Work With Military Children and Youth — Come Grow With Us

The War Department is the nation’s largest employer-sponsored child care system and one of the largest youth development programs in the country. Through the DOW’s Come Grow With Us career program, you can apply for entry- and management-level positions in many child development and youth programs worldwide. Learn more about the variety of jobs available in child development centers, before- and after-school programs, summer camps and beyond.

War Department child and youth development careers

Watch this video of the career opportunities available within military child development and youth programs.

DOW child development and youth program employees enjoy competitive pay and benefits, including:

• Health and life insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Retirement and 401(k) benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Training, mentoring and professional development
• Career advancement opportunities

Many of the DOW’s 850+ child development and youth programs are located on or near military installations worldwide. Spousal preference is also available for eligible military spouses.

A career in DOW child and youth development programs offers flexibility and advancement while providing a vital service to our military families around the world.

Jobs that may be available in your area include:

• Child development directors and assistant directors
• Training and curriculum specialists
• Before- and after-school directors
• Youth program directors
• Direct care staff

Full-day, part-time, hourly and even 24/7 care positions with DOW programs can be found at:

• Army Child and Youth Services Careers
• Marine Corps Community Services
• Navy Child and Youth Programs
• USAJOBS — Find opportunities by searching for “Child and Youth” jobs in your area. You can also search by entering the name of your service branch and “Child and Youth,” for example “Air Force Child and Youth.” See the Come Grow With Us USAJOBS How-To Guide for more information.

View this helpful step-by-step video to learn how to search USAJOBS for child and youth opportunities:

Succeeding as a child and youth development staff member

If you’re considering a career in early care and education or youth development, these questions can help you determine if you’d fit the qualifications for many entry and management-level positions:

• Do you have experience with children? Previous experience working with children and youth may give you an advantage when seeking employment. Don’t just count formal student teaching or training, though. Experience as a babysitter or camp counselor can also be valuable.
• Do you have formal early childhood education or youth development training or certifications? Most employers require candidates to have at least a GED or high school diploma. Having an associate or bachelor’s degree in child development, education, psychology, social work, youth development or physical education can set your application apart from others. Child care-related certifications like the Child Development Associate or the Child Care Professional may also strengthen your application. Basic first aid and CPR certifications are also valuable skills.
• Are you interested in supporting military-connected children and youth? Working with military-connected children and youth gives you an opportunity to support their development and well-being.

No matter your skill level, you can build your career in child and youth programs with the DOW while supporting military families. You’ll also help support military children and youth as they navigate experiences such as deployments, frequent moves and changes in schools.

Deciding on a career or finding a job isn’t easy when your family moves every few years. Military spouses can get help through free career coaching from the DOW. Contact a SpouseWorks (formerly SECO) career coach to discuss careers working with children and youth.

For more information

If you have questions about Come Grow With Us opportunities, submit an inquiry form. A program manager will reply.