About this role
Job SummaryClick on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. Primary purpose of this position: Serve as the early childhood education specialist or youth development specialist for child and youth programs including child development centers, family childcare, school-age, youth programs, and unique childcare programs. Train program staff, volunteers, contractors, family child care providers, administrative, and food service staff.
QualificationsIn order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included or was supplemented by major study in child development or early childhood education. For Child Development Training and Curriculum Specialist positions with the Departments of the Air Force the education must have been in child development or early childhood education. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: -- Courses equivalent to a major in child development or early childhood education, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study in child or development or early childhood education. NOTE: You MUST submit copies of your transcripts. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include knowledge of early childhood or youth education principles, concepts, and techniques to develop, interpret, monitor, and evaluate the execution of curriculum and age-appropriate activities. Knowledge of youth education principles, concepts, and techniques to develop, interpret, monitor, and evaluate the execution of curriculum and age-appropriate activities, youth recreation, or physical education. Knowledge of adult learning techniques and strategies and experience training adult learners. OR EDUCATION: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of progressively higher-level graduate education and experience may be used to satisfy the specialized experience requirement for this position if the computed percentage of the education and experience is at least 100%. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts. The following are examples of qualifying specialized experience for Air Force child development positions: Experience in managing an entire cycle of operation of an early childhood program, including budgeting; facility management; supply management; program development; implementation; selection, training, and supervision of personnel; and curriculum oversight. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Professional knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of early childhood development and youth development encompassing infant through school-age, youth and teens and child and youth development theories, methodology, and practices. Knowledge of childcare regulation requirements and policies Skill in developing curricula which supports physical, emotional, social, cognitive development of children and youth. Skill in developing supports that accommodate children with special needs and children with challenging behaviors. Skill in developing, adapting, and providing training to staff members, volunteers, family child care providers and parents, as well as food service and administrative staff. Skill in the administration and interpretation of the environmental, program, and child abuse probability assessments. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
Major DutiesOversees curricula for child development centers, family childcare programs, school-age, youth programs and other unique children's programs. Creates a work environment that supports ongoing professional development and continuous quality improvement through observation, coaching, mentoring, collaborative learning, training and reflective practice. Ensures procedures are followed to support the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and any other laws and/or directives pertaining to the special needs of children. Develops plans to improve overall operations, correct identified deficiencies, and enhance developmental programs and services Represents all programs with a variety of installation and functional area organizations. Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with agencies on and off the installation. This position has the ultimate responsibility for programs meeting the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs or the Council of Accreditation criteria for accreditation and DoD certification requirements.