CHILD DEVLOPMENT SERVICE (CDS)
Child Development Services (CDS) at Fort Huachuca is comprised of four delivery systems - The New beginnings Child Development Center, Family Child Care (FCC), Supplemental Programs and Services (SPS)and School-Age Services. Fees for all CDS programs, except hourly care and unsubsidized Family Child Care homes, are determined by the family's total income (both the soldier's and spouse's pay). Family Child Care provides care for children ages 4 weeks through 12 years. Special needs programs are available within the CDS. All special needs children must go through a screening process conducted by the Special Needs Resource Team (SNRT) prior to placement. To arrange a SNRT appointment, please contact Army Community Service.
New Beginnings Child Development Center
The New Beginnings Child Development Center provides care for children ages 6 weeks to kindergarten. New Beginnings is a 23,000 square-foot facility serving 232 children at any one time. The center is built around a central courtyard and has four playgrounds designed for various age groups. The National Academy of Early Childhood Programs granted the center accreditation in May 1991, making it one of the first in the Army to receive this honor. The center was reaccreditated in 1994 and 1998.
a. The New Beginnings Child Development Center offers the following programs.
(1) Full Day: Hours are compatible with normal duty hours on Fort Huachuca, 0530-1730
(2) Part-Day Preschool: This program has 2-, 3-, and 5-day options for those children who may not need full-day care or who are ready for their first group situation with other young children. Part-day care is offered for kindergarten-age children with full-day care provided during summers and school holidays. Children 3-5 yrs of age. Class time options are 0730-1030 or 1100-1400.
(3) Before and After Kindergarten Care: before and after kindergarten care is provided with bus transportation to and from school. Full day summer and holidays is available.
(4) Hourly Care: This program provides services for families needing irregular care on a limited basis. Parents should make reservations as far in advance as possible. Soldiers who are in-processing may use the hourly program on short notice, but must complete registration procedures first. Rate is $3.50, 0730-1630
Rent-A-Space: is available for parents with children in a full or part day program whose slot will be vacant for a week or more. Parents may rent their space and may advertise at the center. All negotiations are made parent-to-parent.
Please contact the New Beginnings Child Development Center should you have questions.
Family Child Care Program
The Family Child Care (FCC) Program is a quarters-based child care system. The CDS management staff and installation fire, health, and safety proponents closely monitor and regulate the program.
a. Family Child Care homes are available to serve the unique needs of the military families. Many homes offer care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during deployment and TDY, for shift workers, for students with odd hour classes, and for special needs children. All special needs children will need to go through a screening process conducted by the Special Needs Resource Team (SNRT).
b. Child care in government quarters is not authorized unless the child care provider is certified by the FCC branch of Child Development Services and children for which the care is provided are registered with CDS. Family Child Care providers receive extensive training in early childhood practices, CPR, and first aid. If you are interested in registering a child in the FCC program or becoming an FCC provider, please contact the FCC office.
School-Age Services (SAS) Program
SAS is a supervised before and after school program that provides developmental and recreational opportunities to children in 1st through 5th grades. Program services include sports and fitness, life skills and citizenship, mentoring and support services, and leisure and recreation. Hours are 0530-1800. Bus transportation is available for on-post schools.
This program provides before and after school care on school days. Rates for this program are based on total family income. Full-day care is provided on all non-school days to include summer vacation, Christmas, spring break, and teacher in-service days. All children in 1st through 6th grade are eligible to attend.
Supplemental Program and Services
Supplemental Program and Services has management oversight of several supplemental child care options at Fort Huachuca.
a. On-site Child Care: This option provides child care during unit functions or meetings when parents remain on the premises during the function. Contact the Child and Youth Services Outreach Director for further information at (520 533-8437
b. Resource and Referral Service: This service provides information on family child care provider, off-post child care and teenage babysitters. Training for teen sitters is provided by the SPS staff using the American Red Cross Super Sitter materials.
c. Central Registry Office: Parents must register their child for all CDS programs through this office. Registrations are valid for 1 year and are transferable to other Fort Huachuca CDS programs. Parents must attend a mandatory orientation prior to their child attending a CDS program. Parents must provide up-to-date shot records and a current TB Tine test (within 2 yrs) for each child registering for CDS services and pay a registration fee ($18 per child per year, $40 for families enrolling 3 or more children). Physicals must be completed within 30 days of registration. Waiting list information and data are also processed through the Central Registry Office.
d. Waiting List: Spaces for both full-day and part-day care are limited. A waiting list is maintained and parents are notified, as appropriate, when space(s) becomes available for their child to receive care at the center. Families transferring to Fort Huachuca may contact the center to have their name placed on the waiting list prior to their arrival. This option may cut the waiting time considerably.