Launch Your Career in Early Childhood Education with MCCS at Camp Foster

Are you passionate about child development and looking for a stable, rewarding career? The Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is currently seeking a motivated Child & Youth Program (CYP) Leader to join the team at the Ashibina Child Development Center on Camp Foster, Okinawa. This position is a fantastic opportunity for qualified educators to contribute to the well-being of military families living abroad.

Job Responsibilities

As a CYP Leader, you serve as a pivotal team member. Your daily responsibilities include:

Developmental Programming: Planning and implementing activities that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children aged 6 weeks to 18 years.
Staff Leadership: Guiding program staff to ensure high-quality care and strict adherence to established protocols.
Safety and Environment: Maintaining a safe, clean, and engaging environment that adheres to both federal and local childcare regulations.
Mandated Reporting: Acting as a professional in the identification, prevention, and reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Educational Background: Completion of recognized training (CDA, ECE, or MSA) or a relevant degree in early childhood/elementary/secondary education.
Experience: A minimum of 18 months in group programs with children, or 12 months for those holding a relevant degree.
Physical Standards: Must be able to independently lift and carry children up to 45 lbs.
Medical/Safety: Must pass a pre-employment physical, maintain immunization records (including the influenza vaccine), and maintain valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
Background Checks: Candidates must pass a thorough National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) investigation.

Comparison of Qualification Paths

Experience Level	Educational Requirement	Minimum Experience Needed
Entry Level	High School Diploma/DoW Training	18 Months
Degree Holder	Associate's/Bachelor's in Related Field	12 Months

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $22.81 to $26.85, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Working for MCCS isn't just about the paycheck. Employees enjoy:

Exceptional Stability: Enjoy the benefits of being a federal civilian employee.
Work-Life Balance: MCCS promotes an environment that respects your time off.
Facility Access: Take advantage of Marine Corps Exchange and various base facility privileges.
Meaningful Impact: Feel proud knowing your daily work directly supports the families who serve our nation.

Application Tips

The federal hiring process can be rigorous. Here are a few tips to increase your chances:

Keep it Brief: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Longer resumes will be disqualified.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Explicitly detail your experience with group programs and child development theories.
Submit Properly: Apply only through the MCCS Careers website. Any other method will be ignored.
Military Spouses: If you are a spouse of a service member, ensure your PCS orders are included in your application to receive priority hiring consideration.

Becoming a Child & Youth Program Leader with the MCCS is more than just a job; it is a commitment to fostering a safe and enriching environment for the children of our military heroes. If you possess the qualifications, experience, and passion for child development, apply today to start a rewarding career at Camp Foster.

Why This Child & Youth Program Leader, Cy-02(Gse-05)/Rft, Ashibina Cdc, Camp Foster Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of military families in Okinawa as a Child & Youth Program Leader.

Child & Youth Program Leader, Cy-02(Gse-05)/Rft, Ashibina Cdc, Camp Foster Job Overview

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is seeking a dedicated Child & Youth Program (CYP) Leader for the Ashibina Child Development Center on Camp Foster, Japan. In this vital role, you will lead a team in providing developmentally appropriate care, educational activities, and a safe environment for children and youth ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years old.

Requirements for Child & Youth Program Leader, Cy-02(Gse-05)/Rft, Ashibina Cdc, Camp Foster

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of DoW standardized training, CDA, ECE, or MSA certification.
Minimum of 18 months experience in group programs with children/youth (or 12 months with a relevant degree/college credits).
Must pass a pre-employment physical and ongoing physicals.
Ability to lift and carry children/objects up to 45lbs independently.
Must be able to maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
Must pass all required background checks, including NACI.
Must comply with all immunization requirements including influenza vaccines.

Preferred Qualifications for Child & Youth Program Leader, Cy-02(Gse-05)/Rft, Ashibina Cdc, Camp Foster

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education, or a related field with at least 24 semester hours of relevant content.
Demonstrated expertise in child and youth development theories.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Stability of Federal Civilian Service
✓Work-life balance
✓Competitive hourly pay
✓Comprehensive federal benefit packages
✓Access to Marine Corps Exchange and base facilities
✓Professional training and development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Child & Youth Program Leader, Cy-02(Gse-05)/Rft, Ashibina Cdc, Camp Foster Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Child & Youth Program Leader, Cy-02(Gse-05)/Rft, Ashibina Cdc, Camp Foster Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or fewer.
Gather supporting documents such as education certificates and DD214 (if prior military).
Register for an account on the MCCS Careers website.
Submit your application online by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your status through the MCCS user portal.

💡 General Tips

Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically disqualified; keep it concise and relevant.
Ensure your resume highlights specific experience in group programs for children/youth.
If you are a military spouse, include a copy of your sponsor’s PCS orders to claim Military Spouse Preference.
Ensure your online application is complete, as emailed or mailed applications are not accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the general public?

Yes, this position is open to the public; however, it is strictly for individuals currently residing in Okinawa or those arriving on official government orders to Okinawa.

What happens if I fail the random drug test?

This is a Test Designated Position. A positive drug test or failure to submit to testing may result in removal from the position, as this is a drug-free workplace.

Can I submit my resume via email?

No, all applications must be submitted through the official MCCS Careers online portal. Emailed or mailed resumes will not be considered.

Is there a drug test for this job?

Yes. This is a Test Designated Position. You will be subject to random drug testing as part of the safety and reliability requirements for working with children.

Are there immunization requirements?

Yes. You must be able to provide evidence of immunization against communicable diseases in accordance with ACIP recommendations, including the annual flu shot.

Job from U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is the backbone of the Marine Corps family, providing essential services that enhance the quality of life for service members and their families. From fitness and dining to child development, MCCS creates a supportive, team-oriented environment where civilian employees work alongside military personnel to maintain the readiness and morale of our forces.