CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES THE BASICS FOR FAMILIES HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 CHILD, YOUTH & SCHOOL SERVICES THE BASICS FOR FAMILIES HANDBOOK As of May

2 Table of Contents Page 4 Purpose 4 Prescribing Directive 4 Mission Statement 4 Goals 4 Philosophy 4-5 Eligibility Program Descriptions 5-6 CYS Services Home Based Programs: Family Child Care 6-8 CYS Services Programs in Alternative Settings: Sports & Fitness, SKIESUnlimited, Kids on Site, Hired, Edge 8-9 CYS Services Community Based Child Care & Youth Programs: Army Affiliated, Army Sponsored 9-11 CYS Services Parent & Outreach Programs: Parent Central, Kids at Home, Parents on Site, CYSitters CYS Services School Support Programs: School Liaison Officer, Student 2 Student, Jr. Student 2 Jr. Student, Parent to Parent, Tutor.com CYS Services Facilities: Child Development Center, School Age Services, Youth Services 17 CYS Services Through National Youth Serving Organizations: Character Counts!, 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America CYS Services Enterprise ARFORGEN Initiatives: Give parenst a Break, We ve Got You Covered, ICYSmiles, Kissing Hands, Hug a Dolls, Coming Together, Wheels!, Child/Youth Behavioral Consultants, Youth Technology Labs General Policies Accidents Admission/Release Procedures 20 Child Abuse Reporting Coach Certification 21 Complaint Reporting 21 Confidentiality 22 Creative Curriculum.Net 22 Daily Procedures 23 Developmental Activities 4

3 23-26 Discipline Policy 27 Diversity 27 Emergency Closings 27 Emergency Leave 27 Federal and Training Holidays Fees 29 Food and Nutrition Four Service Areas Health Policies Installation Child Supervision Policy Late Pick-Up 36 Open Door Policy 36 Orientation 36 Outdoor Activities Parent Participation/Education 37 Partnerships with the Community 37 Rest Time Rules for Middle School & Teen 40 Rules for SKIESUnlimited 40 Smoke-Free Facilities Special Events and Activities 41 Special Needs 41 Supervision of Children 41 Training Transportation and Field Trips 42 Vacation Credit 42 Volunteers 42 Withdrawal 43 Telephone Numbers 44 Hours of Operation Visit Our Website: 3

4 Welcome to the Fort Eustis/Fort Story Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS)! PURPOSE The purpose of this handbook is to provide Families with a reference covering the policies and procedures of the CYSS program. Families are encouraged to ask questions and take an active part in the program and are welcome to come at any time to observe activities. PRESCRIBING DIRECTIVE CYSS programs are required to operate in accordance with AR , AR 215, School Age Services Manual, the Department of Defense Instruction Manuals /3, and the Military Child Care Act. MISSION The mission of CYSS programs is to provide and professionally manage a system of safe affordable and quality care options for the children/youth of active duty Soldiers and other Department of Defense affiliated personnel in order to reduce the conflict between parental responsibilities and mission requirements. GOAL Our goal is to provide you with the best service possible and to provide your children with age appropriate educational and recreational activities in the safest and most convenient manner possible. In addition, Facilitate self-reliance and reinforce Army values. Ensure availability of predictable programs and services for eligible children and youth ages 4 weeks to 18 years. Maintain affordability of child and youth programs for both patrons and the Army through operational efficiencies and seamless delivery. Establish and sustain CYSS Program quality as a Benchmark for the Nation in accordance with statutory requirements, DoD policy and Army Standards. To provide programs which meet the requirements of the Military Child Care Act, Army Regulation and Army Regulation 215. PHILOSOPHY We believe in the importance of children and the importance of supporting the Soldier and his mission through his children. ELIGIBILITY Children ages 4 weeks through 18 years of age are eligible to participate. A child must be a Family Member of active duty, retired or deceased military personnel. Children of DOD civilians and contractors employed at Fort Eustis, or surrounding area, are also eligible to participate. 4

5 First priority is to active duty and/or DOD civilian personnel who are either single parents, or whose spouse is on active duty, attends school on a full or part-time basis or is employed. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS) is comprised of 6 delivery systems: CYS Services Home Based Programs (HBP); CYS Services Programs in Alternative Settings (AS); CYS Services Community Based Child Care & Youth Programs (CBCC&YP); CYS Services Parent and Outreach Programs (POP); CYS Services School Support Programs (SSP); and CYS Services Facilities. CYS Services Home Based Programs Family Child Care (FCC) Homes: (Ages 4 weeks-12 years) Offers full-day, partday, and hourly child care to include extended duty day, weekend care, 24-hour care as needed in a home environment. Care for four to eight children (depending on mix of ages) is provided by trained Family Member Child Care Providers in their own homes (private and government quarters) and is subject to DoD Certification. Family Child Care is designed to meet the childcare needs of families who prefer a small group setting in a home environment. Each FCC childcare home operates as a small business. Childcare fees vary according to contracted services between the childcare provider and the Family. Income-based subsidy may be available for full day Families in income categories 1 or 2 in accordance with the Subsidy Protocol. Army FCC Online is a new marketing and management tool for Family Child Care referrals. The website provides the FCC provider with an opportunity to showcase their program with Families/potential Families. In addition, ArmyFCC.com provides Families and potential Families with up-to-date information about Family Child Care Homes. There are two sections to ArmyFCC.Com. The public section describes the Installation FCC Program. This portion of the website is maintained by the FCC Program Manager and can be reached by anyone with internet access at The secure section describes each of the FCC Homes at the Installation and is made up of FCC Provider Profiles. Each FCC Provider Profile is meant to show Families and potential Families the excellence of each Family Child Care Provider and their program. 5

6 Families and potential Families will only be able to access the secure section of the ArmyFCC.com website with a password supplied by the FCC office. Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools used in CYS Services Home Based Programs are listed at CYS Services Programs in Alternative Settings Youth Sports & Fitness Programs: (Ages 3 18 years) Offers developmentally appropriate opportunities for children and youth to be engaged in individual and team sports, competitions, skill building clinics, and nutrition and health classes that foster development of life-long healthy habits. Provided by trained CYS Services employees and volunteer coaches in a variety of settings including Youth Centers, MWR Facilities, Schools, community fields and facilities. Tournament leagues and competitions are held throughout the year. Various sports camps are offered during the summer. Team sports include the following: T-ball Basketball Cheerleading Baseball Soccer (Fall & Spring) Flag Football Start Smart Children/youth must be registered and have a current physical with CYSS prior to participation in the Youth Sports and Fitness Program. Fees for participation in each sport or camp vary and are in accordance with DoD fee policy. A late fee is charged for registrations processed after the specified cut-off date. No refunds will be given. Coaches and Family meetings are held prior to the start of each sport. SKIESUnlimited Instructional Program: (Ages 3-18 years) Offers range of out of school classes, e.g., music, dance, martial arts, gymnastics, technology, life skills, and SAT prep designed to complement, expand, and support the academic, life skills, and athletic experiences children and youth have within Army CYS Services Programs and Schools. Provided by CYS Services employees and contract instructors in a variety of settings which may include Child Development Centers, School Age Programs, MWR and Community Facilities, and Schools. There are four schools: Sports, Life Skills, Art, and Academics. Child/youth ages are specific for each class/activity in the SKIESUnlimited Program. Children/youth who are Family Members of Military/DoD Civilians and Contractors are eligible to participate in the SKIESUnlimited instructional programs. Various camps, classes, and special events offered during the year include but are not limited to the following: 6

7 School of ARTS Piano Drums Violin Guitar School of Academic Skills Sign Language SAT Preparation School of Life Skills Teenage Babysitting Sticks 4 Kids School of Arts Ballet Jazz Dance Tap Dance School of Sports Tae Kwon Do Gymnastics Cheerleading Jump Rope Show Team Mommies & Me Gymnastics Tennis Child/youth must be registered with CYSS prior to participation in the SKIESUnlimited Program. Participation fees for each class vary and are in accordance with DoD fee policy. SKIESUnlimited programs are charged a monthly tuition fee, due at the beginning of the month. Kids on Site: (Ages 6 weeks-12 years) Offers short term hourly child care for Families using/attending FMWRC and Command Sponsored events, e.g., Strong Bonds, Family Readiness Groups, Memorial Services, Yellow Ribbon Events etc. Provided by CYS Services employees in a variety of on and off post settings which may include Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, Chapels, Armed Forces Recreation Centers, Hotels, Schools, Armories, etc. Parents remain on site or are immediately available in an adjacent facility. VenturePoint: (Ages 6-18 years) Offers options on-site in Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) facilities. Includes The Edge! life skills and adventure activities for Middle School and Teens and the Hired! workforce preparation program for year olds. Apprenticeship Program is a workforce-preparation and apprenticeship enterprise designed to meet the employment and career-exploration needs of Army teens years of age. The HIRED! Moniker encompasses the two main components of the program, "HIRed" - actually working in a paid position - and "EDucation" - that is, participating in workforcepreparation and secondary-education exploration classes, which prepare the participant for life after high school. HIRED! Apprenticeships offer experiences within distinct career 7

8 paths designed to help participants determine whether said career paths are viable choices for their future. Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools used in CYS Services Programs in Alternative Settings are listed at The EDGE! (Experience, Develop, Grow and Excel) Out-of-school opportunities for 6-18 year-old children and youth to experience, develop, grow and excel by participation in "cutting-edge" art, fitness, life skills and adventure activities, known as: Art EDGE! promotes learning-by-doing and focuses on the development of lifetime skills while exposing participants to the arts Fit EDGE! educates and encourages children and youth to incorporate a healthier lifestyle through physical activity and nutritional awareness programs. Life EDGE! imparts upon children and youth the skills needed for life-long growth as well as the exploration of future career fields. Adventure EDGE! encourages children and youth to embrace the outdoors and nature while being exposed to activities that stimulate relaxation. CYS Services Community Based Child Care & Youth Programs Army Affiliated CYS Services Programs: (Ages 6 weeks-18 years) Offer Child Care and Youth Programs at reduced rates for Army Families living off-post in garrison catchment areas. Includes: Army Child Care in Your Neighborhood for children 4 weeks-5 years, Army School Age Programs in Your Neighborhood for children ages 6-12 years, and Army Youth Programs in Your Neighborhood for youth ages years. Programs are centrally funded and managed through an Army enterprise contract with a national vendor that locates providers, provides technical assistance, and manages the fee assistance program for parents using these services. Participating programs are generally in communities surrounding garrisons highly impacted by Army Transformation. Supplements, not replaces, Army operated on base Child and Youth Programs. Army Sponsored CYS Services Child Care Programs: (Ages 4 weeks-12 years) Offers child care at reduced rates for geographically dispersed Families where they reside. Includes Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) for Active Component Families and Operation Military Child Care (OMCC) for Reserve Component Families throughout the ARFORGEN cycle. Also serves geographically dispersed Families of recruiters, ROTC, MEPCOM, and Corps of Engineers that live beyond reasonable commuting distance of military bases. Programs are centrally 8

9 funded and managed through an Army enterprise contract with a national vendor that locates providers, provides technical assistance, and manages the fee assistance program for parents using these services. Participating programs are available in 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. Supplements, not replaces, Army operated on base child care. Army Sponsored CYS Services Youth Programs: (Ages 6-18 years) Offers youth outreach services for geographically dispersed Families. Connects youth with resources and support systems where they reside. Includes Operation: Military Kids (a collaborative effort with America's communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment) and Mission: Youth Outreach (access to community Boys & Girls Clubs) for Active Component Families and Reserve Component Families throughout the ARFORGEN cycle. Also serves geographically dispersed Families of recruiters, ROTC, MEPCOM, and Corps of Engineers that live beyond reasonable commuting distance of military bases. Programs are centrally funded and managed as an Army enterprise initiative in partnership with the USDA National 4-H Club Office and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Programs are available in 50 states. Supplements, not replaces, Army operated on base youth programs. Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools used in CYS Services Community Based Programs are listed at CYS Services Parent & Outreach Programs: Parent Central Services: (Ages 0-18 years) Offers registration, enrollment, records transfer, parent education classes, and babysitter training and referral services for Families. Includes CYS Services Parent Advisory Council, non-traditional outreach services, and Parents On Site volunteer program. Provides program information, sends enews publications and messages, and contributes to web sites of interest to parents. The Parent Central office operates as a one-stop child/youth registration point for all delivery systems. CYSS Parent Central is your first stop for information, registration and referrals. Registration and program orientation is required for participation in CYSS programs. Patrons must provide the following: valid identification card U.S. Army Child and Youth Services child s up-to-date immunization record proof of family income (pay statements for all adults in the household) 9

10 child s proof of age (birth certificate or identification card) child s health assessment/physical 3 local emergency designees and telephone numbers Family Care Plan (applicable branch of service format) dual or single military only Local emergency designee name and telephone number for initial contact Social Security Numbers are required for sponsor Copies of orders for eligibility of Army Family Covenant (AFC) benefits Families must attend a parent orientation prior to starting in the program. Check with Parent Central for specific times and dates for parent orientation at each program. Registration cannot be completed without all current, required information. It is essential that emergency contact data be kept current at all times. All registration information must be updated annually. Failure to do so may result in denial of program participation. CYSS membership is transferable to other Army installations. Program fee sheets, description of available discounts are available at Parent Central and program front desk for Family review. Childcare waiting lists will be established when a particular childcare program has reached capacity. Priority is given in accordance with DoD guidelines. Families wishing to enroll their child/ren in a program with a waiting list need to complete the waiting list form with Parent Central. Families are responsible for notifying Parent Central office every 90 days to update their status. Failure to do so will result in removal from the list. Those Families who are expecting a child are encouraged to complete a waiting list form as soon as possible as infant care has a long waiting time for placement. Families who notify the Parent Central office when they deploy will be placed on the waiting list. Thirty days prior to returning the child will be moved to the Immediate Care list. Withdrawal forms are available at all sites. Waiting lists for School Age Services, Middle School & Teen programs, instructional programs, and sports programs are filled on a first come, first served basis according to grade and age. Resource and Referral: Assists Families in locating off post childcare options and information on childcare availability at other military installations. 10

11 Volunteer Services: A central point of contact for volunteers within any CYSS program. Interested volunteers may complete a volunteer packet through the OS office. Parent Education: OS maintains a small parent resource library to assist parents with needed resource materials. Babysitter Training and Referral Service: Arranges training for teenagers and adults in the Babysitter Course and Infant/Adult Child CPR, as mandated IAW AR and maintains teenage/adult referral list for Families interested in this childcare option. Kids on Site (KOS): Offers onsite childcare for special group functions. CYSS staff or organization provides childcare. Cost is based on the number of staff contracted. Parents on Site (POS): Participants are trained to provide childcare in a group setting, enabling units or other installation organizations to hold meetings/functions and provide their own childcare. Kids At Home: (Ages 6 weeks-18 years) Offers non-traditional outreach services to support Families with children/youth whose primary care/educational setting is in their own home. Includes imalone classes and support services for enrolled children (11-15 years) whose parents have determined that they can be home alone during out of school hours; Nanny Support Services for relatives and caregivers employed by eligible patrons providing child care in the child s own home, e.g., opportunities to participate in CYS Services activities and access designated support services, e.g., CYSS Toy Lending Library, staff training, field trips; and Home School Services, e.g., use of CYS Services tech labs, multipurpose rooms, homework centers, instructional programs for educational purposes during school hours (when facilities are not in use) by children/youth who are home schooled. Parents on Site: (Ages 6 weeks-12 years) Offers support services for the operation and management of parent co-ops that exchange babysitting services, infant/toddler playgroups, short term care in unit settings by Family Members in one unit or organization for similar services at a future agreed upon time with Family Members in another unit or organization. Care is provided by parents with CYS Services staff assistance and operations are subject to DoD Certification. CYSitters: (Ages 6 weeks-12 years) Offers formal training for teens and adults who provide short term hourly child care in Families own homes. Training covers skills needed to safely and appropriately care for children and includes First Aid and CPR, program activities, and the business of babysitting. Trained CYSitters receive a certificate of completion and wallet card and may be placed on the CYS Services babysitter referral list/web site. Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools used in CYS Services Parent and Outreach Programs are listed at 11

12 CYS Services School Support Programs School Liaison Officers (SLOs): Serve as primary advisor(s) to Garrison Command staff on school matters impacting children of Soldiers assigned to the installation. Work closely with local school personnel to identify and resolve issues that impact transitioning military students, serve as ombudsmen between military Families and schools during in and out processing periods, and work with school systems to become Secondary Education Transition Study (SETS) Memorandum of Agreement Signatories. The CYS Services School Support Programs (SSP) provides access to a wide range of resources to facilitate military youth education transitions. Assistance is provided to military families of school age children, K 12. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is the primary advisor for the Garrison Commander on local schools and youth education transition issues, communicating school and Family concerns and spearheading integration of military children into local school systems. In addition, the School Liaison Officer works in conjunction with CYSS and the local school community to address educational issues involving military children. Fort Eustis is located in the Newport News school district and Fort Story is located in the Virginia Beach school district. HOME SCHOOL INFORMATION The Fort Eustis DoD Civilians and Active Duty home school Families meet every Thursday from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the Youth Services Building, 1102 Pershing Ave. The group does not meet on federal holidays or when the public schools are closed. Children must be registered with Child, Youth & School Services in order to participate and parents are required to remain in the building with their children. Families will have access to the gym, the computer lab, and various other planned activities. Contact /4448 for more information. For additional information check the School Liaison section on the website. Student to Student (S2S) : (9 th 12 th grades) Offers student-led and facultysponsored school-based peer support program for mobile military students transitioning in and out of schools with large military student populations. Provided by the Military Child Education Coalition through a centrally funded Army enterprise contract. Jr Student to Student (JS2S) : (6th 8th grades) Offers the Middle School component of the S2S program as schools with large military student populations. Provided by the Military Child Education Coalition through a centrally funded Army enterprise contract. 12

13 Parent to Parent Cadres : (K- 12 grades) Offers teams of trained parent coaches at high impact installations to help parents understand the academic, social and emotional implications of school moves. Parent Coaches work with school personnel and installation SLOs to facilitate smooth take offs and landings for mobile military students provided by the Military Child Education Coalition through a centrally funded Army enterprise contract. Tutor.Com: (K-1 st Yr College) Offers free online tutoring services to all military affiliated youth. Tutoring services are accessible 24/7 through the CYS Services Public Site on Army OneSource or through Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools used in CYS Services School Support Services are listed at CYS Services Facilities Child Development Centers (CDCs): (Ages 6 weeks-5 years) Offers on-post fullday, part-day, hourly child care, extended duty day care ( We ve Got You Covered ) and Pre-K program (Strong Beginnings) to prepare children to be successful upon entering a traditional school setting. May also include stand alone CDC annexes and satellite sites. Care is provided by trained staff and operations are subject to Department of Defense (DoD) Certification. It is our belief that a high quality early childhood program enhances the physical, social & emotional and cognitive development of young children while responding to their individual needs. The developmental activities at our Child Development Center (CDC) are structured to promote a child's positive self image by enhancing the social, cognitive, and communicative skills. The CDC philosophy is to provide quality child care based on developmentally appropriate practices. Goals include helping children become enthusiastic learners; encouraging children be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out new ideas and think their own thoughts; help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners; and teaching children how to learn for life. Goals are built on skills in the areas of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The activities that support the goals are designed to make play fun and yet educational. The CDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and offers four programs for Family s community. Full day care program for ages 6 weeks to 5 years is designed to assist Families needing 6 or more hours of daily childcare. 13

14 Before and After School for Kindergarten and First Step programs during the school year and full day camp during the summer. Part Day Preschool is available for children ages 3 to 5 years who are toilet trained. This program is designed for the non-working Families who wish their child to socialize with other children of their age during the school year. Hourly Care is available on a limited space available basis. Reservations can be made 14 days in advance. All programs are closed on federal holidays and weekends and specific training holidays. Special openings during evening hours can be arranged with a minimum of a two-week notice. Twenty children must be in attendance for a special opening. For more information contact the CDC Program Manager. A Parent Advisory Board is available to all Families who wish to volunteer their time to working in cooperation with the program to make improvements and develop new initiatives. It meets quarterly and more often when needed. School Age (SA) Centers: (Ages 6-10 years) Offers before and after school programs, weekend activities during the school year, summer care and camps during school vacations. Care is provided by trained staff and operations are subject to DoD Certification. The SAS program believes in youth and the importance of supporting the soldiers and their mission through their children. The SAS program provides age appropriate activities and events in four (4) service areas: 1) Sports and Fitness; 2) Mentoring, Intervention, and Support Services; 3) Leisure and Recreation; and 4) Life Skills, Citizenship, and Leadership. Arts, Recreation, & Leisure - Fine Arts and Photography activities Life Skills, Citizenship & Leadership Torch Club - Torch Clubs are chartered small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls aged There are four service areas: Service to Club and Community; Education; Health and Fitness; and Social recreation. Ultimate Journey - The Ultimate Journey is an Environmental Awareness program comprised of High-Yield Learning Activities. Sports, Fitness & Health Individual, Team sports, and health activities 14

15 Academic Skills, Mentoring & Intervention Power Hour - Power Hour was conceived as a way to enable youth to develop the daily habit of completing homework and class preparation in a safe, quiet, allocated space with staff and volunteer encouragement and tutorial assistance. Project Learn, KNOW, and Goals for Graduation The School Age Services program has formed a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America and 4-H Club. Through these partnerships we commit to helping youth of all backgrounds develop leadership skills, self-esteem and character. We strive to assist all youth to become responsible citizens by providing quality cultural, social, educational, physical, and recreational opportunities in neighborhood facilities, providing a safe place to learn and grow all the while having fun. The program includes meals, swimming, bowling, sports camps, instructional reading and math, environmental education and research trips through field trips, and a summer technology camp. The program is accredited by the National After School Alliance (NAA) and offers programs to include: Before/After School Program Children enrolled in grades 1-5 are eligible to participate in the program. Bus service is provided by the local school system. Summer Camp Program Children enrolled in grades 1-5 (according to the grade just completed) are eligible to participate in the SAS Summer Camp Program. Hourly Care is provided on a space available basis. SAS programs are closed on federal holidays and specific training holidays. Parent orientations are conducted for new parents on Wednesdays at A Parent Advisory Board is available to all Families who wish to volunteer their time to work in cooperation with the program to make improvements and develop new initiatives. A Youth Technology Lab and Homework Center are available for youth. The programs are designed to help children and youth develop to their full potential by increasing technology literacy and skills, strengthen their homework ability, increase participation in youth sponsorship opportunities and to learn how to use the Internet in a positive manner. Specific program learning objectives are targeted through the use of appropriate software and web exploration. During the school year, children can use the lab to do research on the Internet, type school papers, or run educational programs. A technology lab instructor and/or trained staff are designated to coordinate and facilitate the operations of the youth technology lab (YTL). A signed parent permission form must be on file for children/youth to utilize the YTL. 15

16 Youth Centers (YCs): (Ages years) Offers Middle School and Teen Programs before and after school, weekends, evenings and school-out periods to include: sports, fitness and health options; life skills; citizenship and leadership opportunities; arts; recreation and leisure activities; academic support; mentoring and intervention services in facilities designed for this purpose. May also include standalone Teen Centers. Supervision and programming is provided by trained staff and operations are subject to DoD Certification. (Youth Center 74066). The Middle School & Teen (MS&T) program is a chartered affiliate of the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) and a partner with 4-H Cooperative Extension. Programs are designed to provide out of school services and activities for middle school and teen youth in 6th-12th grades. The programs are committed to meeting community needs and providing intramural sports teams, instructional programs, outreach sports skill building clinics, and fitness and nutrition programs. The MS&T Program is intended to be a place for young people to gather with their friends, make new acquaintances, and to have fun in a relaxed and supervised atmosphere. Torch Club and Keystone Clubs are BGCA Youth Leadership Programs for MS and HS students respectively. Youth use these clubs to have their voice heard, to plan adventures, community services, and to deal with Youth program initiatives. In addition, Smart Moves is an ongoing training and education initiative to provide youth with prevention education on drugs, alcohol, eating disorders and gang involvement. Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood are gender based programs to help youth make smart choices. Family support and cooperation are necessary for the successful operation of MS&T Program. Parents are encouraged to offer their services to assist the staff in the planning, preparation, supervision and chaperoning of the MS&T activities. There is a continuous need for family volunteers to assist the staff in the program. A Parent Advisory Board is available to all families who wish to volunteer their time to work in cooperation with the program to make improvements and develop new initiatives. A Youth Technology Lab and Homework Center are available for youth. The programs are designed to help children and youth develop to their full potential by increasing 16

17 technology literacy and skills, strengthen their homework ability, increase participation in youth sponsorship opportunities and to learn how to use the Internet in a positive manner. Specific program learning objectives are targeted through the use of appropriate software and web exploration. During the school year, children can use the lab to do research on the Internet, type school papers, or run educational programs. A technology lab instructor and/or trained staff are designated to coordinate and facilitate the operations of the youth technology lab (YTL). A signed parent permission form must be on file for children/youth to utilize the YTL. Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools used in CYS Services Facilities are listed at CYS Services Through National Youth Serving Organizations CHARACTER COUNTS!: (Ages 3-18 years) Offers ethical behavior training that encourages dialogue about life issues, analysis of personal belief systems, and application of ethical and moral principles to everyday activities. Program training and materials are provided through an enterprise relationship with the Josephson Institute. 4-H Clubs: (Ages 6-18 years) Offers 4-H experiences in fine arts, photography, technology and citizenship/community service on and off post. Youth participate in local, county, state and national 4-H opportunities. Training and materials are provided through an enterprise relationship with the US Department of Agriculture National 4-H Headquarters. Boys & Girls Clubs (BGCA): (Ages 6-18 years) Offers BGCA programs and experiences as part of core programming in Army School Age and Youth Programs through an enterprise relationship with the National Office of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Youth participate in programs promoting success in school, healthy living, skill development, creative arts, sports and fitness, and exploring vocational choices. Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools provided through CYS Services partnerships are listed at CYS Services Enterprise ARFORGEN Initiatives: Give Parents a Break : Offers respite child care for parents to give them temporary relief from child rearing duties and allows them time to take care of personal business. Families are offered 16 hours per child, per month at no cost care beginning 30 days before Soldier is deployed and ending 90 days after Soldier returns. We ve Got You Covered : Offers extended hours in designated CYS Services operations to ensure child care is available for enrolled full day children at no additional cost to Soldiers who have mission requirements beyond normal duty hours. ICYSmiles (aka I See Your Smiles ): Offers separated Families and Soldiers opportunities to download and view video footage of their children participating in CYS Services Programs. Existing video surveillance systems in CYSS Facilities allow Families to record video messages to send to absent loved ones. 17

18 Kissing Hand Kits: Contains Book and Hand Puppet; Letter from Author Audrey Penn; Stationery and Postcards; and Parent/Child Activities Guide. Based on the storybook The Kissing Hand that tells the tale of the separation of a parent and child (representing the story of every military child and parent when they say goodbye). Sends Message that Families Can Still Be Connected no Matter How Far Apart. Hug a Dolls: Soft stuffed Soldier dolls with a clear face plate designed to hold a picture of the child s deployed loved one. Comes with a photo dog tag in which the deployed Soldier can carry a photo of his/her child. Available for distribution by Army Units through Operation Military Kids dollrequest@operationmilitarykids.org. Coming Together Around Military Families: Offers specialized training to personnel working with Army Families with children 0-3 years of age. Focuses on the unique care needs of infants and toddlers during the deployment cycle. Works to build resiliency and empathy in staff so that they can better serve Army Families with young children. Wheels!: Offers transportation options to children and youth in the form of buses and expanded bus routes to allow them to participate in afterschool activities and group events they would otherwise be unable to attend due to parental deployments/mission related absences. Allows Family Child Care providers and children to participate in Child Development Center activities and field trips. Child/Youth Behavioral Consultants: Provides on-site counselors in child and youth programs to offer non-medical, short term, situational, problem-solving counseling services to staff, parents, and children within CYS Services facilities, garrison schools, and summer camps. Youth Technology Labs (YTLs): (Ages 6-18 years) Provides a safe, secure, and age appropriate place where children and youth can engage in technology-based activities and programs; both key to linking youth with their deployed parents and serving as a vital component of CYSS Home Work Centers and Mobile Tech Labs that support geographically dispersed children and youth through Operation Military Kids. Notes: Core curriculum and program management tools used in CYS Services Enterprise ARFORGEN Initiatives are listed at GENERAL INFORMATION ACCIDENTS CYSS programs are constantly vigilant to ensure a safe environment for children/youth is provided in our programs. Unfortunately accidents do occur. In case of an accident CYSS staff is trained to respond immediately. They have been trained in First Aid and CPR by American Red Cross instructors. The staff will use the following procedures: 18

19 Ensure child/youth are safe first. If necessary, perform first aid measures and call for medical assistance. Parents are then notified immediately if the injury is serious or there is an injury to the head and neck area. If minor injuries happen, i.e. scrapes, bumps, bruises, parents are notified in writing when they arrive to pick up their child/youth. Documentation of all injuries is provided to parents in writing. Daily Admission Procedures ADMISSION/RELEASE PROCEDURES As part of the Child/Youth Management System (CYMS) Families will be issued a pair of key fobs. After swiping in at the front desk, parents must accompany child to the designated care setting and sign them in at that time. In a FCC home parents must sign the child in/out with the provider. Youth may swipe themselves in and out at the MS&T Program. A basic exchange of information between staff/provider and Families will be a critical part of each day the child is in attendance. Access to child activity areas is available to Families at all times when their child is in attendance. For sanitary purposes, foot coverings are provided in each of the infant rooms. These foot coverings are to be used to cover shoes when you enter the room and are to be removed prior to exiting. We request that you use the foot coverings for at least a week and longer if possible. You may place them in your child s cubby for use the next time you come. Release Procedures Child will be released only to parent/designee annotated on official registration forms or on note signed by the parent. A child will not be released to siblings or other children under age 14. Release designee must have identification. Copy of custody agreements or a court restraining order must be on file if child access is denied to a specified parent or guardian. In instances where parent/designee appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a child s well being appears to be threatened in any way, the Provost Marshal s office will be called to monitor the situation. 19

20 If a parent picks up his/her child from school because of an appointment or illness, he/she must notify the activity program office that the child will not be arriving on the bus. CHILD ABUSE REPORTING All CYSS employees must meet satisfactory background checks and complete Child Abuse Awareness Training prior to working with children. CYSS employees are required to report any signs of child abuse or neglect. If you ever suspect child abuse, child neglect or a safety violation in the CYSS programs report it to the following: To report child abuse or neglect contact the Military Police at To report safety violations contact the Safety office at To report family issues contact the Family Advocacy Program at Or call the DoD Child Abuse and Safety Violation Hotline number: COACH CERTIFICATION Coaches play an important role in ensuring that children and youth participating in Army youth sports programs have a positive and beneficial experience. Untrained coaches can unknowingly cause physical and/or psychological harm. Certification prepares them for the responsibilities of coaching and establishes minimum requirements for those entrusted to working with young athletes. Requirements The Army has selected the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) as the certifying organization for Army Youth S&F programs. The National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) is the subdivision of the NAYS organization that is responsible for developing the coaches certification training materials and managing the certification process. CYSS Youth Sports Program is a sanctioned NYSCA Chapter, authorized to provide training in order to fulfill all requirements for NYSCA coaches certification. Individuals who serve as Youth Sports coaches must complete all requirements to obtain and maintain NYSCA certification. Coaches must meet satisfactory background check requirements. Youth Sports will issue each coach a small first aid kit to include an instant ice pack. First aid kits must be located at each game site. First aid kits must be turned in at the end of the season. 20