Federal
CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY
Air Force Materiel Command · Department of the Air Force
About This Position
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Headquarters, Field Operating Agency (FOA), Child Development and Youth Programs Specialist recommending policy, standards, and performing staff work which leads to the effective management of various programs within the Child Development, Family Child Care, School-Age, and Youth Programs at Air Force installations.
Qualifications
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position. or Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, 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 described in A above. For Child Development Training and Curriculum Specialist positions with the Departments of the Air Force and Navy, and Education Program Specialist positions with the Department of the Army, the education must have been in child development or early childhood education. For Child Development Director and Assistant Director positions with the Department of the Air Force; Child Development Services Coordinator, Child Development Center Director and Assistant Director, Family Child Care Director, Outreach Worker, and Supplemental Programs and Services Director positions with the Department of the Army; and Child Development Program Administrator and Child Development Center Director positions with the Department of the Navy; the education must have been in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled. For director and administrator positions with the Department of the Navy, education in childcare administration, in addition to the above fields, is qualifying, and qualifying education in special education must have had a concentration in early childhood education. Evaluation of Experience: Some positions appropriately classifiable in this series involve work in connection with grants or similar funding activities to further educational progress. For such positions, experience gained in an occupational area similar or closely related to the position is qualifying experience, provided such experience involved judgment of a kind and level of difficulty and responsibility essential to successful performance in the position to be filled. For Child Development Director and Assistant Director positions with the Department of the Air Force, and Child Development Services Coordinator, Child Development Center Director and Assistant Director, Family Child Care Director, Outreach Worker, and Supplemental Programs and Services Director positions with the Department of the Army, specialized experience must have been in group child care or other work that demonstrated the ability to: Manage the operation of a childcare center. Select, train, and supervise childcare and preschool employees, family childcare providers, or other care-giving adults. Develop and implement child development programs, including family day care programs, part-day preschool programs, and before and after school programs. Work with individuals and groups to solve complex problems related to the care and education of children. The following are examples of qualifying specialized experience for Air Force and Army child development positions: For GS-11 and above, experience in managing a large, complex child development program offering a wide range of services, in a variety of settings. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is experience in Child and Youth Program Specialist proficient in developing and implementing comprehensive programs that align with child development principles and regulatory requirements (AF, DoD). Adept at conducting program inspections, ensuring fiscal compliance, and optimizing resource allocation. Proven ability to analyze data, identify areas for improvement, and present actionable recommendations through concise reports and briefings, contributing to a high-quality, compliant, and enriching environment for children and youth. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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 child and youth development and education principles, norms, behaviors, growth patterns, and procedures to develop meaningful program services and establish criteria for developmentally appropriate child activities; determine requirements for program materials and equipment; and develop curriculum plans and activities which promote the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children at various ages, with a variety of needs, and in diverse settings. Knowledge of public law, AF policy, and DoD directives related to the area of childcare, youth activities, school-age programs, teen activities/programs, and social events for children and families, to plan and direct programs and provide administrative guidance and/or technical advice to management. Knowledge of Child Development and Youth Program inspection requirements, reports, and program terms, as well as knowledge of common accounting, budgeting, funds control, resale, and inventory management principles to conduct staff assistance visits and inspect assigned programs. Knowledge of the organization's mission and higher headquarters policies and principles applicable to financial indicators, corporate standards, and performance measurements. Skill in gathering, assembling, and compiling data, evaluating information, drawing conclusions, devising solutions, and preparing quantitative and narrative reports for a variety of offices and agencies; establishing and maintaining records; and managing resources to enhance accomplishment of program goals and mission. Ability to establish effective working relationships and to communicate well with others, orally and in writing, including preparing and conducting formal and informal briefings. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major Duties
Serves as a program specialist for Air Force Child Development and Youth programs within multiple MAJCOMs. Advises host and associate organization commanders and staff personnel on the functions and capabilities of Child Development, Family Child Care, School-Age, and Youth Programs. Establishes, defines, and implements requirements for Child and Youth Programs to ensure services and operations are in line with regulatory and fiscal requirements, support goals, and mission requirements. Participates in determining the need for programs/activities to support youth, school age, and family members, and in developing the installation programs and facilities to address these needs. Conducts periodic technical and staff assistance visits to Air Force installations to evaluate and assess the quality of operations within Child Development and Youth Programs or other applicable sections within Force Support Squadrons. Participates in working groups to evaluate existing policies/procedures and develops recommendations for strategy direction.
Education
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.
Additional Information
AcqDemo Expanded Probationary Period for Supervisors and Managers: An additional supervisory probationary period of one year may be required when an employee is officially assigned to a different supervisory position. This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information. This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral orselection.
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/17/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12854651 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license. ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY position at Air Force Materiel Command?
The salary range for this position is $89,924 - $139,013/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY job located?
This position is located in Lackland AFB, Texas. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate t...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 17, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does NH-3 mean?
NH-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.