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. The role focuses on helping young children build the behaviors and routines they need for a successful transition into kindergarten.

What you will do

• Support the Pre-K program by helping children practice kindergarten readiness habits such as taking turns, raising their hands, and moving in an orderly line.
• Provide active supervision, oversight, and accountability for children while following DoD, Army, and local rules, guidance, and standards.
• Partner with the School Liaison Officer and school personnel to help ensure children transition smoothly into kindergarten.
• Complete all required training and maintain accurate records of training on an Individual Development Plan (IDP).

Requirements and conditions

• Direct deposit is required, and applicants must have a Social Security card.
• Applicants must meet all qualification, eligibility, and background screening requirements for the role.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of appointment or placement.
• Selection is subject to successful completion of pre-employment checks under AR 215-3, paragraph 2, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation and a health assessment.
• Completion of required transition and/or annual training is mandatory.
• Resumes must be no longer than two pages and should clearly show relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities tied to this position.
• Education documentation must be provided at the time of application, and the education must be directly relevant to the job; general education coursework will not count toward the required credit total.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification paths:

• Target level: at least 18 months of experience in a group setting with children and/or youth, plus a maintained Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age Credential.
• Entry level: at least 12 months of experience in a group setting with children and/or youth, plus an associate degree with a strong focus in early childhood education or child development.
• Entry level: a bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, home economics, special education, or a related behavioral science field.

Preferred background

Experience in roles such as Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant, Child and Youth Program Technician, or Child and Youth Program Assistant at Target Level 4 is considered highly desirable. To be considered for this preference, the experience and knowledge must be clearly shown on the resume.

Eligibility

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

Additional information

• The original closing date of 3/11/2026 was extended because there were not enough applicants.
• Referrals will be issued on request.
• Applicants who cannot apply online may submit a paper application by contacting the servicing NAF Human Resources representative or the office listed in the agency contact information.
• Paper applications, resumes, and all supporting documents must be submitted by 3:00 PM CST on 06/18/2026 to be processed on time.
• Incomplete applications, including missing questionnaire responses, may be rated ineligible.
• PCS relocation costs are not authorized because the government has determined a move is not in its interest.
• This is a pay-banded role. Sunday premium pay for regularly scheduled employees and night differential pay may be approved by the Garrison Commander.
• Foreign overseas allowances, post allowance, and differentials may be paid if the employee is eligible.
• Employment overseas can include additional benefits and entitlements.
• Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program.
• Submitted applications may remain active for 90 days and can be referred for future vacancies during that period.
• This notice may be used to fill additional openings across the program, and management may assign employees to locations as mission needs change.
• The position is a regular full-time role with a minimum 40-hour workweek and benefits eligibility.
• This announcement may be used to fill positions across the CYS program in different facilities and age groups.
• 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 limited by the NATO SOFA to nationals of a NATO country, and individuals may not be employed under U.S. employment conditions in their country of citizenship.
• Candidates are expected to support an efficient federal government, uphold the ideals of the American republic, and respect the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
• Army NAF employment offers the chance to support military and civilian families, along with access to professional development opportunities and on-base amenities such as fitness centers and libraries.
• Regular full-time and part-time employees may enroll in health and life insurance, retirement and 401(k) plans, and receive paid personal time off and federal holidays.
• Some flexible employees may also qualify for health insurance, and certain flexible employees in the United States or U.S. citizens/spouses/children working for a NAFI in a foreign area may participate in the NAF 401(k) plan.

Work setting

The role is based in Hohenfels, Bavaria, Germany, and operates on-site.