Child and Youth Services (CYS) is a network of systems and programs through which Fort Lewis provides quality child and youth development options that reduce the conflict between parental responsibilities and unit mission requirements. The objectives of CYS are to support readiness and contribute to the quality of life of families by providing developmentally appropriate care options for children and youth. CYS includes full-day, part-day and hourly child care programs; before- and after-school care programs; middle and teen programs; family child care; team sports and outreach sports programs; and resource and referral for on and off post. CYS programs are designed to foster and develop children's physical, intellectual and socio-emotional capabilities regardless of the setting or length of time in care. The CYS Coordinator's office is located in Bldg 2013 (Corner of 3rd and Pendleton). Phone: 967-3056. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 0800-1700. Contact the CYS Registration and Information Office 967-2494 (Bldg 2166 Corner of 12th and Liggett) for admission criteria and registration requirements, including children's health requirements.

Operation: Military Child Care

Raindrops & Rainbows Parent & Child Play Center (R & R Center)
The R & R Center offers Army families a place to play, learn and network. Parents and their children, birth to 5 year of age, may drop in and take part in a variety of fun activities. Learn how to make playdough, work on school readiness or creative art skills with your children. Learn infant massage techniques, baby signs and songs. Meet other parents and children and form friendships. A CYS early childhood professional will be on-site to conduct activities with you and your children or to assist you in activities of your choice. Open to: Military Families, DOD Personnel, Retiree's, and Reservists. Free parent and child activities offered year round!

• Parents must stay at the center with their children and participate in activities. This is not child care.
• Free on-site registration.
• Parents provide their children meals or snacks as needed.
• Parents provide diapers, wipes etc., for their children. Diaper changing area is provided.
• Parents and children may participate during open program hours. There is no time limit. Stay as long as you like!
  

Jensyn Gym
Jensen and Raindrops & Rainbows Video

Outreach Services:
CYS Outreach Services provides information and central registration services and will assist parents with their search for child care. The staff maintains information about on- and off-post child care; provides referrals to FCC homes; Youth Services; makes placements in CDC full- and part-day programs (as space is available); and maintains the waiting list for on-post child care programs. The Outreach Services is in Bldg 2166 (Corner of 12th and Liggett) Phone: 967-2494.

SHORT-TERM ALTERNATIVE CHILD CARE (STACC) CYS child care staff is available for on-post meetings and functions. Child care will be made available at the site where parents are meeting. Telephone: 967-2494.

VOLUNTEER CHILD CARE IN UNIT SETTINGS (VCCUS). Volunteers from units may become certified through CYS to provide free child care to their units for group meetings and functions. Telephone: 967-2494.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS Parents as Teachers "Heroes at Home" brings professional parenting support and child development information right to the home of young Army families. The Parents as Teachers (PAT) philosophy is that parents are their child's first and most imfluential teachers and the true experts on their child. PAT program components are monthly in-home visits, play groups, health and developmental screenings, and resource and referral. PAT staff uses the Born to Learn curriculum which contains the latest neuroscience information. Working with families throughout pregnancy until their child is three, the PAT "Heroes at Home" program helps parents develop secure attachment and encourage their child's development so they will learn, grow, and develop to their full potential. Telephone:966-5998.

Child Development Services (CDS):
FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC) program is a quarters-based child care program.
FCC is available for children 4 weeks through 12 years of age. All persons who provide child care in government quarters (over ten child hours per week) are required to be certified through this program. This requirement does not apply to the care given to children in the home of or by the parent or guardian.

*If you are interested in becoming a provider of such child care, call for additional information regarding the certification process. The FCC office is located in Bldg 2013, Corner of 3rd and Pendleton Ave Phone: 967-3039.

*To register children in the Family Child Care Program visit the CYS Outreach Services Office at Bldg 2166, 12th and Liggett Ave.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (CDCs) Quality child development programs have been awarded accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Comprehensive program components (full-day, part-day, and hourly) are available for children 6 weeks - 12 years of age. The curriculum, designed to promote social, physical and intellectual growth in children, emphasizes creative, developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. Additional information is available at each of the following CDCs.

Clarkmoor CDC
Bldg 2095, Bitar Ave
Phone: 967-2300
Program Options: Full-day care, Hourly care, Part-Day Preschool.
Part-day preschool programs for children 3 to 5 years old is provided at the Clarkmoor CDC. The program stresses school readiness through a curriculum designed to promote social, physical and intellectual growth.

Madigan CDC
Bldg 6995, Jackson Ave
Phone: 967-2800
Program Options: Full-day care

Beachwood CDC
Bldg 8300, American Lake Ave
Phone: 967-2600
Program Options: Full-day care
*Care available for before and/or after school hours

School Age Services (SAS)
SCHOOL AGE SERVICES (SAS): Quality before- and after-school programs have been awarded accreditation by the National School Age Care Alliance. Transportation from all on-post schools is provided. The CYS SAS Program is located at the North Fort SAS Complex.

Teen Zone, Bldg 2295 (Corner of 12th and Bitar)
* Social recreation programs and field trips
* Partnership programs with 4-H, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club of America
Phone: 967-4441

North Fort Youth Center, Bldg 8485 (on American Lake Ave)
* Social recreation programs and field trips for Middle School Teens
* Partnership programs with 4-H, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club of America
Phone: 966-7166
Youth Services Advisory Council: 967-1885

SKIESUnlimited is a new and growing initiative at Fort Lewis. It is a ground breaking instructional program that promotes exciting and unlimited learning possibilities for Army children and youth. Young people spend as much as 80% of their waking time outside the classroom. When involved in instructional programs during the critical hours of 3 - 8 PM, they are less likely to engage in undesirable behavior. Children and youth participate for a variety of reasons: to explore new skills, to pursue and nurture personal interests, to interact socially with others, to bolster college applications, or to foster close relationships with caring, knowledgeable adults outside the home. Fort Lewis SKIESUnlimited has instructional classes in the school of sports, school of arts, school of life skills and school of academics. Through this program, children and youth have equal access to opportunities that expand their knowledge, inspire them, allow them to explore, and acquire new skills.967-4694 at Summit Arena. SKIESUnlimited Web site

Summit Arena
Bldg 2275
Phone: 967-4458 Snack Bar Parties
Skating for all ages. Birthday parties, private parties, school field trips.
The Summit Arena is the headquarters for the SKIES Unlimited Academy. Most instructional classes, specifically, dance, gymnastics, karate, and art, are offered here in addition to several other convenient locations.

The CYS Sports and Fitness Program 2008 Summer Sports Calendar & Camps
Bldg 2166 12th and Liggett, 967-2405
It is the goal of this program to offer healthy development of all children and youth. The Sports and Fitness Program’s mission is to provide programs that foster the development of leadership, sportsmanship, team work skills, and self confidence. This program provides a variety of opportunities for parental and command involvement that promotes positive attitudes in our youth, reinforcing the Army core values. Most sports programs are also offered as part of the Washington State Special Olympics. “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Special Olympics Oath
Youth Sports
Parents and other interested adults can support the youths by serving as assistants and instructors, sports coaches, team moms, telephone committees and a variety of other positions on a volunteer basis. Call Youth Services for more information or to register your child, 967-2494.
Army CYS e-News - Special Olympics Results

Army Child Care in Your Neighborhood
The Army is experiencing dramatic changes as rebasing and transformation decisions are made. Relocating Army families often live off-post and need quality, affordable child care options where they reside. The Army Child Care in Your Neighborhood (ACCYN) program provides Army Sponsored Off-Post Care as a supplement to, not a substitute for Army Operated On-Post Care. ACCYN is a joint adventure between Army Child & Youth Services (CYS) and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). We have joined together to bring the Army parents quality, affordable Army-sponsored child care in their neighborhoods beyond the gates. ACCYN care options provide the same quality care and peace of mind as on-post Family Child Care Homes and Child Development Centers. Participating Civilian Child Development Centers and Family Child Care Homes must meet standards comparable to those required in the Army CYS system. Like new Centers and Homes on-post, these off-post Centers and Homes will receive ongoing training and oversight as staff work to achieve national accreditation and earn credentials. Families will pay reduced fees, comparable to those charged on-post. Fees are based on “total family” income, with discounts generally given for multiple children. For more information, visit cityoftacoma.org/childcare , or call (253) 967-2494.

Consultation Services. Child-related professional consultation, parent education and briefing are available for agencies, groups and organizations on post, such as parents, military units and spouses organizations. The CYS staff welcomes the opportunity to address your group. Phone: 967-2494

Parent Services and Involvement Opportunities. Parents are considered an integral part of CYS and are encouraged to participate in significant aspects of programs, including program assessment, serving as volunteers and having frequent contacts with CYS personnel. Parents are also encouraged to provide advisory input concerning administrative policies and developmental programming to CYS Advisory Committees, which meet monthly. Phone: 967-3056.

All CYS services are available to family members of military personnel, civilian employees working at Fort Lewis and retired military personnel.