A merger for the better

In keeping with Child Youth and School Services long standing commitment to provide quality programming for our Military Families, we have made the decision to consolidate our Child Development Centers (CDC). We did not come to this decision lightly. The decision to consolidate the centers evolved from months of reviewing enrollment and utilization reports and analyzing labor and operating expenses. The projected date for Happy Hearts CDC building 1317 to consolidate with Cactus Corner CDC building 4150 is Sept. 10.

The Cactus Corner CDC is a state-of-the-art Child Development Center and was awarded the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold Certification in January 2011. Patrons will find a modern facility with rooms equipped with furnishing, materials, and equipment that are age appropriate for their children. Patrons will notice that the Cactus Corner CDC rooms have a smaller ratio group, promoting a smaller classroom environment.

The hours of operation for the center will not change. We will continue to provide full-day care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the consolidation will not interfere with our morning, part-day program. Hourly care will also continue to be provided with the adjusted hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Because our mission is to serve our Soldiers and their Families, we will strive to make this transition as smooth and effortless as possible. Our goal is to keep children with the care-giving staff that is currently providing their care. Kindergarten children will continue to be transported to and from school, escorted by CYSS staff.

This move will enable us to maintain quality programming while centralizing our childcare program, promoting community cohesion and continuity. One of our goals will be to expand our part-day program to include an afternoon session. The Happy Hearts CDC will continue to be used for Super Saturdays and other special events that require child care. In the future, as enrollment increases, the Happy Hearts CDC will be available to expand our program.

We would like to welcome all CYSS Family Members to an Open House on Sept. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Cactus Corner CDC. Come tour the facility and meet the center director. We understand a move of this nature will affect Families in the short term, and we are here to make this move as seamless as possible. Within the next week your child’s room assignment will be available. Contact Andrea Wooley at 380-1252/1253 if you have any questions. We look forward to continuing our commitment to serving our Military Families.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.