Dear Parents:
This handbook is designed to provide you with necessary information concerning the program and policies of the Child Development Center (CDC).
The Fort Bliss Child Development Centers are certified annually by Department of the Army through an unannounced inspection by the Regional Child and Youth Evaluation Team (RCYET).
In addition, the centers adhere to the policies of the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The Academy is a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation's largest organization of early childhood educators.
The purpose of the CDC is to provide quality, affordable child care. We are dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment; positive, enriching learning experiences and loving care for your child.
When you enroll your child (ren) at one of the Ft. Bliss CDCs, your family joins your child in new experiences and relationships. The CDC Director, CDC staff, and you have a responsibility to protect the health, safety and well-being of your child.
It is important that parents establish a good relationship with the CDC staff. Spend time at the center before you enroll your child. Ask questions about the program and observe the activities. Provide all the information needed about your child and family so that the center can provide good quality care.
Parent involvement is an important part of our program. Please read all the materials given to you. It is important that you understand all the requirements before you enroll your child (ren). Once you are a member, it is important to read the notices, special requests, notes and other materials the staff provides you.
Parents should always take their child (ren) to their classroom and sign them in with the caregiver. Take a few minutes to talk to the caregiver. Drop in occasionally during the day to observe how your child interacts with the staff and their peers. We encourage parents to volunteer in their child's classroom, on field trips, during work-ins and at home (take home projects). We also encourage you to attend Parent Council meetings and the many special activities the center and Parent Council sponsor during the year. Parent involvement is one of the most important parts of a successful experience with child care.
Logan CDC Bldg 3500
Located in the Logan housing area off Ellerthorpe
Phone: 568-3989/4887
Director: 568-3759
Fax: 568-0011
Asst. Director: 568-2765
Logan CDC Annex Bldg 3503 (Full Day Program Only)
Located in the Logan housing area off Ellerthorpe next to Logan CDC
Phone: 569-8918
Director: 568-9283
Fax: 568-9783
Asst. Director: 569-8918
Main CDC Bldg 1730
Located on Main Post, behind the commissary
Phone: 568-5689/6335
Director: 568-4422
Fax: 568-4429
Assistant Director: 568-4375
Hours of Operation:
CDS Logan Bldg. 3500 and CDS Main Post Bldg. 1730
Mon-Fri 0530 - 1800
Weekends
Bldg. 1730
Only Sat 1300-2400
Registration is handled through an appointment system. Central registration is at Bldg 1743 on Fort Bliss. Please call the registration desk at 568-4374 to make an appointment.
It is very important that your child is signed-in on our computer and with the caregiver in each child's area. By doing so, it allows us to know which children and how many children we are caring for. This also applies to departing the center. When you arrive to pick-up your children from the center, please be sure that the caregiver in the area is aware that your child is leaving. This allows us to maintain an accurate count of children, and assures their safety. Hourly payments must be made prior to picking up your child, and a receipt must be shown in the room. Children will not be released to siblings under the age of 13.
Please allow yourself enough time to sign your child in so that you will not feel anxious or rushed. This will help your child be more relaxed, happy and secure. We need you to leave a phone number of where you will be. If we are unable to reach the sponsor or spouse in the event of your child becoming ill or injured, we need to be able to contact someone. Please make sure the emergency contacts in your file are up to date.
Be sure to call to reserve a space for your child. Children must be picked up by the parent or legal guardian unless the parent/guardian has made prior arrangements with the center supervisor for a substitute, and has given his permission in writing. Children may not be released to siblings or other child under the age of 13. No parent may be denied access to their child or the right to pick-up their child from CDC program unless a copy of the custody agreement that relinquishes such right is on file at the center.
Because of limited space, reservations are strictly enforced. Those parents canceling a reservation will be charged a $3 non-cancellation fee. A minimum 24 hours notice is required.
Parent Conferences are held three times a year for full-day children. Part-day program conferences are held in December and May. Parents will be notified by a notice given out by the teachers. A sign-up sheet will be available for parents to pick a time most convenient to their schedule. Parents or teacher may request a conference at any time.
If at any time you see anything you think is inappropriate, please address it directly to the caregiver/room leader/director. Your assistance in helping us identify poor caregiving skills or actual abuse is one of the critical factors in preventing child abuse. You also have the option of reporting suspected child abuse directly to the Family Advocacy program, 568-1132, the Safety office, 568-2510 or the Department of Defense Child Abuse and Safety Violation Hotline, 1-800-336-4592.
Only children in the Full-day Preschool and Part-day Preschool programs will go on field trips. Parents must sign the field trip notice in their child’s room prior to the field trip. Under no circumstances will permission be accepted telephonically. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and accompany the children.
Children under the age of 6 are required to lie down for a rest period between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Children who do not fall asleep/nap will be allowed to participate in quiet activities once the dining area is cleared.
We supply baby food and one brand of formula for infants. All infant formulas will be prepared/poured by the parent in individual nonbreakable bottles labeled with the child's name and date. Disposable diapers must be used. If your child is unable to use disposable diapers, a physician's statement to support this fact must be presented to the manager. Please bring extra supplies (bottles, diapers, food, change of clothes, etc.) in a diaper bag. Label all of your possessions so that they may be easily identified.
Nutritional meals and snacks are provided through the Department of Agriculture Child Care Food Program at no cost to the patrons. Serving times are:
Breakfast
7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
A.M. Snack
9:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch
11a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Snack
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
You may arrange for a birthday party for your child to be held at the CDC. However, you must provide the refreshments, favors and games. Please make arrangements with your child's lead caregiver at least one week before the party. The center follows Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines, the use of sugar is limited and nutritious well balanced meals are served. Birthday parties are no exception. Please provide nutritious finger foods, and or fruit along with your cake and ice cream. Please do not make gifts a part of the party.
If you belong to an organization that is planning a special event or function during the day, please have the organization contact our Outreach Services director, 569-5040 to reserve the date and time. This enables us to plan our schedule and staff requirements to best meet your needs and the needs of your child.
Because we care for so many children, we are in constant need of usable toys and books. If you have extras at your home that your child (ren) are no longer playing with or reading, please donate them to our center. They will be put to good use.
The center is not responsible for lost or misplaced items. However, if the items are labeled, it does make it easier for parents and staff to recognize ownership. We recommend that personal toys be left at home to prevent misunderstandings between children, breakage, or loss of a favorite toy.
Please bring your child to the center in "play clothes" so that the child will feel free to participate in our many activities (painting, playing in the sand, water play, etc.). For health and safety reasons, children must wear closed toe shoes if they are not occupying a crib. Shower shoes, flip flops, or thongs are not recommended. We do recommend that a change of clothing (labeled and placed in a bag) be brought for use in case of an accident. Label all of your child's belongings i.e. sweaters, jackets, hats, etc., so that they may be easily identified.
No gum is allowed at the center.
We urge parents to make suggestions that will improve the care and operation of the center.
Many of our current services originated as customer suggestions. Thank you for helping us to serve your children and you better.
Thank you,
Child Development Center Directors