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Parent Handbook 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome and Mission........................ 3 Philosophy........................................ 4 Regulatory Guidance.......................... 4 Open Door Policy............................... 5 Accreditation..................................... 5 Eligibility.......................................... 5 Registration at Parent Central Services................... 6 Child Care Waiting List....................... 6 Accepting/Declining Child Care........... 6 Parent Orientation............................. 7 Hourly Care Services.......................... 7 Child Development Centers (CDC)....... 7 Part Day Preschool............................. 7 Strong Beginnings............................. 7 Family Child Care (FCC)..................... 8 School Age Centers (SAC)................... 8 Youth Centers (YC)............................. 9 Youth Advisory Counceil (YAC).......... 10 School Liaison Officer...................... 10 SKIESUnlimited.............................. 10 EDGE!............................................ 10 HIRED! Apprenticeship Program....... 11 Youth Sports and Fitness Programs.... 11 Outreach Programs and Services....... 12 Parent Education............................. 12 Kids On Site (KOS).......................... 12 Special Openings............................. 12 Parents On Site............................... 12 Babysitting Program......................... 12 imAlone.......................................... 12 Fee Policy....................................... 12 Determining Fees............................ 13 Total Family Income (TFI)................. 13 Payment Procedures........................ 14 Hourly Care rates............................. 14 Fee Adjustments.............................. 14 Multiple Child Reductions................ 14 Seasonal Sports Reductions.............. 15 Coach Reductions............................ 15 School Age Open Recreation............. 15
Parent Participation Reduction......... 15 Army Family Covenant...................... 16 Late Fees and Refunds..................... 16 Leave and Vacation Procedures......... 17 Absenteeism................................... 17 Withdrawal Policy............................ 18 Staff Training.................................. 18 Adult/Child Ratios............................ 18 Family Child Care Ratios.................. 18 Health Policy.................................. 19 Special Needs Accommodation Procedures (SNAP)...................... 19 Administering Medications............... 20 Basic Care items............................. 20 Injuries and Emergencies................. 20 Meals and Food Service.................... 21 Infant Food and Formula.................. 21 Family Style Dining.......................... 21 Closure/Evacuation/Mobilization........ 22 Child Abuse Reporting Procedures..... 22 CYSS Touch Policy........................... 23 Child Guidance and Discipline.......... 23 Biting............................................. 24 Parent Involvement and Volunteers.... 24 Parent’s as Partners......................... 24 Parent Conferences.......................... 24 Information Center........................... 24 Parent Education............................. 24 Parent Advisory Council.................... 25 Celebrations and Birthdays............... 25 Toys, Personal Items and Clothing..... 25 Diapering........................................ 26 Toilet Learning................................ 27 Rest Periods and Naps..................... 27 Drop Off and Pick Up Policy............. 27 Weather Policy................................ 28 Income Tax/Child Care Credit............ 28 Video Surveillance........................... 28 Barton Barracks Telephone Roster..... 29 Katterbach Kaserne Telephone Roster... 30 Storck Barracks Telephone Roster..... 32
WELCOME to US Army Garrison Ansbach Child, Youth
& School Services (CYSS). This handbook is designed to help you understand what our programs offer and also serve as a reference tool for you. We hope that this handbook will answer most of your questions, but please contact us any time should you need additional information.
OUR MISSION
IMCOM-Europe Child, Youth and School Services programs are essential family programs that directly support the military lifestyle and reduce the conflict between parental responsibilities and the unit mission requirements. Our programs focus on three essential elements: • COMMUNITY • COMMAND • FAMILY We meet the needs of all essential elements with the variety of programs we offer: Child Development Centers (CDC), Family Child Care (FCC), School Age Centers (SAC), Youth Centers (YC), Sports and Fitness, SKIESUnlimited, EDGE!, HIRED, School Liaison, and Outreach Services.
OUR GOALS
Achieve and sustain QUALITY by pursuing nationally recognized benchmarks and performance standards. Increase and sustain AVAILABILITY through on and off post child care options and supervised programs for youth. Maintain AFFORDABILITY for both Soldiers and the Army . Thank you for allowing us to share with you in providing for the care, love, and nurturing of your child. Please ask if there are any questions concerning the handbook or our programs. We look forward to working with you! For more information on CYSS and programs visit: http://www.ansbach.armymwr.com https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/Ansbachcyms.html Facebook: Ansbach CYSS and Ansbach Family & MWR
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CHILD, YOUTH AND SCHOOL SERVICES PROGRAMS OUR PHILOSOPHY
USAG Ansbach Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) programs are designed to help children and youth build within themselves a positive self-concept that will help develop them into productive caring adults. We provide safe, healthy and stimulating environments where children and youth feel accepted and respected, as well as having the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate developmental activities.We strive to provide a place where they can safely express their feelings without withdrawing, fighting or giving up their rights. Children and youth are free to make choices and accept responsibility for those choices through character building education that will help develop and nurture a spirit of cooperation, creative problem solving and individual responsibility.
OUR REGULATIONS
To provide consistency in Army CYSS throughout the U.S. and overseas, all CYSS programs are required to be in compliance with Change 1, Army Regulation (AR) 608-10, Child Development Services; AR 215-1, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Activities and Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities; Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6060.2, Child Development Programs; and DODI 6060.3, School-Age Programs. Although regulations apply uniformly throughout the Army, commanders have the authority to issue additional policies to meet unique needs.
CYSS CHAIN OF SUPERVISION
The most effective way to solve concerns is at the program level first. However, sometimes situations arise that need to be referred to the chain of supervision. Please do not hesitate to use our chain of supervision to provide input about programs, both positive and negative. Another avenue to voice suggestions or concerns is on the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) web site at http://ice.disa.mil.
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OPEN DOOR POLICY
You are invited to participate in the program whenever possible and are encouraged to drop by whenever your child is in attendance. You are welcome to call and discuss items of concern with the director or management representative on site. We also encourage you to get involved in your child’s classroom as a volunteer.
ACCREDITATION
Our programs must undergo a rigorous accreditation process. CYS Services programs participate in accreditation in order to promote quality programming for children. Our Child Development Centers and School Age Centers are fully accredited programs through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the Council on Accreditation (COA). FCC homes are also eligible for accreditation under the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Program.
ELIGIBILITY
Any child between 6 weeks to 18 years of age who is a family member of an active duty military member, DoD civilian personnel paid from either appropriated funds (AF) or non-appropriated funds (NAF), reservists on active duty or in training, and DoD contractors are eligible to use services in all CYSS operated or sponsored programs.
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REGISTRATION AT PARENT CENTRAL SERVICES
CYSS Parent Central Services is your “one-stop shop” for information regarding all child and youth programs. Our mission is to provide families with a positive first impression and to ensure we meet and exceed customer satisfaction. To participate in any CYSS Programs, children and youth must have a valid CYSS registration, which is renewed annually. CYSS registration is transferable from one Garrison to the next and is at no cost to the family. Parent Central Services will provide each family with the required documents and explain the registration process. To complete registration, the following information will be required: • Current address, telephone numbers, email address and cell phone numbers • The names and telephone numbers of at least 2 local individuals to serve as emergency release designees • Current immunization records for all children/youth • Current leave and earnings statements for both sponsor and employed spouse • A Special Needs Screening Tool for each child-DA Form 7625-1 will be completed. • A Health Assessment/Sports Physical will be completed within 30 days of registration. (Children/youth participating in the middle school/teen program and SKIESUnlimited programs only will not require this.) • For Dual and Single Military Families: CYS Services will need the name and contact information of your “short term” Family Care Plan provider.
CHILD CARE WAITING LIST
Due to the limited number of full-and part-time spaces in our delivery system, it is sometimes necessary for families to be placed on a waiting list for child care. The waiting period will be different for each program and age group, and may fluctuate due to various factors. Registration is not required to place your child on our waiting list. Children on the waiting list are assigned a priority according to your employment status. If your employment status changes after you place your child on the waiting list, please notify the Parent Central Services office. In order for you to maintain your status on any waiting list you must contact Parent Central Services, at a minimum of once every 90 days to confirm your wish to remain on the list. Applications that are not renewed will become inactive.
ACCEPTING/DECLINING A CHILD CARE SPACE
When space becomes available, you will be notified and you will have twenty-four (24) hours to accept or decline the space. Parent Central Services will make three attempts to contact you when a space for 6
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childcare becomes available. If we are unable to contact you, then the space will be made available to the next eligible child on the waiting list. If you decline the child care space, we will assume you do not require full time care and your child’s name will be removed from the waiting list.
PARENT ORIENTATION
After registration and before you being to use our services, you will need to attend an orientation at the program your child or children will attend. Once we learn which program your child will attend, Parent Central Services will schedule the orientation for you. The orientation will familiarize you and your child to the program and give you the opportunity to tour the building and meet and greet the staff. A contract or Sponsor-Program Agreement DA Form 5226-R will be completed which outlines program policies and procedures.
HOURLY CARE SERVICES
After you complete CYS Services registration and parent orientation, signing up for hourly care is as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Call the CDC or SAC program to reserve your time slot. This can be done up to 30 days in advance. 2. Show up and sign in at the front desk. 3. Pick up your child and pay for the reserved hours used. If space is not available, please contact Parent Central Services for a Family Child Care referral.Many of our FCC Providers offer this service. The hourly care program is designed for parents who need short term child care on an intermittent basis. However, we cannot provide hourly care services to you if you are working in lieu of a regular program.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (CDC)
The Child Development Centers (CDC) offer full day care, part day and hourly care services for children 6 weeks through kindergarten.
PART DAY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM (PDPS)
The Part Day Preschool Program (PDPS) is designed for children ages 3-5 years old. Children attend three (3) hours for either two (2), three (3) for five (5) days a week. The PDPS follows a structured curriculum called the “Creative Curriculum”. The Creative Curriculum is used to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programming and activities which promotes the total development of children focusing on: PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE AND CREATIVE growth.
STRONG BEGINNINGS
The Strong Beginnings program is a highly structured, academic program which runs three hours per day, five days per week. It places high emphasis in literacy and mathematics. This program is designed Parent Handbook 7
to prepare children for Kindergarten with the intention of advancing their learning abilities in a way that allows Kindergarten teachers to run a more structured program. Some of the main focuses are letter recognition, beginning sounds, beginning handwriting skills, math assessments and evaluations, phonological awareness, adaptation to basic kindergarten requirements (i.e. Pledge of Allegiance). Another important aspect of this program is bridging the gap between your child’s transition from Strong Beginnings into the Elementary School Kindergarten program. You will have a special day of “Meet and Greet” where you will be afforded the opportunity to meet the Directors, School Liaison Officer and the Kindergarten Teachers. To be eligible for this program, your child must be 5 years old after September 1 of that school year, but not attending kindergarten. Finally, both programs, (Part day Preschool and Strong Beginnings) follows the DoDDS school calendar schedule and do not meet when school is not is session, including spring, summer and winter breaks. The standard fees reflect school out days. Children must be fully potty trained to attend both Strong Beginnings and Part Day Preschool.
FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC)
Family Child Care (FCC) homes may provide care for children 4 weeks to 12 year olds. Family Child Care is provided by DoD family members who have completed the required CYS Services training and whose homes have been inspected and licensed by fire, safety and health officials. Homes are located in government/leased housing. Each home can accommodate up to six children under age 12, including the provider’s own children. Family Child Care is a viable care option along with center-based childcare, offering the most flexible programs which can be tailored to meet the needs of Soldiers and Families. Family Child Care also offers hourly care. Reservations are necessary for hourly care and are made directly with the FCC provider. Hourly referrals for FCC are available at the Parent Central Services office. Parents will be given the opportunity to visit and interview with the providers prior to signing a contract for services. A copy of each child’s registration packet will be taken to the FCC home by the parent before care can be provided. For more information on Family Child Care, you may visit: https://www.armyfcc.com
SCHOOL AGE CENTERS (SAC)
Our centers offer before and after school care for kindergarten through 5th graders during the week from 5:45 a.m.- 8:00 a.m. and from 2:30-6 :00 p.m. Hourly services are available from 5:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservations for hourly care or occasional care are required in advance and made directly at the program. Coordination for bus pick-up must be made by the parent if the service is needed. School 8
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Age Hourly Care is available up to five hours per week in School Age Center facilities during Before & After School Age Programs. Transportation is provided to and from school. Care is also provided on early release days and school out days at no extra cost for children enrolled in a before and/or after school program. Breakfast and snack are provided on regular school days, lunch is provided on full day outs. CAMPS We offer a 2-week Winter Camp, 1-week Spring Break Camp, and a fun high-impact Summer Camp program. Eligibility is based on the grade participants have just completed—not the grade the child will enter in the fall for the next school year. Camp fees will be charged by the week in accordance with DoD fee policy guidance. All fees must be paid prior to utilizing the service.
YOUTH CENTERS (YC)
The Youth Center after school programs are offered are offered at no cost to eligible youth in grades 6-12. Through formal partnerships with nationally-recognized youth-serving organizations such as 4-H and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) youth have access to programs, standardized curricula, special events, camps, scholarships, and more. Youth who are in the 5th grade are not eligible for enrollment in the Army Middle School Program regardless of school configuration. A wide variety of activities are available and may include “lock ins”, dances, shopping and adventure trips, board games, cooking, photography or just relaxing and hanging out with friends. Each Youth Center offers state of the art computer and homework labs which utilize software and use of the World Wide Web safely and effectively. Camps are also offered every spring, summer, and winter. There is something for everyone! Youth may also participate in the: TORCH CLUB Torch Clubs are chartered small-group leadership development program for ages 11-13. Members work to create and implement community service projects. KEYSTONE CLUB: Keystone Clubs are chartered small-group for boys and girls 14 to 18 years. Keystone Club promotes character and leadership among Club teens to provide impact in three areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. SMART MOVES PROGRAM (SKILLS MASTERY AND RESISTANCE TRAINING): This nationally acclaimed comprehensive prevention program helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, as well as premature sexual activity. The Youth Center also offers a variety of camp programs during the winter, spring, and summer. Eligibility is based on the grade participants have just completed—not the grade the child will enter in the fall for the next school year. Camp fees will be charged at the time of registration. Parent Handbook 9
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (YAC)
The YAC is conducted at our Youth Center. The focus of the YAC is to present youth issues in the community, de-conflict calendars and share resources and linkages to benefit youth in the community.
SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER (SLO)
The School Liaison Officer (SLO) works in conjunction with CYS Services, the local school community and the military units on post to address educational issues involving military children. Through partnering with the local and military community, the SLO acts as a communication link between the installation and the local school districts. The SLO can also make transitioning with school-age children easier by providing you timely and relevant information about the installation and the local schools. When you are preparing for your PCS, your local SLO will be able to put you into contact with the SLO at your gaining installation so you can plan ahead and be prepared to help your school-age child make a smooth transition. Get to know your SLO and when questions arise, the SLO will be glad to assist you.
SKIESUnlimited
Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills From cooking to dance, gymnastics to skiing, fitness training to martial arts, SKIES has a wide variety of educational afterschool and weekend activities to keep kids active and engaged. Programs are offered in four service areas: School of Arts, Recreation and Leisure, School of Sports, Fitness and Health, School of Life Skills, Citizenships and Leadership, and School of Academic Skills, Mentoring and Intervention. Classes may include piano, guitar, drum lessons, ballet, Irish dance, gymnastics, tumbling, cheer, Tae Kwon Do, Hip Hop, Glee dance workshops, tennis, swimming, keyboards, acting/film, modeling, horseback riding, pony riding, singing, sport climbing, family trail riding and foreign language. We are always adding new classes. We try to provide something for everyone.
EDGE!
Experience, Develop, Grow and Excel The EDGE! Program offers unique and growth-inspiring opportunities for 6 -18 year old children and youth. The program inspires kids to Experience, Develop, Grow and Excel by trying out “cutting-edge� activities. FIT EDGE! Educates and encourages children and youth to incorporate a healthier lifestyle through physical activity and nutritional awareness programs. ART EDGE! Promotes learning-by-doing and focuses on the development of lifetime skills through exposure to the arts. Art EDGE! Activities increase creative development while building self-esteem. LIFE EDGE! Imparts upon children and youth the skills needed for lifelong growth as well as the exploration of future career fields. 10 Parent Handbook
ADVENTURE EDGE! Encourages children and youth to embrace the outdoors and nature while being exposed to activities that stimulate relaxation. To deliver these programs, CYSS has formed partnerships with garrison MWR activities (i.e., Bowling Center, Outdoor Recreation, Arts & Crafts, Physical Fitness Centers, etc). No fees are charged for YC participants grades 6-12. A fee of $5 per hour is charged to SAC participants grades 1-5.
HIRED! APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
The HIRED! Apprenticeship Program is offered through CYSS and designed to meet the workforce-preparation and secondary-education exploration needs of eligible 15-18 year-old youth. The HIRED! Apprenticeship Program is run by the HIRED! Program Coordinator at CYSS. High School students who are accepted into the HIRED! Apprenticeship Program are placed in a 12-week apprenticeship positions at MWR facilities in the garrison. These positions serve as exploratory work experiences under the guidance of a dedicated on-site mentor— hence the use of the name “apprenticeship.” HIRED! Apprenticeship Terms are purposely aligned with specific career paths designed to pave the way into college or higher education. Apprenticeships provide exploratory work experiences and help participants determine if certain career paths are viable choices for their future.
YOUTH SPORTS AND FITNESS PROGRAMS
We strive to provide excellence in outreach programming, health and fitness, individual and team sports. It is our mission to offer equal programming to our counterparts living in the continental United States. Youth Sports & Fitness goes from the court to the ball field by offering a variety of individual and group sport programs throughout the year. Categories include but are not limited to : Winter Season Registration: October; Season: December-March Basketball (3-15 years), Cheerleading (6-15 yrs), Wrestling (6-14 yrs), Bowling (6-15 yrs) Spring Season Registration: February; Season: April-June T-ball (3-7 yrs), Baseball (8-15 yrs), Softball (10-15 yrs), Track & Field (6-15 yrs), Bowling (6-15 yrs) Fall Season Registration: June; Season: August-November Soccer (3-15 yrs), Flag Football (10-12 yrs), Bowling (6-15 yrs) Summer Camps Registration: June for all ages. Youth Sports is always looking for volunteer coaches to share their talents and skills with our youth. Head and assistant coaches receive discounts on sports fees! All children and youth must be registered through Parent Central Services and possess a valid health assessment/sports physical that remains current through the sports season.
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PARENT & OUTREACH SERVICES
Contact the CYSS Parent & Outreach Services Office if you are interested in finding out about any of the following services:
PARENT EDUCATION
Parent education opportunities are available at a variety of venues to suit your individual needs. Ask your child’s program director about the following: CYSS Trainings, Parent Advisory Committee Meetings, ACS Partnership with Wiggles & Giggles, ACS New Parent Support Program and CYSS Monthly Staff/Parent Training meetings
KIDS ON SITE CHILD CARE (KOS)
Kids on Site Care allows CYSS staff to provide childcare in on-post facilities where parents are attending unit/group functions. This is on-site care designed to support training and meetings that parents are attending when regular CYSS facilities are not available. CYSS registration is required to use this service.
SPECIAL OPENINGS
Available for special events, balls and meetings after normal operating hours. Care must be coordinated through Outreach Services at least 6 weeks in advance of the event. CYSS registration is required.
PARENT’S ON SITE
A cooperative program where free child care services are provided by family members in one military unit or organization for another military unit or organization’s future, mutually-agreed upon time. Interested participants attend a no-cost 4-hour training. Family members earn volunteer hours commensurate with the hours worked and have use of CYSS toy lending library. Contact Parent & Outreach Services.
CYSS BABYSITTING PROGRAM
CYSS babysitting training is open to youth 13-18 years old. The curriculum teaches what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable and safe babysitter. Infant and child CPR and First Aid are included in the course at no cost to Families. Every session of the course must be completed to receive certification. Sign up at Parent Central Services. Once certified, babysitters complete an application authorizing Parent Central Services to give out referrals to customers on behalf of the babysitter.
imAlone
An outreach supervision program which provides consistent support for older elementary school and middle school youth who are “home alone” during parental duty hours. Children and youth enrolled must participate in training workshops. Parents are also welcome to attend this training.
FEE POLICY
Army CYSS Fee Policy is based on Department of Defense Policy and must be implemented consistently across Installation Management Command (IMCOM). This policy ensures predictable, equitable fees 12 Parent Handbook
for Families regardless of where they reside throughout the Army. Army CYSS Fee Policy is established to ensure: • Fees are set in a consistent manner Army wide. • Families pay a share of the cost of Army CYSS • All Child & Youth Staff are aware and trained in their responsi bilities for informing Families about CYSS Fees. • Installations can meet the CYSS Availability, Affordability, Accountability and Quality standards and metrics.
DETERMINING FEES FOR FULL AND PART TIME CARE:
The Secretary of Defense prescribes policy that requires Military Services to establish child care fees based on Total Family Income (TFI) for children regularly attending Child Development Programs. Family Fee Determination will occur during the CYSS registration process prior to enrollment in a regularly scheduled Full or Part Day Program.
TOTAL FAMILY INCOME (TFI)
Your child care fees for will be based on your Total Family Income. • Parent Central Services will use DD Form 2652, “Application for DoD Child Care Fees,” at the time of registration to determine your total family income. Total Family Income will be updated annually at the time of your CYSS registration renewal. • TFI is defined as ALL earned income and includes wages, salaries, tips, long term disability benefits, voluntary salary deferrals, assignment incentive pay, quarter’s allowances, sub sistence allowances, in-kind quarters and subsistence received by military members and anything else of value, even if not taxable, that was received for providing services. Military Specialty Pay (for example Flight Pay, Sea Pay, Special Duty Pay, Demolition (DEMO) Pay, Save Pay and Survivor Benefit Pay) is included in TFI as well as income received under the Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA). • Total Family Income for Fee purposes will be based on the Sponsor’s current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) and the Spouse’s LES, W-2 forms, and/or other income documentation • Fees for Blended Families will be based on the TFI of the Household. • TFI includes the appropriate Non Locality Basic Allowance for Housing with Dependants Rate (BAH R C/T) The current BAH R C/T chart will be taken from the following website: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/sites/bah/cfm • Fees for Legally Separated Families are contingent on a legal separation document or a notarized statement stating the Sponsor is legally separated. Total Family Income does not include: • Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) annotated on LES
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• Temporary Pays related to Deployment (for example Family Separation, Hardship Duty and Imminent Danger/Combat Zone Pay) • One time Pays (for example, bonuses or Assignment Incentive Pay) • Variable Housing Allowance (VHA) • Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
PAYMENT PROCEDURES
Fees for Full-Day and Regularly Scheduled Part-Day programs, including instructional programs and youth sports, are collected in advance of services rendered. • Regularly scheduled Full Day Care is charged on a semi-monthly billing cycle. Payments are due on the 1st and 15th of each month. • An Initial Fee Payment will be charged which reserves your child’s space; it is non-refundable and paid in advance of the child’s start date. The initial payment will equal 10% of the monthly fee rounded to the nearest dollar. It will be credited to your 1st month child care payment.
HOURLY CHILD CARE RATES
Standard Army Wide Hourly Care rate is $4.00 per hour per Child for ALL CYSS Programs regardless of Total Family Income Category. Multiple Child Reductions do not apply to Hourly Care.
FEE ADJUSTMENTS FOR FINANCIAL HARDSHIP/EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Garrison Commanders may adjust fees for individual Families based on Financial Hardship or other special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. You may be authorized a fee reduction if: • Your Family demonstrates a need for Child Care Fee Reduction based on a review by an Army Community Service Financial Counselor or appropriate qualified professional. • The Financial / Extenuating Circumstances Hardship is reviewed and approved by the Commander or designee.
MULTIPLE CHILD FEE REDUCTIONS (MCR)
A 15% standard Army-wide Multiple Child & Youth Fee Reduction will apply to all regularly scheduled Child Care Programs and seasonal Youth Sports offered by CYSS. Applies to Families with more than one child enrolled in Full day/ Part Day Child Care Programs. The Child enrolled in the highest cost care option is considered the first Child and pays full fee. Standard Army wide Multiple Child Fee Reduction is applied to the second child and all subsequent children enrolled in Full day/Part Day Child Care Programs.
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SEASONAL YOUTH SPORTS MULTIPLE CHILD FEE REDUCTION (MCR)
If you have more than one child participating in Youth Sports, a standard Army-wide MCR is applied to your second Child and all subsequent Children enrolled in a Youth Sport occurring in the same season. Multiple Child Reductions are not applied to Hourly Care, SKIESUnlimited fees, and School Age Part Time and Daily fees.
YOUTH SPORTS COACH REDUCTIONS
HEAD COACHES: May enroll all of their own children at no cost in any Category A or B Sport occurring during the same playing season the Parent is coaching. Volunteer Head Coaches who are coaching a Category C Sport may enroll one child at no cost in that same Category C Sport or a Category A or B sport at no cost. Subsequent children will receive the 15% Category C reduction. ASSISTANT COACHES: May enroll their first child at no cost in any Category A or B Sport occurring during the same playing season the Parent is coaching and subsequent children will receive a 15% reduction. Assistant coaches may enroll one of their children in a Category C sport, coached by the parent, to receive a 25% fee reduction. Subsequent children receive a 15% reduction in Category A, B or C sport during the same playing season.
SCHOOL AGE OPEN RECREATION
Is provided within the Army School Age Programs at no cost to Families per the following: Five hours per Child/month for regularly scheduled and occasional users. No Cost Open Recreation hours can be used in 1, 2, 3 or 4 hour increments. Occasional Users attending scheduled 4-H Club meetings or 4-H Events are authorized up to 10 hours of open recreation. Open Recreation Hours may not be accumulated from month to month.
PARENT PARTICIPATION FEE REDUCTION
You may earn a Fee Reduction for volunteering a minimum of 10 hours and earning Parent Participation points in a CYSS Full Day or Part Day program. Participation may occur in your own Child’s Program or another CYSS Program. Participation Points may be accumulated from month to month until you earn 10 hours. The 10% reduction will be applied to one month’s Fees for one Child. You may not share or transfer points with other Families.
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ARMY FAMILY COVENANT (AFC) FEES
The Army Family Covenant was established to provide increased support to Soldiers and their Families who are impacted by the effects of frequent deployments, mobilizations and tour extensions. Some of the available benefits include: • Free annual registration • 16 hours of free hourly care per month, per child • Up to $300 for SKIES Unlimited Instructional classes per child • Up to $100 for individual or team sports per child • Reduced hourly care fees for eligible families • Free hourly care for mandatory deployment and FRG meetings • 20 % reduction in regularly scheduled full/part time fees • Free hourly care for Wounded Warriors for medical appointments and support group meetings. Army Family Covenant benefits apply to families 30 prior to deployment and up to 90 days following the return from deployment. To qualify for your benefits, a copy of deployment orders/rear detachment orders will be required.
LATE PAYMENT FEES
Late payment fess are charged after the 5th business day and are $2.00 per child per day per payment cycle (semi monthly or monthly). We will allow you a grace period of five business days after the billing cycle before the late fee is charged. We ask that you make every effort to make payments on time.
LATE PICK-UP FEES
If your child is left at a facility or FCC home after closing time, a late pick up fee of $1.00 per minute, per family, per site will be charged for the first 15 minutes, regardless of the number of children in care at that site. A $5.00 fee, per child, per site will be charged for the remainder of the hour and $5.00 per child, per site will be charged for each hour thereafter. Late pickup fees must be paid before further service is provided. The late pickup fee cannot be “put on the account” and paid with the next month’s service payment.
REFUNDS
Refunds or credits will be permitted only under special circumstances. Approval for such refunds or credits must be approved by the program director. Families using FCC providers should refer to their provider contract for guidance on refunds or credit. Refunds are not authorized for: • Child absences less than two weeks • CYSS program closures due to inclement weather, staff training
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• Special installation circumstance determined by commander • Withdrawal from a SKIES instructional class • Unused Leave/ Vacation credit Refunds are authorized for: • Program closures for repair or renovation and an alternate care setting is not provided • Unexpected prolonged child absence due to Family emergency or extended illnesses • Withdrawal from a Youth Sport occurring before the midseason of the sport upon receipt of PCS orders • Withdrawal from a regularly scheduled child care program upon receipt of PCS orders
VACATION POLICY
Please let your child’s program know you are going on leave by completing our vacation notice. Your leave cannot carry over from year to year or child to child and refunds of unused leave are not permitted.
LEAVE/VACATION FEE CREDIT • • • •
Parents may choose a 2 or 4 week vacation fee plan for each child enrolled in regularly-scheduled care at the Child Develoment Center. Select your option at the initial registration or re-registration for the upcoming 12 months. The plan is in effect for the entire registration year. Changes can not be made during this time. Leave/Vacation Fee Credits must be taken in a minimum of one week increments. Fees will not be charged during the time your child is absent; the space is reserved until your child returns. Leave/Vacation Fee plans begin at the time of child registration and concludes at the time of re-registration for the following year. Family Child Care patrons are authorized 2 weeks vacation without payment each registration year.
ABSENTEEISM
No credits or refunds are issued for child absenteeism due to regular childhood illnesses or injuries, inclement weather, training holidays or facility closures of short duration (one or two days). The CYSS Coordinator may grant exceptions under special circumstances. Special circumstances are limited to unexpected prolonged absenteeism due to serious illness and family emergency when supported by a Red Cross message or emergency leave orders. Sponsors requesting refunds for circumstances outside the scope of this policy must submit a request in writing through the program director to the garrison commander.
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WITHDRAWAL POLICY
If you plan to withdraw your child from our program, please provide us with at least a two week written termination notice. These forms are available at all CYSS facilities. With written notification, payment will be required only up until your child’s last day of care. Without written notification, payment will be required for two weeks past the last day of care.
STAFF TRAINING
All CYSS staff members and Family Child Care (FCC) Providers undergo several local and national background checks. The majority of these checks are conducted and completed prior to employment. Until all background checks are completed satisfactorily, CYSS staff members work within “line of sight” of previously cleared staff and are not permitted alone with children. FCC Providers and all staff working directly with children are trained in a standardized orientation training covering topics in CPR, First Aid, administering medications, nutrition, safety, health, child and youth activities, child growth and development, child guidance, and other areas. A number of these must be completed prior to the start of direct childcare. Training is ongoing and competency assessments are completed to ensure our staff comprehend and demonstrate the knowledge and skills learned from training. In addition to having a caring and nurturing staff, we are fortunate that many are interested in professional development and take college courses in their field. Others pursue the Child Development Associate Credential and/or Military School-Age Credential as well as the Army Youth Practicum. All of these are nationally recognized and are awarded only to individuals who have demonstrated competency with children or youth in addition to academic excellence.
ADULT/CHILD RATIOS
Infants............. 1-4........... 6 weeks to 12 months Pre-toddlers...... 1-5........... 13 to 24 months Toddlers............ 1-7........... 24 to 36 months Preschoolers..... 1-10......... 3 to 5 years Kindergartners... 1-12......... 5 to 6 years School-Age....... 1-15......... 1st to 12th grade
FAMILY CHILD CARE RATIOS
FCC multi-age certified homes (4 weeks to 12 years) may not exceed a ratio of six children to one provider. No more than two of those children may be under two years of age. The FCC professional’s own children under eight years of age will count in the child to provider ratio.
18 Parent Handbook
HEALTH POLICY
CYSS takes all reasonable precautions to offer a healthy environment. To help ensure the safety of all children enrolled, staff observe children for signs of illness or symptoms of contagious disease when children arrive, while they are in care and before they leave. A child may be denied admission to the program if staff notice signs of illness. Parents/guardians must pick up children who become ill while in care within 1 hour after being notified. Parents/guardians also must notify CYSS if their child has a contagious illness or disease. Children/youth will be denied admission to or must be picked up from CYSS programs if they exhibit the following conditions: • Temperature above 100.5° F (38.06° C) for children 3 months or younger or above 101.0° F (38.3° C) for children older than 3 months. • Skin rashes or lesions without existing diagnosis and documentation from a health care provider. • A persistent cough for 5 days that interferes with the child’s activity or a cough accompanied by a high-pitched whooping sound or wheezing. • Stools that change in consistency, three loose stools in 2 hours, when the stool contains pus or blood or when there is an increased number of abnormally loose stools in comparison with the child’s usual bowel habits and cannot be contained in the diaper. • Vomiting for any reason. • Inability to participate in daily activities or complaints of not feeling well enough to do so or notable lethargy or drowsiness. • Signs of contagious and/or infectious illnesses including but not limited to conjunctivitis (pink eye), impetigo, scabies, ring worm, chicken pox, head lice, measles, mumps, pinworm, and influenza. Our staff will provide you with an illness/injury readmission form, AE Form 608-10-1B, informing you of the signs of illness and criteria for readmission. A child may return to care when either the child no longer exhibits the symptoms of illness or the staff is presented with AE Form 608-10-1B signed and stamped by the health Care Provider (HCP) that the child is no longer contagious. HCP’s recommendations will not automatically re-admit the child into the program or override Army regulations. This policy will also be discussed during your parent orientation.
SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION PROCESS (SNAP)
CYSS aims to provide childcare for all children and youth throughout the installation. The SNAP examines options for childcare and supervision for children and youth who have special needs. Special needs include but are not limited to a life-threatening condition, functional limitation or behavioral or psychological conditions. The SNAP also Parent Handbook 19
determines the best placement and program ability to reasonably accommodate care to meet the needs of children and youth. Depending on the need, it may be necessary to have additional Medical Action Plans (MAPs) completed by a HCP. Upon registration with CYSS the parent/guardian will be notified if their child/youth requires a SNAP. Children/youth may not be eligible for services prior to completion of the SNAP. For more information, please contact Parent Central Services.
ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS
Certain medications may be administered in the CYSS setting when it is not possible for parents/guardians to do so. Only health care provider-prescribed, U.S. military medical treatment facility-dispensed antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, topical medications and behavioral medications may be administered to children who are enrolled in full-day, part-day or regularly scheduled school-age programs. Medications that are prescribed “as needed” or “PRN” will not be given in programs, with the exception of rescue medications. All medications must be in the original container, have a prescription label and should be accompanied by proper dosing syringe/cup/ spoon. A child must be taking the medication for at least 24 hours prior to re-admission into a CYSS program. Parents will complete and sign a CYSS Medical Dispensation Record, DA Form 5225-R, for each approved medication to be administered. A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the form before medication can be administered. This policy will be discussed during your parent orientation. Please contact individual program for further information.
BASIC CARE ITEMS
Basic care items are over-the-counter diaper creams, sunscreens, insect repellents, lip balms, petroleum jelly, teething ointments without benzocaine and moisturing lotions. Parents must fill out a basic care item form to ensure staff receive correct information concerning application of these items. The parent must provide the preferred item and label the container with the child’s first and last name. The use of basic care items will be limited to those identified in AR 608-10 and AE 608-10-1.
INJURIES AND EMERGENCIES
If your child is involved in an accident or suffers an injury while in the care of one of the programs or FCC homes, CYSS staff will perform minor first aid treatment, notify you and an accident/injury form will be completed which you will review and sign. In case of serious injury, an ambulance will be called to transport your child/youth for medical attention and you will be notified immediately by phone. 20 Parent Handbook
MEALS AND FOOD SERVICE
All programs must comply with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Regulatory requirements state that programs will offer nutritious foods that help meet children’s total nutritional needs. Military Treatment Facility dietician-approved menus are used and posted in all FCC, CDC and SAC programs. Meals and/or snacks are provided in scheduled 3-hour intervals. All food provided by CYSS must be consumed at the facility and, except for special occasions, no outside food may be brought into CYSS facilities. NOTE: Parents/guardians of children with special dietary needs or life threatening food allergies must provide a Special Diet Statement form that specifies what foods the child cannot consume as well as allowable substitutions. Children/youth may not be eligible for services without appropriate documentation. For more information, please contact Parent Central Services.
INFANT FOOD AND FORMULA
FCC homes and CDC programs provide all infant jar food, cereal and teething biscuits. FCC homes and CDC programs also offer a choice of two brands of canned powder iron-fortified formula to parents/guardians of infants in full- and part-day programs. These specific USDA CACFP-approved formulas are free of cost and parents/guardians have the option to decline. Parents/guardians are responsible for preparing bottles and providing an adequate number of bottles labeled with the date and child’s first and last name. NOTE: Glass bottles are not allowed and all bottles must have caps. Medications or cereal may not be mixed with formula. Bottles for infants (under 12 months) may only contain formula or breast milk. Whole milk is allowed for children over 12 months. Infants (under 12 months) will be fed individually and according to the infant’s feeding plan. Infant Feeding Plans are based on USDA CACFP guidelines and are established by the parent and recommendations of the child’s physician or other qualified health professional.
FAMILY STYLE DINING
Once tables are ready for meals and snacks, children and CYSS staff will sit and dine together “family style.” During family-style dining, children experience independence and responsibility, expand language and thinking skills, build fine motor skills, and learn appropriate eating habits and social interactions. Most importantly, family style dining promotes a feeling of unity and acceptance that is essential to emotional development. It is developmentally age appropriate for children to participate in cleaning and setting tables, preparing meals, serving themselves (with staff assistance if needed), and assisting with cleanup after meals. Meals for SAC and YC programs are served buffet-style under the guidance of staff. Children and youth are not forced to eat and food will not be used as a punishment or reward. Parent Handbook 21
CLOSURE/EVACUATION/MOBILIZATION
In the event of emergency, mobilization or other contingency in which the facility needs to be evacuated, CYSS staff will follow a written Mobilization and Contingency Plan and if directed to, will evacuate to a designated primary or secondary evacuation site. Parents and military police will be notified. In the event of facility closure due to an emergency, management staff will call all parents/guardians/emergency designees to inform of pending facility closure. Children may be moved to one of the designated evacuation sites for safety and supervision if the emergency is not post-wide and only affects one facility. Childcare will be provided only for mission essential personnel during post closures at the CDC, SAC, FCC programs or pre-approved Kids on Site location. Hazardous road conditions dictate bringing in only sufficient staff to cover the communities’ needs. In the event of illness, emergency, or facility closure, CYSS will make every attempt to contact you. If you cannot be located to pick up your child/youth, the following procedure will be put into action: • The emergency notification designee/child release designee on record will be called. If we are unable to contact him/her, the next designee listed will be called. • If none of the designees can be contacted, the military police will be notified and their procedure will be followed in reference to locating the parents and custody of the child.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING PROCEDURES
CYSS staff and FCC providers are mandated to report suspected incidents of child/spouse abuse or neglect to Military Police and to their supervisor. All CYSS staff and FCC providers receive training on the identification and reporting of abuse and neglect at their initial training with required annual updates. As a part of child abuse prevention, we will provide you with information concerning child abuse/neglect through pamphlets, articles and workshops. We ask that you refrain from using profanity, spanking, or attempting to discipline children in our facilities/FCC homes. If this is observed, you may be asked to leave the program or FCC home.
CYSS TOUCH POLICY
The garrison CYSS Touch Policy is applicable to all CYSS settings. The policy has been coordinated with the Army Community Services, Family Advocacy Program Manager, Social Work Services, and staff judge advocate offices. All CYS Services personnel will review and sign the policy during orientation training and annually thereafter. The policy will be available in written form for parents. The CYS Services Touch Policy addresses appropriate versus inappropriate touching. a. Appropriate touching includes the following: 22 Parent Handbook
(1) Recognition of the importance of physical contact to child nurturing and guidance. (2) Adult respect for personal privacy and the personal physical space of children. (3) Responses affecting the safety and the well-being of the child (for example, holding hands of child when crossing the street; holding child gently but firmly during a temper tantrum). (4) Direct-care personnel modeling appropriate touching. b. Examples of appropriate touching for preschool children include hugs, lap sitting, reassuring touches on the shoulder, rest-time backrubs for a tense child, and assistance with toileting during toilet training. For children in school, middle-school, and teen-youth programs: handshakes, pats on the back, high fives. c. Inappropriate touching involves the following: (1) Coercion or other forms of exploitation. (2) Satisfaction of adult needs at the expense of the child. (3) Attempts to change child behavior with adult physical force, often applied in anger. (4) Negative concepts of “striking out� to respond to a problem. d. Examples of inappropriate touching include forced good-bye kisses, corporal punishment, slapping, striking or pinching, prolonged tickling, fondling, and molestation. 4. CYS Services management personnel will discuss touch issues with CYS Services direct-care personnel, FCC providers, volunteers, and contractors before providing care. 5. Inappropriate touching will result in consideration of dismissal of employees, volunteers, and contractors, or closure of the FCC
CHILD GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
All CYSS staff receive training in child guidance techniques. Discipline will be consistent and constructive in nature and based on the child’s developmental level. Helping children to understand and make appropriate choices, rather than what not to do, is the basis for child guidance. Normally, children do not decide to misbehave, and they want to do the right thing. We will work together to identify the problem and find strategies to which your child will respond to positively. If serious behavioral problems occur, we will inform you immediately so you can become an integral part of the resolution process. If discipline problems continue without any progress towards resolution, we may refer you to outside professional help and temporarily remove your child from the program/FCC home. Our goal is to help children and youth with behavioral problems without sacrificing the safety of other youth or staff.
Parent Handbook 23
A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT BITING
Biting is a developmental stage most children go through. The same guidelines for child guidance will be followed in cases involving biting, but with additional emphasis on examining the physical environment, daily schedule and activities provided as a mode of modifying the child’s behavior.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERS PARENTS AS PARTNERS
Parents are considered an integral part of CYSS and are encouraged to participate in many aspects of the programs: • Observe your child/youth in the program setting. Parents are always welcome in their child’s program at any time. • Have daily contact with your child’s teacher or FCC provider. • Serve as a CYSS volunteer • Attend special programs offered in CYSS programs. • Participate in parent conferences, surveys and educational workshops. • Be a part of our annual Inspection Team or ICYSE to help us improve our programs. Our Parent Participation Program is an incentive program designed to benefit everyone. Parents can earn a 10% fee reduction on full and part time fees for volunteering a minimum of 10 hours and earning parent participation points. There are many ways to earn participation points; attend a Parent Advisory Council meeting or member, assist with inspections and accreditation, chaperone on a field trip, attend a parent education class, conduct an activity in a classroom or FCC Home, assist with a newsletter.
PARENT CONFERENCES
Parents and teachers meet together during parent conferences to review progress and evidence of the child’s growth and development. Information is shared with Families on a daily basis, in person as well as by phone. Semi-annual conferences are held during the year. During this time children, Families and their primary teacher discuss developmental progress.
INFORMATION CENTER
An information center is located in each CYSS facility and FCC Home. Here you will find information on programs and services, Parent Handbook, food menus, schedules and other pertinent information.
PARENT EDUCATION
Parent education classes are offered at least quarterly during our CYSS Orientation Training and through Army Community Service. Some of our regularly scheduled classes include child growth and development, special needs awareness, character counts, baby sign language and child guidance techniques. Parent Participation discounts are available for attendance. 24 Parent Handbook
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC)
Another very important avenue for involvement is our CYSS Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC is a parent forum to discuss program changes, share ideas and make recommendations. The PAC elects officers who host and provide agendas for the meetings. All parents are invited to attend and receive special discounts off of childcare fees and parents will earn points towards a discount off of their full or part time child care fees. CYSS PAC is held every quarter and will be scheduled at a time which best meets your needs. Times are subject to change based on parent needs. Special speakers and trainings will be offered as well.
CELEBRATIONS AND BIRTHDAYS
CYSS recognizes that religious, ethnic and seasonal celebrations are a part of many valuable traditions and may be celebrated at the program. Parents/guardians are encouraged to coordinate plans with the program staff at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please do not bring candy, chewing gum or goody bags to the program for these occasions as these items can cause feelings of ill will between children and may also be a choking or safety hazard. Parents/guardians who want to provide foods for birthday celebrations are allowed to bring cakes, cupcakes or cookies. These food items may not be prepared at home or in unapproved facilities, but instead parents/guardians are encouraged to provide a cake mix in the original sealed package or to purchase a cake from Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) or Defense Commissary Agency (DECA) and take it directly to the child’s classroom for the point of sale. Please contact your child’s caregivers for specific instructions and appropriate items to bring if you desire to participate in this celebration.
TOYS AND PERSONAL ITEMS
We ask that parents leave all electronic devices, personal toys and games at home. Items accidently brought to the programs will be stored in your child’s cubby/locker until pick up time. CYSS is not responsible for loss, damage and/or theft of your child’s treasured items. If your child has a special soft toy or blanket that he/she naps with, it may be brought to the program. The naptime toy or blanket will be put in the child’s cubby and be made available for use during naptime. These items will need to be taken home for occasional laundering. Please ensure all personal items (i.e., book bags, books, school supplies, clothing, and blankets) are labeled with your child’s full name. CLOTHING Children/youth should come to the center dressed for the day’s weather and its changes. Please dress your child in “play clothes” so that he/she may feel free to participate in our varied activities. Children are involved in many messy developmental activities each day such as art, cooking, Parent Handbook 25
and water and sand play. Washable clothing is recommended. For safety reasons, long dresses are not permitted in CYSS facilities. This applies to all age groups. CYSS will not be responsible for damaged clothing. Two changes of clothing for all children under school-age is recommended. If your child leaves wearing clothes belonging to a program, please return these articles (cleaned) the next day. All clothing must be labeled with indelible ink. CYSS does not assume responsibility for lost clothing or other personal items SHOES For safety reasons, flip-flops, thongs, heels without straps, or wedged heels are not permitted for children/youth in CDC, FCC and SAC programs. JEWELRY Earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and barrettes are not permitted for children under three or who are in multiage rooms with children under three. COATS Coats or sweaters should be provided in accordance with the weather. HATS AND CAPS You may wish to send a cap or hat for outside play, even in the summer. It will protect your child’s face from the sun and his/her hair from the sand. FINGERNAILS Children’s fingernails must be trimmed short to prevent inadvertent scratching of other program participants during play.
DIAPERING
For health and sanitation reasons, only disposable diapers are permitted in our programs. Cloth diapers are only allowed with a written statement from a HCP that includes the reason and length of time cloth diapers will be required. If your child uses diapers, we require one diaper for every hour an infant is in care and 1 diaper or set of pull-ups/training pants for every 2 hours a toddler is in care, plus extras for emergencies. Diapers are checked every hour for infants and and every 2 hours for toddlers and changed promptly if they are wet or soiled. Diapers and baby wipes should be labeled with the child’s first and last name.
26 Parent Handbook
TOILET LEARNING
Toilet training is a natural developmental process. Peak readiness is typically at 2 ½ years, but will vary with each child. We will not force children to use the toilet, nor will we punish a child for lapses in toilet training. Planning a consistent toilet routine between home and center will go a long way in helping your child accomplish this developmental milestone. The lead caregiver or FCC provider will coordinate a meeting with parents before the start of toilet training in the program. You must provide sufficient changes of clothing and training pants. Participation in certain programs, such as preschool and part day preschool, require your child to be fully potty trained.
REST PERIODS AND NAPS
Those children enrolled in CDC and FCC full-day programs or hourly care will have a rest period, usually following lunch. Children who need a nap can go to sleep while others may use this time to look at books or engage in some other quiet activity. NOTE: Infants are allowed to follow their own resting/napping patterns.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP CRITERIA
All facilities are NON-SMOKING and there is no smoking withing 50 feet of CYSS buildings. Parents are asked to extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, etc., prior to entering any facility. Arrivals and departures at the programs will be made through the front door only. Children may not be dropped off at the door or in the parking lot.
Please swipe your child in and out at the front desk each day! All children and school-age youth must be accompanied upon each admission by a parent or a person authorized as an emergency contact designee. The person picking up your child must present proof of identification. In accordance with the installation Home Alone/Supervision Policy, children/youth may not be released to siblings or other children under age 13. School age children may not arrive or leave the program unaccompanied without prior written permission from their parent. This must also meet requirements in accordance with the installation Home Alone/Supervision Policy. Please be sure the staff member/provider is aware of your arrival and remain until a brief health inspection and necessary communication between parent and staff member/provider occurs to ensure optimal care. Please alert us of any bruises, scratches, etc., while signing into the facility/home. The bruises will be recorded as being present before entering the CYSS program.
Parent Handbook 27
WEATHER POLICY
CYSS wants to ensure the safety and comfort of your child each day. We have temperature and weather policies which help us to do so. All CYSS staff members are responsible for monitoring temperatures and watching children for signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Temperatures in child-activity rooms and FCC homes are kept at a comfortable range betwen 68° and 78°F (20° and 26°C). When indoor temperatures exceed 78°F (26°C), cooling techniques, such as fans, will be implemented. When indoor temperatures reach 85°F (29°C), the CYSS program director will consult with preventive-medicine and safety personnel to determine if a recommendation to close the CYSS facility or FCC Home should be made to the CYSS Coordinator. When the outdoor temperature is 90°F (32°C) or higher, we will do everything to ensure your child is protected from heat exhaustion and we will not stay out longer than 20 minutes unless when the temperature is above 90 degrees. Water will always be available and we can also apply sunscreen. When the outdoor temperature is 86 to 89 °F (30 to 32 °C), our time outside is limited to 30 minutes for your child’s comfort. In colder seasons, when the outdoor temperature is 25 to 34 °F (-4 to 1 °C), our outdoor play is be limited to 30 minutes. If the temperature is below 25 °F (-4 °C), 15 minutes is our golden rule. During heavy rain, lightning, blowing snow, or icy conditions, we will refrain from going outside to play. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather each day. This includes providing coats, hats, boots, and mittens or gloves during inclement weather.
INCOME TAX RECEIPTS
If you plan to claim childcare expenses on federal income tax returns, please keep the receipts given to you when you pay for childcare. Your CYSS program is able to supply a copy of childcare tax statements from the CYMS program upon request.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Some facilities are equipped with video surveillance equipment that records activity spaces as well as playground entrance/exits. This equipment is to help ensure the safety of the children/youth in our care. It has been determined by the Staff Judge Advocate that recordings are released only to authorized personnel with an official need for the material such as MPI and CID. Patrons are only authorized to view the monitor screens, not previously recorded material. Patrons are authorized to view the monitors for a reasonable period of time in a way that does not interfere with the program’s operation or when there is a reasonable need. (e.g., Due to confidentiality parents will only be permitted to view their child’s current or future room.) 28 Parent Handbook
BARTON BARRACKS TELEPHONE ROSTER SKIESUnlimited Instructional Programs
Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills DSN: 468.7226 • CIV: 09811.83.7226
CYS Services Sports and Fitness Building 5284 DSN: 468.7866 • CIV: 09811.83.7866
All facilities closed on Federal holidays and select USAREUR Training Holidays.
Parent Handbook 29
KATTERBACH KASERNE TELEPHONE ROSTER Parent Central Services
Registration for all programs Building 5818, Ground Floor Monday-Thursday.................... 8-5 p.m. Fridays................................... 11:30-5 p.m. Fridays closed for training........ 8-11:30 a.m. DSN: 467.2533 / 2531 • CIV: 09802.83.2533 / 2531 Webtrac: https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/ansbachcyms.html
Child Development Center Main
Building 5984 Monday-Friday......................... 5:45 a.m.-6 p.m. DSN: 467.2828 • CIV: 09802.83.2828
Child Development Center Satellite
Building 5510 Monday-Friday......................... 5:45 a.m.-6 p.m. DSN: 467.3536 • CIV: 09802-83-3536
CYS Services Nurse/Nutritionist
DSN 467-3060 ..................... Civilian: 09802-83-3060
EDGE!
Experience, Develop, Grow and Excel DSN: 468.7266 • CIV: 09811.83.7266
Family Child Care (FCC)
Building 5817 Monday-Friday......................... 8-5 p.m. DSN: 467-2536 • CIV: 09802.83.2536
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HIRED! Apprenticeship
DSN: 467.2395 • CIV: 09802.83.2395
School-Age Center
Building 5515 Monday-Friday......................... 5:45-8 a.m. and 2:30-6 p.m. School Out Days, All Camps...... 5:45 a.m.-6 p.m. DSN: 467.2632 • CIV: 09802.83.2632
School Liaison Officer
Building 5818, Ground Floor Operating hours are flexible. Please call for appointment. DSN: 467.2098 • CIV: 09802.83.2098 • Cell: 0162.2708.763
Youth Center
Building 5911 Monday through Thursday......... 2:45-6 p.m. Friday..................................... 2:45-9 p.m. First Saturday of the month...... 1-6 p.m. School Days Out...................... 1-6 p.m. DSN: 09802.83.4066 • DSN: 467.4066 All facilities closed on Federal holidays and select USAREUR Training Holidays.
Parent Handbook 31
STORCK BARRACKS TELEPHONE ROSTER Parent Central Services
Registration for all programs Building 6510 Monday-Friday......................... 8-5 p.m. Closed for training on Fridays.... 8-11:30 a.m. DSN: 467.4880 • CIV: 09841.83.4880 Webtrac: https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/ansbachcyms.html
Child Develoment Center Main
Building 6686 Monday-Friday......................... 5:45 a.m.-6 p.m. DSN: 467.4505/821 • CIV: 09841.83.4505
Child Development Annex
Building 6504 Monday-Friday......................... 5:45 a.m.-6 p.m. DSN: 467.4423/4931 • CIV: 09841.83.4423
School-Age Center
Building 6706 Monday-Friday......................... 5:45 a.m.-6 p.m. and 2:15-6 p.m. School Out Days, All Camps...... 5:45 a.m.-6 p.m. DSN: 467.4733 • CIV: 09841.83.4733
Youth Center
Building 6503, 2nd Floor Monday-Thursday.................... 2:30-6 p.m. Friday..................................... 2:30-9 p.m. Third Saturday........................ 1-6 p.m. School Out Days...................... 1-6 p.m. DSN: 467.4066 • CIV: 09841.83.4066
All facilities closed on Federal holidays and select USAREUR Training Holidays.
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http://www.ansbach.armymwr.com
Ansbach CYSS Ansbach Family & MWR