Introduction

A Child Development Specialist plays an important role in supporting military families by helping create safe educational and engaging environments for children. Within the Department of the Air Force this position focuses on developing and improving child development programs that serve children from infancy through early adolescence.

This career is ideal for individuals who have a strong background in child development or early childhood education and who want to contribute to programs that support the well being of military families. The role combines education training program support and staff development while helping ensure children receive quality care and learning opportunities.

Job Overview

About the Position

The Child Development Specialist position supports the operation and improvement of Air Force child development programs. Professionals in this role assist leadership teams in planning educational activities developing training resources and maintaining high quality learning environments for children.

The position is designed to help build professionals who can adapt to changing needs while supporting the overall mission of the Air Force. Specialists work closely with program directors training personnel caregivers and support staff to ensure children receive age appropriate educational experiences.

This role involves both administrative and hands on responsibilities. Employees help coordinate programs evaluate activities support staff training and contribute to the successful operation of child development centers.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities

Child Development Specialists perform a variety of duties that support children families and staff members.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting child development center leadership with program planning and evaluation

• Supporting the creation of educational activities for children of different age groups

• Helping develop and organize age appropriate learning experiences for children from six weeks through twelve years of age

• Assisting training and curriculum specialists with activity planning and instructional support

• Supporting the training of Child Development Program Assistants and clerical personnel

• Helping identify training needs and recommending educational resources

• Assisting with the development of training materials and learning tools

• Maintaining training resources and educational libraries used by program staff

• Supporting Family Day Care programs through training assistance and resource development

• Helping oversee support functions involving food service and facility operations

These duties help ensure that children receive quality care while staff members have access to the tools and training necessary for success.

Work Environment and Training

The work environment combines educational program support with administrative responsibilities. Child Development Specialists regularly collaborate with educators caregivers supervisors and support personnel.

Because the position involves regular interaction with children employees must maintain professional standards and follow established safety procedures.

Training is an important part of this career. Individuals selected for the position must successfully complete required training and regulatory requirements identified within the applicable training plan.

Employees may also participate in professional development opportunities that help strengthen knowledge of child development principles curriculum design instructional methods and program management.

Some travel may be required for official duties. Work schedules may occasionally include evenings weekends or holidays depending on program needs.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet educational requirements related to education child development or an appropriate subject area.

Qualifying candidates may possess:

• A degree that includes major study in education or a related field

or

• A combination of education and experience that provides knowledge equivalent to a major course of study in education or a related field

For Child Development positions education must be focused on child development or early childhood education.

To qualify at the GS 07 level applicants generally need one of the following:

• One year of graduate level education

• A bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement

• Five academic years of pre professional study

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS 05 level

Specialized experience includes work involving child development theories educational program support curriculum development administrative processes and effective communication.

Skills Needed for Success

Successful Child Development Specialists possess a combination of educational knowledge organizational ability and communication skills.

Important skills include:

• Knowledge of child development concepts and principles

• Understanding of instructional methods and curriculum development

• Ability to analyze information and identify solutions to program challenges

• Strong record keeping and reporting abilities

• Effective verbal communication skills

• Professional written communication skills

• Ability to work with diverse groups of staff and families

• Organizational and planning skills

• Resource management and program support capabilities

These skills help professionals contribute to both the educational and operational success of child development programs.

Career Growth and Advancement

This position provides valuable experience for individuals interested in long term careers in child development education training and program management.

Employees gain practical experience in curriculum planning staff development program evaluation and educational administration. These experiences can support future advancement into leadership and management positions within child development programs and related educational fields.

The Air Force also emphasizes continuous learning and professional growth which helps employees build expertise while supporting mission requirements.

Individuals who demonstrate strong performance leadership potential and technical knowledge may find opportunities to take on greater responsibilities throughout their careers.

Salary and Benefits

Salary varies based on the geographic location of the position.

Employees may be eligible for a range of federal employment benefits and developmental opportunities. Additional benefits noted in the vacancy announcement include:

• Potential student loan repayment authorization

• Professional training and career development opportunities

• Child care discounts for eligible employees working in qualifying child care positions

• Opportunities to work in a mission focused environment that supports military families

Benefits and compensation may vary depending on assignment location and employment status.

Who Should Apply

This position may be a strong fit for:

• Graduates with degrees in child development or early childhood education

• Individuals with experience supporting educational programs

• Professionals interested in training and curriculum development

• Candidates who enjoy working with children and supporting families

• Individuals seeking a meaningful civilian career connected to the Air Force mission

• Applicants who are organized adaptable and committed to educational excellence

Those who enjoy helping children learn while supporting the development of staff and programs may find this role especially rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Child Development Specialist do?

A Child Development Specialist helps support educational programs staff training curriculum development and child development activities within Air Force child care programs.

What age groups are served in these programs?

Programs support children ranging from six weeks of age through twelve years old.

Is education required for this position?

Yes. Applicants must meet specific educational requirements related to child development early childhood education or an appropriate field of study.

Is prior experience helpful?

Yes. Specialized experience involving child development curriculum planning educational support or program administration can help applicants qualify.

Does the job involve training responsibilities?

Yes. Specialists assist with training Child Development Program Assistants clerical staff and other program personnel.

Can recent graduates apply?

Yes. The vacancy announcement indicates eligibility for students and recent graduates who meet the applicable requirements.

Conclusion

The Child Development Specialist position with the Department of the Air Force offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of military children and families. Through educational support staff training curriculum development and program improvement efforts these professionals help create positive learning environments that encourage growth and development.

For individuals with a background in child development or early childhood education this career provides a chance to apply professional knowledge while supporting an important mission. With opportunities for training professional growth and meaningful service the role represents a rewarding path for those committed to education and child development.