We are happy to welcome you and your child into our community. It is the mission of Fort Bliss School-Age Services (SAS) to provide affordable high-quality age-appropriate recreational programs that incorporate character-building concepts through activities and social interaction for students in grades 1-5. School-age activities are designed to enhance positive attitudes in learning and self development; to aid children in developing proper study habits; to provide children challenging activities; to promote self-worth through an awareness of citizenship, responsibility, respect, fairness, trustworthiness and caring.
SAS is the bridge between early child care and middle school & teen autonomy under the Child and Youth Services (CYS) umbrella of oversight and management. Our top priority is to bolster operations and increase availability of quality affordable services to families. We plan our program in cooperation with all CYS programs, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs, and all other community organizations that can support the health, safety, education, and welfare of children.
Parent involvement is a critical part of SAS. Youth, parents, and staff must be actively involved as partners in planning and implementing program options. We understand the stress that parents face in balancing family responsibilities and work. We also understand the stress that our youth face in today's fast moving world. The goal of this Parent Information is to share with you School-Age Services goals, policies, procedures and other information. Please take time to read the information thoroughly. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call or visit us. Parents are always welcome to drop in on our program and visit with their child and we encourage your participation in our family events.
Fort Bliss SAS sites are nationally accredited by the National Afterschool Association (NAA) formerly National School Age Care Alliance (NSACA). This accreditation assures parents of a commitment to responsive and loving care, trained and competent staff, a safe and healthy environment, and consistent program improvement and quality. We use Assessing School-Age Child Care Quality (ASQ) tools, a five-step process which guides us as we look at program quality so that we can develop important priorities. We involve the children, families, staff, and community in an open dialogue about the program. Together, we make changes which benefit the whole community. The ASQ process provides that “you”, administration, staff, families, children and the community members are the best people to make the changes that will improve the program.
It is the goal of the School-Age Services SAS Program to give each child an opportunity to...
A high quality school age program will have:
School-Age Services is committed to safety. We are annually inspected and certified by the Department of Army and comply with the Army regulations governing facilities providing care to children. These regulations are intended to establish minimum standards in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children. Our activity space, supplies and equipment are high quality, maintained in good repair and inspected by the higher headquarters’ authority. Parents as well as Training and Program Specialists are involved in observing and documenting the fact that we meet our own standards of quality that exceed the minimum state licensing regulations. For example, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS) licensing regulations require a child to staff ratio of 26:1, but Fort Bliss School-Age Services provides a ratio of 15:1, so for a site with 78 children we provide six staff when state licensing regulations require only three. We know that child to staff ratios are the number one predictor of quality and safety in a childcare program. We understand that even with sound risk management, accidents sometimes happen. The School-Age Services participants are covered under an Army liability insurance policy.
In the unlikely event that a site would have to close unexpectedly, for actual fire, bomb threat, terrorists, or severe weather, we have a contingency plan to move children to one of three safe locations until such time you can be notified of the location to pick up your child.
School-Age Services direct care staff is composed of Child & Youth Services Program Assistants. Each has had extensive background checks by PMO, CID, SWS, ADAPCO (drug testing), EPPD and NACI. Training in: Ages & Stages growth characteristics, Age-appropriate developmental and recreational activities; environments; guidance techniques; child health, sanitation, and nutrition; administering medication and communicable diseases; safety and emergency procedures; child abuse identification, reporting, and prevention; special needs awareness; CPR and first-aid; regulations and SOPs; and parent/public relations. Each receives 36 clock hours of training per year when the state licensing regulations only require 16 hours per year. We require all our staff to have CPR and first-aid certification, whereas, the state only requires that one person on duty be certified. All staff is required to wear a name tag when on duty at any CYS operation.
School-Age Services Site Leaders are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their SAS program site. They lead the staff, communicate with families, build relationships with the school staff and faculty, and oversee all program activities. The Site Leaders are available to answer your questions and provide you with a program orientation.
SAS has an "Open Door" policy. Parents are welcome to visit the program or participate in activities at any time. You never need to set up a visit ahead of time - just drop in. Visit us on the Web too: blissmwr.com/sas/
The SAS Coordinator and Facility Managers are always available to talk with parents. Two way communications will help us get to know your child’s likes and dislikes, interests and talents which will lead to more positive experiences during your child’s time spent in our program. Parents are encouraged to make themselves at home in the program; drop-in anytime and always "feel welcome”. This is your program - it belongs to you and your children. The SAS staff is here to create the best possible support and care for your family. If staff have a special message for you, a permission slip, an Unusual Occurrence Form or a receipt they will highlight your name on the sign-out sheet to catch your attention.
Each year the SAS program conducts what is called an Installation School Age Services Evaluation Team (ISASET) review. This review requires all proponents such as health, safety, fire prevention, Family Advocacy Manager, finance and budget, Civilian Personnel Office, Garrison Commander, parents & children, and Directorate Of Public Works & Logistics to work together to review every aspect of the program. Parent volunteers will observe the program, call other parents to discuss the program, and interview SAS staff to assess program quality. These parents will use a prescribed assessment tool and recommend changes for improvement.
Children's arrivals and departures are closely supervised. Parents/authorized guardians must sign their children in every morning using the child’s SAS swipe card upon arrival and swipe & sign them out when picking them up in the afternoon. SAS must have a written authorization in advance from parents for other persons signing children out. Only those designated on the CYMS household file may sign a child out without additional authorization. Parents must provide phone numbers and other pertinent information of the person picking up their child. It is requested that parents inform the authorized person to bring a picture ID with them when they come to pick up the child, it is required. Older siblings, age 13 and above may sign younger siblings in and out if they are listed on the CYMS household file as a release designee.
Two SAS swipe cards with the child’s photograph will be issued at the time of program enrollment at their site, one for the parent and one to remain at the child’s site. This card will be required to swipe your child in and out of the program.
In the morning, we do not follow-up on children who do not show up. This ensures accountability to SAS personnel that your child has arrived and gives us an accurate count of the number children in attendance. If we are transporting your child to school, he/she must arrive before vehicle departs. Afterward it becomes the parent’s responsibility to transport your child to school. Please note that breakfast ends 15 minutes before the vehicle departs. Admission to the program may be denied if child’s health jeopardizes the health of others or his/her own see Readmission following an Illness.
In the afternoon, children check-in with our staff at their schools’ pick up point. Any child who is enrolled for the afternoon and does not check in will be followed up on. We will call parents and talk to the child's teacher in an attempt to find out why the child is not present. Please let us know before dismissal time if your child will be absent. Sponsor’s commander will be notified for recurring failure to notify School-Age Services. Your child's safety is very important to us. We will release children from the SAS program to authorized persons only. During your child’s first few weeks of the program, while we are getting to know both of you, we will ask to see your ID upon pick up. Please be patient and understand this procedure is for the safety of your child.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - If your child tells us he/she is supposed to walk home or wait to be picked up by a parent or friend, we can not take the child’s word alone; we must have prior confirmation from the parent or school. Additionally, if you notify us that you do not wish us to pick up your child and your child is still waiting to be picked up when we are ready to leave school grounds, we must take your child with us as a safety measure. To avoid any inconvenience to you or your child, please inform us in advance or notify the school of your intentions.
SAS care will follow the El Paso Independent School (EPISD) calendar. When school is out for in-service days, holidays, vacations or intercession, SAS will convert to full day care. All CYS programs will be closed on the following federal holidays: New Years, Martin Luther King, Jr. BD (Jan), Presidents Day (Feb), Memorial Day (May), Independence Day (Jul), Labor Day (Sep), Columbus Day (Oct), Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (Nov), and Christmas (Dec). If there are less than 12 school age children that need full day care from Ysleta or Socorro schools, SAS will accommodate them through the use of CDC hourly care and then transport the children back into SAS in the afternoon.
Before & After School program will operate Monday - Friday from 0530 until school begins and from school dismissal (including early release times) until 1800.
Full-Day, (in-service days, intercession weeks during winter, spring and summer) SAS program operate Monday - Friday from 0530 to 1800. Please note that breakfast is served on full days from 0630 to 0730.
Saturday, SAS weekend program is consolidated at the Logan SAS facility, Bldg 3505 from 1800 to 2400. SAS is closed on Sunday.
SAS operates two before and after-school sites. We transport children to and from all schools that are either on post or adjacent to post. Working parents whose children do not attend the schools serviced by our programs in the EPISD can request a "Working Parent Transfer" to a listed school through Pupil Services at 6531 Boeing Drive.
Children arriving after buses have departed become the parent's responsibility to transport to school. Please note that breakfast ends at 0730.
Main SAS Facility - 568-5544/7187 Main SAS, Bldg 131 on Doniphan rd. provides before & after-school, and full-day programs for:
Logan Youth Center - 569-5779 School-Age Services Bldg. 3505 at Ellerthorpe and Golf Course rd. provides before & after-school, full-day, and weekend care programs for:
SAS utilizes government vehicles as a privilege to our patrons and trains our staff to safely operate them with the most precious cargo - children. Our safe passenger rules must be adhered to at all times, please review them with your child, failure to follow these safety rules may result in suspension of child’s vehicle privileges.
Parent involvement in all CYS programs raises the level of quality service to our children. Parents are encouraged to talk with program staff to become a volunteer. By working directly with the children or attending a monthly PAC meeting, parents may receive a 10% discount on their child care fees for 6 hours in a given month. Background checks are required for those volunteering on the regular basis.
School-Age Services offers a variety of well-rounded daily activities for children to choose from that are safe, fun and educational. There are a wide variety of child-directed activities, staff-directed activities, clubs, 4-H projects, field trips, presentations and visits from outside groups, special events and daily snacks. Activities are planned in advance and outlined on a monthly activity calendar that families can use for home-time discussions and planning. Each day the activity area is transformed from the youth center into a model SAS indoor environment, which includes a quiet home-like area appropriate for relaxing, a homework lab, a Youth Technology Lab, special interest areas, a fine motor area, an open ended art area, a dramatic play area, an active play area, a strategy building games area, a snack area, and more! We offer arts and crafts with many craft materials to make whatever they want, imaginative indoor activities, outrageous outdoor games, science and nature, music and drama, international and multi-cultural activities, field trips, homework time, daily snacks and special events.
Child-Directed Activities: Child-Directed Activities are open-ended activities that children are free to choose to participate in that require little or no help from adults. Some examples of child-directed activities are indoor and outdoor interest centers such as sand toys, sand play, Lego’s, Lincoln Logs, other manipulative, hand puppets, dress up, pretend businesses, other dramatic play, clay, play dough, art, creative expression centers, strategy games, etc.
Staff-Directed Activities: Staff-Directed Activities are scheduled activities that require some adult direction and supervision. Some examples of staff directed activities are Character Counts, Power Hour, or active games such as "Octopus" or "Loose Caboose", team sports such as soccer or softball, other activities such as a cooking or sewing project, or a more complex art project or a fine arts play.
Clubs: Clubs are special interest groups that children may join which are facilitated by staff and lead by children. Some examples of club themes are reading, science, drama, journalism, fitness, cooking and the environment. These clubs will vary based on children’s expressed interest. SAS sites also offer in conjunction with the Texas Cooperative Extension office, a 4-H club and projects.
Homework and Youth Technology Labs: Within each SAS program site we have a Homework Center and a Youth Technology Lab. Children who chose to do their homework may go into the Homework Center for Power Hour. Staff will help them with their homework and provide additional educational opportunities such as special projects of fun Power Pages to practice math or vocabulary. When they are done with their homework they are free to put their books away and go play with their friends. If children refuse to complete their homework, that is an issue that they can discuss at home with their parents. SAS staff cannot "make" children sit and complete homework, it is their choice.
Children can sign-up for the Youth Technology Lab each day. Their name will be called in turn for the lab. Usually the lab can accommodate 9 to 15 children. The Youth Technology Lab technician has children work on projects and games together to build computer skills and social skills. The Youth Technology Lab is seen as an opportunity for children to build skills in technology, personal and written communication, cognitive and social skills. Parents will be asked at registration to give permission for their children to access the internet. Screening software is installed on all computers and children are monitored very closely.
Field trips are scheduled events, written permission must be granted in order for your child to attend. Telephonic permission will not be accepted. On many early release days and full-days youth usually go on field trips. Please note the field-trip departure and return times on the monthly activity schedule. Occasionally the children will not have the choice of staying back from the field trip. We can't justify leaving a staff person back to stay with only a few children. If you have to pick up your child before the scheduled return time, you should make arrangements to pick him/her up before departure or from the field-trip site and sign your child out with the site leader. Most field trips return by 4:30 p.m. Parents need to be aware of the fact that we are sometimes late returning from field trips through circumstances that are beyond the control of the staff. An emergency cell phone accompanies the group. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child or volunteer in the supervision of others. Admission fees/lunches for our volunteers are provided.
Full-day programs for school age children during their intercession vacation, which provides recreational and developmental activities. Activities may include individual and group games, swimming, bowling, roller-skating, archery, arts & crafts, and field trips to museums, parks, and local areas of interest to the children. Admission fees for all activities are included in the child's program participation fee.
Children enrolled in instructional classes with SKIES Unlimited or Youth Team Sports can request SAS staff to sign their child over to an instructor or coach to attend class/practice. Transportation to classes/practices can not be guaranteed when classes/practices are not offered at their SAS site. The parent will be responsible for picking up their child after class/practice from the instructor or coach.
When visitors step into the School Age Services (SAS) building, they see happy, busy children, a rich environment, caring adults, and a variety of activities. We have found that talking with the children about what they like to do and observing them, planning the activity areas based on child preferences and developmental levels and maintaining a variety of activities is one of the secrets to a successful program. The other critical element is respecting children's freedom and choice. Children do not have to ask to move around the building, they are not directed by an adult to participate in projects or activities.
Children choose what they would like to do and what they are interested by using the “Children’s Choice Board” with their magnetic ID swipe cards. The “Board” is used to help children make their choices within certain limits set by staff to ensure children’s safety, but allow them freedoms to practice responsibility and autonomy within the program grounds. The staff communicates on a continuous basis about the children's supervision and location by two-way radios.
Mornings: An organized staff-directed activity is scheduled every morning and children may also enjoy the child-directed activities, or participate in supervised in door/out door free play depending upon the weather. Breakfast is provided buffet style from 0630-0730. Milam School students are transported the earliest to school at 0710, others will leave at 0730-0745.
Afternoons: Children report to their designated pick up point as soon as school is dismissed. Attendance is taken and any child who is absent is followed up on. The first half hour (1530-1600) of the after school program provides nutritious snacks buffet style and outdoor/gym play is available. Children can choose to eat a second snack, burn off some energy in active play - running laps, sit and talk with their friends - sit and rap, relax in the quiet area - read or do home work, etc. From 1600-1730 all areas are open. From 1730-1800 areas of choice are gradually reduced and cleaned up as the numbers of youth are picked up. Group announcements and discussion time usually follows snack on Mondays. Children hear what their choices are for the day and discuss things like their school day, family time, value words, scheduled activities, etc. Each afternoon there are two or more scheduled activities one active and one passive. Children that do not choose to participate in the scheduled staff-directed activity may choose a child-directed activity or monitored indoor/outdoor free play.
Parents may come into the program and observe children moving from one place to another and feel uncomfortable with so much freedom. The SAS program does not resemble a formal school setting - we like it that way. After a day at school, children want to move or rest, play or be quiet; it is up to them. Children don't like to wait; they want to do what interests them. They want to spend time with their friends or talking with a trusted adult or they are hungry for a snack. We find that behavior problems are kept at a minimum when children have interesting and age appropriate choices. We also find that children have many opportunities to extend their math and science learning by conducting hands on projects such as cooking, reading or using the computer. They build social skills by participating in clubs and group projects. They also build their bodies by playing active games outside, participating in fitness activities, and eating healthy snacks. During full-day intercession, field trips, sport events, swimming and special programs are planned.
Four Service Areas Used for Program Planning
Children participating in the Before and After School program must be enrolled in grades first through fifth. Children participating in SAS summer camp program must have completed the first grade (rising 2nd graders) through fifth grade (rising sixth graders). Children will transition from kindergarten/CDC into the SAS program and youth from SAS into the MS&T program on the first day of school. CDS offers a structured age appropriate summer camp for children entering kindergarten and first grade. Middle School & Teen program (MS & T) provides an appropriate staff & youth directed summer program for older youth in either middle or high school grades.
Children of sponsors eligible to use MWR activities in accordance with AR215-2 may use the services provided by CYS programs.
Registration for CYS programs is conducted at the Central Registration Office, B-1743, in the ITR building, located next to the Fort Bliss INN. Call 568-4374 for an appointment. Families should next visit their child’s site. At this time the SAS staff will provide an orientation and tour to explain SAS policies and procedures. Parents are encouraged to bring their school age children with them for the orientation and tour so that their photograph can be taken and their SAS swipe card can be issued. Care cannot start until parents have attended the orientation and children must attend the program prior to us transporting them from school. This requirement ensures that both the child and bus driver meet each other and the child knows where to go after school for pick up. Parents are welcome to drop in anytime or you may call the SAS facility to set up an appointment at your convenience. Enrollment into SAS programs is simple and can be accomplished at either the School-Age Centers. Enrollment allows you to specify your child’s program option(s) and any special instructions/limitations. Upper Lindquist housing parents must contact Milam School at 587-2520 to authorize EPISD bus transportation to SAS.
Annual registration update is required prior to your initial registration anniversary date. Failure to renew registration will automatically suspend your CYS privileges, rendering the swipe card invalid and halting services. Your pass is transferable from installation to installation.
Please update your enrollment and registration forms whenever your phone number, emergency designee, service needs, shots/physical information changes.
For parents who may need evening care after 1800, overnight care, or weekend care, you may contact the Family Child Care (FCC) program at 568-4198. FCC has many certified, monitored, and trained care providers in homes on the installation. They can assist you with professional and safe child care, possibly in your own neighborhood.
Children should arrive clean and dressed in comfortable play clothes that are easily washed and allow freedom of movement. All items of clothing should be labeled with the child's name. Art smocks will be available for children and children will be encouraged to wear them, however, SAS is not responsible for personal loss or damage of clothing and other personal items. Clothing designating gang affiliation or clothing with inappropriate pictures or writing will not be allowed. Comfortable shoes with socks are required. Activities that require calf socks to participate are roller skating, ice skating and bowling. Tennis shoes are appropriate and safe for indoor and outside play. Children are reminded to keep their shoes on when playing at all times due to the possibility of hazards due to our powerful southwest windstorms. Children should come dressed for the weather. They will play outside each day, except for rain, high winds, and extreme temperatures. Swimming attire should be conservative and appropriate when being worn for indoor/outdoor swimming. Shower shoes, thongs, flip-flops, or sandals are fine for the swimming pool but not recommended for other activities. If camp shirts have been issued, please wear them on field trip days. Children who repeatedly arrive in soiled clothing or who are un-washed/un-kept may be reported as possible child neglect cases to the RPOC (MP’s) per AR 608-10.
The SAS program is not responsible for lost or misplaced items. Lost and found areas are designated at each site for the collection and return of lost items and will be held 60 days before being donated to Operation Santa. Items of greater value, i.e., watches, wallets, walkmans, etc. will be turned over to the Military Police. We recommend the following:
On an as needed basis, the SAS Coordinator or the Facility Managers will set up conferences with parents. Parents may request a conference at anytime. The conferences are necessary to maintain a strong line of communication between the SAS program and home. Many times, especially for children with special needs, the parents are the experts and we at SAS need your help with individualized caregiver training or in developing an appropriate environment that meets your child's needs. Unfortunately, there may be times when children's behavior becomes a threat to themselves, other children or staff. We pledge to keep parents informed of difficult situations as they progress, not just give you bad news all at once. We want to address problems from the beginning and gain your support at home to correct the situation. If we can correct a minor situation or problem here at the program on the spot you may never hear about it. But if problems persist we will ask for a conference and your help to develop a plan of action.
The Parent Council (PAC) is an important asset to the School Age Service (SAS) Program that we entrust our children to. The PAC is comprised of parents that have children at either the Main SAS site or the Logan SAS site, who are enrolled in before or after school care, or both. Parents meet monthly to plan special events, fundraisers, and discuss policies and practices of the SAS Program.
Why should you participate? You will know and be involved in the activities your child is a part of at the center. You have a voice in letting staff know what does or does not work. You are key in our commitment to quality and improvement. Another great reason to volunteer is that you can earn part or all of your 6 volunteer hours toward a 10% discount on your monthly childcare fees.