3–9. General
a. Caregiving employees and FCC providers must be at least 18 years of age. Center caregiving employees must hold a high school degree or equivalent.
b. As a condition of employment or certification, CDS employees and FCC providers must meet background screening requirements and participate in required training in accordance with AR 215–3, AR 608–18, other applicable regulations, and paragraph 2–24.
c. The determination of employment suitability or certification will be made on a case–by–case basis taking into consideration the results of the records screen conducted pursuant to paragraph 3–9b.
d. Caregiving employees and FCC providers must be able to speak, read, and write the English language to the extent that they are able to execute health and safety directives; and implement developmental activities (e.g., reading stories and writing notes to parents) for children effectively as determined by the program director.
e. Any person working within a CDS delivery system may not— (1) Use or be under the influence of alcohol while children are in care.
(2) Use prescription drugs which would interfere with proper performance of duty.
(3) Smoke in the presence of children or their parents while providing child care. In center settings, visiting adult and staff may smoke out of the presence or view of children in smoking areas designated according to AR 600–63, chapter 4. (See paragraph 6–12 for smoking restrictions in FCC homes.)
f. Training, education, and experience shall influence caregiving employee progression from entry level to positions of greater authority.
g. CDS employees assigned to management and supervisory positions will possess sound judgment and strong human relations skills. These skills should be measured using job performance standards.
3–10. Position descriptions
a. Standard position descriptions for CDS management personnel will be used per DA Pam 690–41.
b. Position descriptions for center caregiving employees will be based on job grading standards contained in DOD 1401.1–M–1.
3–11. Staffing criteria
Personnel staffing requirements are addressed in DA Pam 570–551. Staffing listed in DA Pam 570–551 is a guide, and final determination is through normal manpower procedures specified in AR 570–4.
a. CDS oversight and common support. (1) CDS coordinator (GS 1701). (2) Administrative clerk (GS 0303). (3) Food Service Manager (NA 0493). (4) TACS (GS 1701).
(5) Program Operations Specialist (GS 301).
b. CDS Program/facility (full–day, hourly, part–day ). (1) Center/program director(s) (GS 1701).
(2) Assistant program director(s) (GS 1701). (3) CD teacher (GS/UA 1710).
(4) Program lead or program technician (GS/CC 1702). (5) Program assistant (GS/CC 1702).
(6) Administrative Clerk (GS 0303/322). (7) Cook (NA 7408).
(8) Food service worker(s) (NA 7408). (9) Custodial worker (NA 4749).
Note. Director positions will be staffed by program type (e.g., full–day, part–day and hourly) if program ADA exceeds 100.) c. FCC.
(1) FCC director (GS 1701).
(2) FCC outreach worker (GS 1701). (3) Administrative clerk (GS 0303). d. Special Needs Program.
(1) Program director (GS 1701). (2) Administrative clerk (GS 0303). e. SPS. (1) SPS director (GS 1701). (2) SAS specialist (GS 1701/0188). (3) Administrative clerk (GS 0303).
f. When fully justified to a MACOM survey team, a program operations specialist may be designated at large and very large installations.
g. The CDS coordinator may dual function as a system director (e.g., CDC, FCC or SPS) when the total CDS ADA is less then 100.
h. CDS management personnel at small installations may dual function positions or work part–time when workload does not meet the yardstick for a single full–time position (i.e., TACS and SAS coordinator, SPS director and FCC director, SPS director/CDS coordinator).
i. CDS management personnel may not triple function positions except at very small installations where total child enrollment is 75 or less.
j. Positions not suitable for dual or triple functioning due to overlapping periods of program operation include— (1) SAS specialist and SPS director.
(2) SAS specialist and YS director/other YS positions. (3) CDC director and FCC director.
(4) CDS coordinator and CDC director when there are other CDS delivery systems. k. Two part–time positions may be preferable to dual functioning a single position. 3–12. CDS management personnel
CDS programs will be established and maintained at comparable levels Army–wide, with professional oversight provided by a CDS core management team to ensure quality assurance and a basic level of APF personnel support at every installation (see para 3–2). On each installation at least one of the members of the CDS management team (CDS coordinator, system/program director, outreach worker, TACS, program operations specialist) will meet the profes- sional qualifications of the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs’ Early Childhood Specialist.
a. CDS coordinator. A professional CDS coordinator will be provided to coordinate and manage all CDS delivery systems at each installation. CDS coordinator responsibilities include—
(1) Applying professional knowledge of child development principles to interpret CDS philosophy and policy in a manner that ensures developmental programming for all CDS operations.
(2) Coordinating and monitoring the CDC, FCC, and SPS delivery systems including overall supervision of individual CDS programs and services within systems.
(3) Ensuring compliance of all installation CDS systems with regulatory requirements.
(4) Establishing effective working relationships with command, staff, agencies, and military and local civilian professional counterparts.
(5) Ensuring that unit commanders, their staff, and all military personnel and their families supported by the installation are aware of services offered.
(6) Developing installation policies and approving SOPs for CDS delivery systems.
(7) Supervising the directors of CDS delivery systems, the TACS, the food service manager, the program operations specialist, the CDS administrative clerk, and monitoring the quality of direct services provided.
(8) Coordinating management of funds and resources to include developing annual budget for all CDS delivery systems.
(9) Coordinating and approving initiation, organization, and content of CDS delivery systems.
(10) Initiating, reviewing, and approving personnel actions for CDS systems including recruitment, selection, evaluation, and dismissals.
(11) Monitoring staff training programs implemented by TACS and program directors to ensure overall CDS policy and regulatory requirements are met and ensuring all TACS are used as trainers focusing on “hands on” training.
(12) Collecting and analyzing data to determine adequacy and effectiveness of all CDS systems.
(13) Assessing CDS facilities requirements and, in conjunction with the facilities engineer, developing a master plan for programming facilities based on projected CDS requirements.
(14) Developing a 5–year plan for CDS according to AR 215–1.
(15) Establishing and monitoring a parent advisory/support group to ensure parental input in developing policies, SOPs for CDS delivery systems and the oversight process.
b. Program operations specialist. A program operations specialist may be provided at large installations by a MACOM survey team. The program operations specialist will have staff responsibility for program evaluation reports,
oversight of budget execution/financial management issues, and routine personnel issues. Responsibilities include but are not limited to—
(1) Compiling annual reports for submission to the MACOM.
(2) Consolidating APF annual operating budget from program director input. (3) Monitoring CDS automation software installation, implementation, and use. (4) Preparing CDS briefings.
(5) Monitoring management decision package (MDEP) execution.
(6) Reviewing management information system (MIS) preparation and researching discrepancies. (7) Conducting patron satisfaction surveys and analyzing results.
(8) Conducting a semi–annual fee study and making recommendations to CDS coordinator.
(9) Being CDS POC for construction issues including facility upgrade status reports, documentation for MCA projects, and monitoring construction of new facility.
(10) Preparing annual NAF budget and ensuring integration of APF and NAF budgets. Monitoring NAF budget execution and preparing variance reports as required.
(11) Preparing and monitoring NAF personnel requirements document (PRD) (AR 215–1). (12) Initiating and validating procurement requests to support all CDS delivery system. (13) Monitoring TDA submissions and coordinating Schedule X preparation.
c. TACS. TACS are the designated trainers for the CDS staff and FCC providers. The position requires that they should have professional expertise in early childhood education with a minimum of a bachelors degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field such as primary education or home economics. The TACS must not be assigned tasks or detailed to other management positions if such assignments impact on the TACS’ ability to fulfill the training responsibilities outlined in the MCCA. TACSs will be provided to ensure quality assurance and manage training requirements to minimize the risk of child abuse. TACS personnel will work under the direct supervision of the CDS coordinator and in conjunction with the program director(s) to which they are assigned. When there are multiple TACS positions, one may be assigned supervisory responsibilities. TACS personnel will not have supervisory responsibilities for caregiving employees, replace or substitute for CDC caregiving personnel when they are absent, or be counted in adult/child ratios. TACS personnel will be assigned by program type or age-specific categories. TACS personnel may be assigned by special areas only in those situations when there are multiple TACS positions. TACS personnel should spend the majority of time (60-75 percent) in child activity rooms/modules and with FCC providers, training and demonstrating caregiving techniques. TACS time spent on administrative duties (other than maintaining training records) should be limited. Administrative clerical support will be provided for TACS personnel to limit the amount of time spent on administrative duties. TACS responsibilities include—
(1) Ensuring quality assurance in program operations to minimize the risk of child abuse occurring in CDS program operations.
(2) Initiating, developing, and conducting training workshops to meet training requirements. (3) Coordinating and integrating existing training opportunities for caregiving employees.
(4) Administering and maintaining the Individual Education Plan (IDP) for assigned direct service personnel in coordination with the program director.
(5) Serving as child development associate (CDA) advisor and integrating IDP and CDA requirements. (6) Coordinating and validating training opportunities available from outside sources and integrating them into IDPs. (7) Providing technical assistance on training and training resources available to other proponents responsible for CDS training components.
(8) Assisting program director in assessing CDC programs using an environmental rating scale. Training staff on rating scale implementation and reviewing corrective action plans to remedy deficient areas. Monitoring continued progress in improving environment and program quality.
(9) Assisting FCC director in assessing FCC homes using an environmental rating scale. Training staff on rating scale implementation and reviewing corrective action plans to remedy deficient areas. Monitoring continued progress in improving environment and program quality.
(10) Overseeing developmental programming quality through observation and role modeling in child activity areas; demonstrating appropriate use of space, time, equipment, materials, and activities to support developmental program- ming; monitoring caregiving employees/child interactions, and supporting staff in developing curriculum based on sound child development principles.
(11) Serving as the developmental program proponent POC for the ICCET review of assigned program. (12) Providing consultation to program director on selection of age–appropriate toys and materials.
(13) Maintaining “state–of–the–art” professional knowledge of curriculum development, materials and equipment, and instructional techniques for appropriate program assignment.
(14) Assisting management staff in the development and implementation of parent education programs.
d. Food service manager. A food service manager will be provided at large and very large installations to develop and implement a CDS food service program for all delivery systems. Responsibilities include—
(1) Planning menus that meet USDA requirements for all aspects of the programs and populations served. (2) Providing for purchases, delivery, storage, and inventory of food items and food service supplies and equipment. (3) Ensuring food service procedures are economical and efficient.
(4) Providing budget input to include manpower, supplies, equipment, and food expenditures required for operation of the food program.
(5) Collecting and maintaining data required to support resource allocations to meet USDA requirements. (6) Ensuring center–based food service, health and sanitation procedures are in compliance with appropriate food handling, preparation, and service as requested by TB MED 530.
(7) Providing nutrition training to CDS systems’ staff and parents. Ensuring that all CDS food service workers/ helpers receive sanitation training at the time of hire.
(8) Assisting caregiving employees in planning and participating in child program activities related to food prepara- tion and nutrition education.
(9) Ensuring CDS delivery systems are in compliance with food and nutrition standards. (10) Initiating and maintaining CDS participation in the USDA CACFP (CONUS only).
e. Center/program directors. An on–site director will implement and manage each separately located CDS facility regardless of size. Subsequent program directors will be required when the average daily attendance (ADA) of any program (full–day, part–day, or hourly) reaches 100 or more children. The center director will manage the overall daily operations and the maintenance of facility; and supervise other program directors in the center. Program director responsibilities include—
(1) Applying professional knowledge of child development principles to implement CDS policies in a manner that ensures developmental programming for services offered within the program.
(2) Carrying out existing procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements. (3) Developing cost efficient and effective operational procedures.
(4) Identifying program resource requirements and providing CDS budget input to include manpower, supplies and equipment, and expenditures required for program and facility operation and maintenance.
(5) Ensuring that the program complies with regulations governing the use of APF and NAF.
(6) Identifying personnel requirements and initiating all required personnel actions to include recruitment, hiring, placement, promotions, awards, evaluations, and dismissals.
(7) Planning, coordinating, and supervising the activities of direct care and support personnel.
(8) Identifying personnel training needs and ensuring appropriate training is provided to inservice staff to ensure specific program requirements can be implemented.
(9) Using CDS volunteers in a manner that recognizes individual capabilities and expertise. (10) Collecting data and maintaining accurate and up–to–date records.
(11) Providing program–generated statistical data for planning and reporting purposes.
f. Assistant program director(s). Assistant program director(s) will be provided in CDC programs with an ADA in excess of 150 children and/or where operating hours are in excess of 40 hours per week. Responsibilities will include assisting and substituting for the program director.
g. FCC director. An FCC director will implement and manage the FCC system. FCC director responsibilities include—
(1) Applying professional knowledge of child development principles to implement CDS policies in a manner that ensures developmental programming practices within the FCC system.
(2) Establishing FCC certification procedures within regulatory guidance. (3) Carrying out existing procedures, policies, and regulations.
(4) Developing economical and efficient operating procedures.
(5) Identifying program resource requirements and providing CDS budget input to include manpower, supplies, equipment, and expenditures required for program operation.
(6) Providing outreach services including a toy/equipment lending library to FCC providers.
(7) Identifying FCC provider training needs and ensuring appropriate inservice training is provided to ensure FCC program requirements can be implemented.
(8) Hiring, training, and supervising outreach workers and support staff.
(9) Using CDS volunteers in a manner that recognizes individual capabilities and expertise. (10) Collecting data and maintaining accurate and up–to–date records.
(11) Providing program–generated statistical data for planning and reporting purposes. (12) Implementing monitoring procedures for FCC homes to ensure regulatory compliance.
h. FCC outreach worker. An FCC outreach worker will be provided in an FCC system that is comprised of more than 30 FCC homes. Responsibilities will include monitoring and training; and outreach services with each FCC
outreach worker having a caseload of no more than 40 homes. FCC outreach workers will work under the direct supervision of the FCC director.
i. SPS director. An SPS director will implement and manage the SPS system. On small installations where an SPS director position is not authorized, the CDS coordinator should dual function in the position rather than dual function as the center director or FCC director. The FCC director may dual function as the SPS director when the total number of installation FCC homes is 15 or less. SPS director responsibilities include—
(1) Applying professional knowledge of child development principles to implement CDS policies in a manner which ensures developmental programming practices within the SPS system.
(2) Supervising the SAS Program when CDS is the proponent agency.
(3) Providing oversight and technical assistance for options to include short term alternative child care, child care services for civilian employees, SPS homes, volunteer care in unit settings, CDS baby-sitting training and referral, parent co–ops, Foster Grandparent program, contracted services, private organization child care, sick child care, special interest programs sponsored by other Army activities.
(4) Monitoring SPS options to ensure regulatory compliance.
(5) Identifying program resource requirements and providing CDS budget input to include manpower, supplies and equipment, and expenditures required for program and facility operations and maintenance.
(6) Identifying SPS personnel training needs and providing specific training to ensure SPS requirements are implemented.
(7) Developing cost efficient and effective operational procedures.
(8) Developing, monitoring and implementing CDS plans in support of mobilization. (9) Managing the recruitment, training, and referral of CDS volunteers.
(10) Coordinating parent education services including CDS newsletters for all CDS delivery systems.
(11) Managing implementation of alternative hourly care options (i.e., short term alternative child care (STACC) and volunteer child care in unit settings (VCCUS)).
(12) Establishing child care referral services to assist in child placement both on the installation and as part of an Army–wide service.
(13) Coordinating CDS participation in Army–wide special events (i.e., Month of the Military Child, Army Family Week).
(14) Providing program–generated statistical data for planning and reporting purposes.
(15) Implementing and maintaining the CDS Central Enrollment Registry to refer and place children in appropriate installation CDS programs.
(16) Maintaining a centralized waiting list for all CDS delivery systems to track and monitor child placements and vacancies.
(17) Preparing all CDS statements of work necessary for initiating and maintaining contract child care services. (18) Assisting the CDS coordinator in monitoring delivery of all contract services.
(19) Monitoring family care plans.
j. SAS coordinator. The SAS program coordinator will be provided to coordinate and manage all SAS operations at each installation. SAS program coordinator responsibilities include—
(1) Applying professional knowledge of child development principles to interpret SAS policy in a manner that ensures developmental programming for all SAS operations.
(2) Recommending a master plan for SAS programs based on needs assessment, facility availability, and existing programs.
(3) Ensuring compliance of all installation SAS programs with regulatory requirements.
(4) Applying knowledge of budget processes and techniques sufficient to develop budget input and monitor program expenditures.
(5) Applying knowledge of personnel policies and procedures sufficient to supervise staff, initiate, review, and approve personnel actions.
(6) Applying knowledge of staff training requirements in SAS subject matter areas and operational procedures. (7) Identifying, implementing, and monitoring staff training needs.
(8) Coordinating SAS program food service operations, to include policies and procedures for food preparation, service, and storage.
(9) Collecting and analyzing data to determine adequacy and effectiveness of all SAS programs.
(10) Implementing procedures to ensure that SAS programs comply with program standards; and to monitor the quality of direct services and facility conditions.
(11) Establishing performance standards and evaluating direct service personnel and when applicable, SAS program specialists.
(12) Developing a plan for recruiting, training and referring CDS volunteers in a manner that recognizes individual capabilities and expertise.
(13) Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with command, proponents, local civilian counter- parts, staff, and parents.
(14) Evaluating all components of SAS programs to include program quality and operations, program staff, CDS volunteer and patron/user levels of satisfaction.
3–13. CDS caregiving employees and FCC providers
a. Program assistants and FCC providers. Program Assistant and FCC providers who are competent and trained will be available to maintain adult/child ratios required by this regulation and provide direct developmental care services to children. Responsibilities include—
(1) Implementing indoor and outdoor program activities that support children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
(2) Encouraging children’s curiosity, problem solving, and task attainment. (3) Role modeling communication and interaction skills for children.
(4) Extending children’s knowledge of concepts appropriate to their developmental levels. (5) Recognizing individual differences in children and responding to their individual needs. (6) Providing for children’s daily routines such as meals, snacks, toileting, and rest periods.