Operation: Military Child Care is a program designed to provide services in support of children and youth impacted by Operation Iraqi Freedom (OFI), Operation Enduring Freedom, and other Global War on Terrorism (GWOT)-related contingencies.

Eligibility

Children of deployed Soldiers and deployed  DOD civilians are eligible to participate in these programs.  A copy of the Soldier’s orders will be needed to verify eligibility. 

Respite Care Programs 

Rest & Recreation (R & R) Care - Ten (10)  no-cost care hours per child during the Soldier’s R & R, i.e., 15 day leave.  Care will be provided in one or two “time blocks.” 

Reintegration (Reunion) Care  - Sixteen (16) no-cost care hours per child during the first 45 days of Soldier’s/ DOD civilian’s return from deployment.  Care may be provided in up to three different “time blocks.” 

Parent Responsibilities

Parents must complete all required CYS registration forms and present each child’s immunization record.  (All immunizations must be up to date.)  The CYS registration fee will be waived for patrons with deployed Soldiers. A copy of the Soldiers' deployment orders are required to use this service.  

Parents must adhere to all Army and Ft. Lewis regulations and policies governing child care.  Each family will receive a CYS Parent Handbook containing specific information.  

It is particularly important for parents to have several phone numbers where they or their emergency designee can be contacted in the event of an emergency. 

Children who have special needs will be required to have a review by the Special Needs Resource Team (SNRT) to ensure that the center can meet their needs while they are in care.  Arrangements for a  SNRT appointment can be made through the CYS special needs  director at 966-5999. 

How to Get Started 

Reservations

Some child care for this program will take place at the Clarkmoor Hourly Care Center.  Also, Clarkmoor CDC will offer care on the first and third Saturdays of each month and every Tuesday evening.  Reservations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Reservations may be made up to two weeks in advance, and no less than 48 hours in advance, and are limited to the numbers of child care spaces in each age group that can be accommodated. 

Hours of Operation

          Monday—Friday

              0800-1700 

TO REGISTER  FOR OPERATION: MILITARY CHILD CARE: 

CYS Central Enrollment Office
Bldg 2166 (across from Waller Hall)
Phone: 253-967-2494

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS PHONE: 

Clarkmoor Hourly Center
Bldg 2094 (adjacent to Clarkmoor CDC)
Phone: 253-967-2300/7561

(Be sure to indicate that you will be using the Operation:  Military Child Care Respite program.)