Caregivers on post are excited to welcome back all children
Caregivers at the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Army Child and Youth Service Programs think of the children they provide care for as their own, so the news of the CDC (Child Development Center) and YS (Youth Services) being allowed to welcome back all children on Sept. 15, brought some to tears.
“All of the teachers were extremely happy. Some of them cried,” says CDC Director Teri Robinson “They really miss the children.”
The reaction was very similar for the teachers at the YS building which provides care for children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.
“I think I cried when I got the word” says YS Director, Sommer Cloinger, “I can tell you from my staff and from myself not having the kids this summer has really taken a toll on us. We just really miss our kids.”
Seeing the kids she has worked with for the last few years was especially important for Cloinger who received permanent change of station orders, “To see my kids before I leave, that was extremely important to me.”
This is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that children of non-essential workers can return to both childcare facilities at YPG. Once COVID restrictions were implemented, the Army had to make the difficult decision to only allow children of essential workers a spot at childcare facilities.
The very popular YS summer program filled with activities and weekly field trips was scaled back this summer and ended up operating out of the CDC.
As the centers welcome more children, families will notice some policy changes at both childcare facilities. Drop-off and pick-up will continue to be curbside, parents will sign their children in/out from their vehicles and will not be allowed to enter the building, and children and staff will all have their temperatures taken before entering the facilities. Additionally, those who are three years and older, to include staff, will be required to wear face coverings/ masks.
Even with new procedures in place families can still count on a healthy learning environment for their children.
The CDC continues to provide the excellent care they did pre-COVID, “All the fun stuff is still there, all the learning is still there,” says Robinson…so yes, students will still bring home their adorable artwork.
Cloinger says children at the YS facility will focus on independence more than ever. There will be a lot of activities that will promote personal growth.
“This will definitely be a lot more interactive than we have seen before because how independent the activities will be. There will be a lot more individual hands-on activities.”
Overall YPG’s very valued caregivers are excited to welcome back all families.
“We are there to provide a healthy learning environment for those kids and be there for them. It’s extremely important for their social and emotional wellbeing, especially during a time of so much uncertainty and uncontrollable circumstances” says Cloinger.
Robinson adds, “We have been waiting for this day and we are very happy that it is here.”
Families need to have up-to-date enrollment paperwork complete and request care via MCC.com.
For enrollment information contact Parent Central Services at 928-3283119/3339.
Families with current paperwork needing drop-in, daily or hourly care from YS can call 928-328-2860 at least 24-hours in advance to reserve a spot.