 Incentive At 6 Mo. And 1 Year
- Prior experience working with children or youth in a professional setting.
- Completion of Navy Entry Level training or equivalent military training.
- Possession of a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential.
- An Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Youth Recreation, or a related field.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly wages
- ✓Employer-sponsored childcare fee discount (up to 50% for one child)
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance
- ✓Retirement savings plans
- ✓Paid time off (starting at 13 days)
- ✓Professional training and certification support
- ✓Career advancement opportunities within a global network
💡 How to Apply Child And Youth Program Assistant - May Be Eligible For 1000.00 Incentive At 6 Mo. And 1 Year Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Child And Youth Program Assistant - May Be Eligible For 1000.00 Incentive At 6 Mo. And 1 Year Job
- Review the job announcement and requirements thoroughly.
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new one.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather supporting documents such as your high school diploma, college transcripts, and any applicable military preference documents.
- Complete the online application and the mandatory questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of October 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically highlights your experience with children and youth, using clear and concise language.
- Double-check your resume page limit; the system will reject anything over two pages.
- Ensure your email address is correct and that you do not have spam filters blocking messages from the Navy hiring team.
- Upload all required transcripts and certificates at the time of application to avoid disqualification.
- Monitor your status in the USAJOBS portal to track your application progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there training available if I lack experience?
Yes! The Navy Child and Youth Program provides training opportunities and will even help pay for industry certifications or college courses for eligible staff.
What is the childcare benefit for employees?
Employees working at least 15 hours per week are eligible for a 50% fee discount for one child enrolled in Navy-sponsored childcare programs.
What kind of background checks are required?
Because this position involves direct contact with children, all applicants must pass fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 Child Care check, an Installation Records Check, and other federal security screenings.
Do I need a degree to apply?
*A: No. Entry-level positions only require a high school diploma or equivalent.*
Is there an incentive for this role?
*A: Yes, there is a potential for a $1,000 incentive at the 6-month and 1-year milestones.*
Will I need a security clearance?
*A: This position requires a background check and child-specific security vetting, but it is classified as a non-sensitive/low-risk position.*
Job from Commander, Navy Installations Command
The Navy Child and Youth Program (CYP) is a world-class organization dedicated to supporting military families across 19 states and various international locations. We believe that when our service members know their children are safe, nurtured, and thriving, they can better focus on their mission-critical responsibilities. Our agency prides itself on offering not just jobs, but long-term career paths with exceptional benefits and professional development support.