FSS Child and Youth Parents Re-enter Programs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Beginning June 1^st, 2021, the Child Development Center (CDC), School Age Care, and Youth Programs welcome parents to resume entry into the facilities.

COVID mitigations such as mask wear and hand sanitizing/washing will continue to be enforced at the facilities. Child and Youth Services Flight Chief Sandra Oakley said the staff is excited to have parents re-enter the programs as new Air Force curriculum, Early Learning Matters (ELM), will also be implemented at the CDC.

Infants, pre-toddlers, and toddlers will begin ELM, which was developed by the Department of Defense specifically for military children. The curriculum promotes skills linked to emergent literacy, school readiness, well-being, and success.

"It's been a year of unknowns, but parents will now have the opportunity to see their child's learning environment in-person," Oakley said. "The environments are rich with literacy, math, art, and science."

In addition to seeing the new curriculum implemented, Oakley said parents will have the opportunity to speak with their child's providers directly.

"Parents will have daily communication in the morning and afternoon regarding their child's progress, how their day went, and any new developments regarding their children," Oakley explained. "The relationships with providers and parents will strengthen, which can only benefit everyone."

The CDC and Youth Programs management team and staff will also be available to parents for any questions or concerns regarding procedures.

"We're moving toward having a more transparent program for parents and establishing a closer relationship," Oakley said. "We have several exciting initiatives on the horizon."

The CDC plans to launch a Part-Day Enrichment Program for three to five-year-olds in Fall 2021. This program will provide an early childhood experience focused on socialization.

Youth Programs will also host an open house, "Touching Base with YP," on June 4^th, 2021, starting at 4:00 p.m. Current YP and interested parents can expect to learn more about School Age Care, Open Recreation, and the Teen Program in addition to meeting staff and enjoying refreshments.

For more information about the CDC and Youth Center's upcoming events, visit www.discoverkeesler.com/cdc or www.discoverkeesler.com/yc.