Program Associate (Pre-Kindergarten) NF-03

Role overview

This position is for a Pre-Kindergarten Program Associate within the CYS Services Strong Beginnings Pre-K program in Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany. The role focuses on helping young children build the habits, behaviors, and social skills needed for a successful transition into kindergarten.

What you will do

• Support the Pre-Kindergarten program and help create a positive early learning environment.
• Encourage children to practice kindergarten readiness behaviors such as taking turns, raising their hands, and moving in an orderly line.
• Provide supervision, oversight, and accountability for children in line with Department of Defense, Army, and local policies, guidance, and standards.
• Coordinate with the School Liaison Officer and school staff to support a smooth move into kindergarten.
• Complete required training and keep personal development training records updated in the Individual Development Plan (IDP).

Employment conditions

• Direct deposit and a Social Security card are required.
• Candidates must meet all qualification, eligibility, and background screening requirements for the role.
• A one-year probationary period may apply.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of appointment or placement.
• The position is subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks under AR 215-3, paragraph 2, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation and health assessment.
• Completion of prescribed transition and/or annual training is mandatory.

Qualification criteria

Resumes must be no longer than two pages and should clearly show relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities related to the job.

• Target-level qualification: meet the target-level requirements and show satisfactory performance, plus 18 months of experience working in a group program with children and/or youth, and hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age Credential.
• Entry-level qualification: meet entry-level requirements, plus 12 months of experience working in a group program with children and/or youth, and hold an AA degree with a major emphasis in early childhood education or child development.
• Alternative entry-level qualification: meet entry-level requirements, plus a BA/BS degree with a major emphasis in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, home economics, special education, or related behavioral sciences.

Preferred background

Experience as a Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant, Child and Youth Program Technician, or Child and Youth Program Assistant (Target Level - 4) is considered highly preferred. This experience and knowledge must be shown on the resume to be considered for preferred status.

Education notes

Proof of education must be submitted with the application. The education must be directly relevant to the position; general education coursework does not count toward the required credit total.

Additional information

Area of consideration

This opportunity is open to candidates living anywhere in the world, including those eligible under Military Spouse Preference (MSP), Family Member Preference (FMP), and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP).

Manual application option

• If online application is not possible, a paper application can be requested from the servicing NAF Human Resources representative or office listed in the agency contact information.
• The completed application, resume, and any required supporting documents must be submitted by 3:00 PM CST on 07/08/2026.
• Incomplete submissions, including missing questionnaire responses, may lead to an ineligible rating.

PCS costs

Permanent Change of Station costs are not authorized because a PCS move is not considered to be in the Government's interest.

Allowances and differentials

• This role is part of a pay-banded system.
• Sunday premium pay for regularly scheduled employees and night differential pay may be authorized by the Garrison Commander.
• Foreign overseas allowances, post allowance, and differentials may be available.
• Overseas employment can include additional benefits and entitlements; candidates may contact CHRA NAF C2SC - Recruitment Branch for more information.
• Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program requirements.

Multiple vacancy consideration

• Your application can remain active for 90 days and may be forwarded to hiring officials for new vacancies that arise during that period.
• Additional referrals may be made for up to 90 days after the closing date.
• This announcement may be used to fill more vacancies across the program, and management may assign staff to other locations as mission needs change.

Applicant guidance

• Applicants are encouraged to review the Applicant Information Kit before submitting an application.
• The kit is intended to help candidates understand the hiring process and present a stronger application.

Other terms

This is a regular full-time position with a minimum 40-hour workweek and benefits eligibility. U.S. citizens overseas under ordinarily resident status are not eligible for appointment under the Status of Forces Agreement. In NATO countries, employment under U.S. conditions is restricted by NATO SOFA to nationals of a NATO country, and such individuals may not be employed under U.S. employment conditions in the country of their citizenship. Candidates are expected to support effective government service, respect the Constitution, and follow the rule of law. Army Non-Appropriated Funds employment offers career opportunities in childcare, recreation, hospitality, and other areas, along with professional development opportunities such as training, education, and certification programs. Employees may also have access to on-base facilities such as fitness centers and libraries. Regular full-time and part-time staff may be eligible for health and life insurance, 401(k) and retirement plans, paid personal time off, and federal holidays. Flexible employees working in the United States, or a U.S. citizen/spouse/child of a U.S. citizen working for a NAFI in a foreign area, may participate in the NAF 401(k) plan, and some flexible employees may also qualify for health insurance.