An official army family and MWR Site

School Information

School Support Services

FAQ

I just moved to JBLM. How do I register with CYS?
If you need childcare, the first step is to sign up on the waitlist at militarychildcare.com and request care at all JBLM sites. Parents must reconfirm their space on the waitlist every 30 days. If you only need hourly care (not currently offered) or youth sports, you may skip this step. Next, contact Parent Central Services for a CYS registration appointment. Go to your appointment prepared with this registration checklist. Due to the current COVID climate, there is a 60-day extension on health assessments. For more information on this and other requirements specific to your situation, please contact Parent Central Services. 

What are my childcare options if CYS can't provide spaces for my school-age children?
Patrons are encouraged to find off-base childcare options. Go to the Child Care Aware of America website and find an alternative childcare provider. Additionally, you can check out the new resource available through militaryonesource.mil. This is a new program the Department of Defense is providing for Active Duty Service Members, allowing families to find, hire and pay for hourly, flexible and on-demand care. The benefit is the free monthly subscription to a national online service to search for care. This new service is not available to DOD civilians. If required, CYS will provide a statement of non-availability for CCAoA care to begin the process for the fee assistance. Patrons should contact CCAoA regarding subsidy information, as the availability varies by service. Additionally, school districts are partnering with local organization such as Boys and Girls Club, YMCA Care and Right At School. Please contact your assigned school to inquire about options in your neighborhood.

Can I leave my children home alone? 
Please refer to the Home Alone Policy for information.

What if they have an older sibling watching them?
Please refer to the Home Alone Policy for information. Additionally, consider signing up your teens for a Red Cross-certified babysitting course at Hillside Youth Center. Call +1(253)967-4441 for signup and requirements.

Can I watch my neighbor's kids while they work?
There are strict regulations over childcare on base to ensure safety. If you're regularly providing childcare in your home (more than 10 hours a week), you must be registered with Family Child Care as an authorized provider. This is required whether or not you're being paid for childcare. Unauthorized childcare providers are at risk of losing government quarters. We encourage you to join the nine JBLM households registered with Family Child Care and become a provider! As an authorized FCC provider, you'll receive paid training, subsidies and earn up to $2,000 per month. For more information on starting your work-from-home career that moves with you, attend the Aug. 18 Family Child Care Provider Orientation from 6-8 p.m. in the MWR HQ (2013-B N. 3rd St., room 233). Learn more by calling +1(253)967-3039 (sign up is not required). New FCC providers may qualify for a $1,000 signing bonus to be paid in installations. If you're an FCC provider who just moved to JBLM, you may eligible for a $1,000 retention bonus after setting up your FCC home here at JBLM.

Where does my child attend school?
Your child(ren) will attend schools in the district in which they are zoned. This is a boundary state, so the address you select has a school and school district associated with it. On-base schools are part of Clover Park School District. There are six elementary schools on JBLM. There are links to all of the school districts (approximately 20) in the communities surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the "Finding Your School" section here. Only about 20% of JBLM families are able to get on-base housing and attend on-base schools.

  • If you live on McChord Field, your elementary school is Carter Lake, you will attend Thomas Middle School and your high school is Clover Park High School.
  • If you live on Lewis Main, your school is designated by where you live. You must check the address on your housing contract (Welcome Home), go to the district website http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/index.html?districtCode=49275 and type in your address. You will receive the school name, address and phone number. Elementary schools are based on housing areas, the middle school is Thomas Middle School. Lakes High School is the designated high school for all of Lewis Main and Lewis North areas.
  • If you live on Lewis North, in Beachwood, Eagle View or Meriwether areas, visit http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/index.html?districtCode=49275 for the elementary school. Your middle school is Thomas Middle School and your high school is Lakes High School.

Can my child attend on-base schools if we live off base?
In Washington there's a waiver process to request to attend another school outside of your zoned school. Receiving a waiver is dependent on the space available in one of the on-base schools for the grade(s) you need. Call the Clover Park School District at +1(253)583-5000 or visit http://www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us/Dept/StudentServices/Enrollment_Checklist.aspx for further information regarding waivers. If the waiver is approved, the parent is responsible for transportation and the requirements of the waiver. We recommend families also have a backup plan in their zoned school district in case their waiver request is not approved.
I live on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Where do my children register for school?
Once you register for school, your assigned school will begin sending you communication about the upcoming school year and specific information about your students as that information becomes available. 

I'm considering private school for my student. Are all private schools mandated to follow the county recommendations? 
Yes, the private school fall under state oversight. 

If I choose to home school, what financial/instructive/administrative resources are available? 
Home school is a family choice and by definition the parent picks up the cost of the curriculum and any instructional necessities. However, the Department of the Army has a grant available through AER to assist with learning needs due to COVID. If you’re considering the homeschool option, you’ll need to file an Intent to Home School form with the student services department of your district and find a curriculum that will provide you measurable objectives so you can keep track of the learning obtained. Learn more from Washington State’s Laws Regulating Home-Based Instruction.

What are my childcare options if CYS can't provide spaces for my children (birth through 5 years)?
Patrons are encouraged to find off-base childcare options. Go to the Child Care Aware of America website and find an alternative childcare provider. Additionally, you can check out the new resource available through militaryonesource.mil. This is a new program the Department of Defense is providing for Active Duty Service Members, allowing families to find, hire and pay for hourly, flexible and on-demand care. The benefit is the free monthly subscription to a national online service to search for care. This new service is not available to DOD civilians. Once you select a CCAoA provider and make arrangements for care, go to Parent Central Services to obtain a statement of non-availability. The reason for identifying a provider first is the statement of non-availability is only valid for 10 days. Patrons should contact CCAoA regarding subsidy information, as the availability varies by service.

How can I join the CYS team?
Join the MWR Team as a child and youth program assistant! Attend our job fairs, details at fb.com/JBLMcys.

What can the School Support Services team do for my family?
Your School Liaison Officers at JBLM give you assistance with school registration and transition. We help with questions about compliance and solutions regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to ensure your family receives the same opportunities for educational success as other children, without any penalty or delay due to your PCS. We provide two-way communication between the school and parent. We help you connect with homeschool co-ops or support groups. We provide answers to your questions about special education (IEP or 504 Plans in place), schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions and more.

I have other questions. Where do I go for more information?

  • For CYS registration information, email USArmy.JBLM.IMCOM.List.DFMWR-CYS-Registration@mail.mil
  • A certificate of non-availability, if required, is available from Parent Central Services after selecting and registering at an authorized Child Care Aware of America location, by calling +1(253)966-2977. (Patrons are encouraged to go to the Child Care Aware of America website and find an alternative childcare provider. Patrons should contact CCAoA regarding subsidy information, as the availability varies by service.)
  • Check out the new resource available through militaryonesource.mil. This is a new program the Department of Defense is providing for Active Duty Service Members, allowing families to find, hire and pay for hourly, flexible and on-demand care. The benefit is the free monthly subscription to a national online service to search for care. This new service is not available to DOD civilians.
  • The three school liaison officers in the School Support Services office are monitoring all the school district decisions and are planning with the CYS teams to determine how we can best support virtual learning for children in our care. To reach the team, call +1(253)967-7195.
  • For information about your child's school, schedule or other specific information, please reach out to the district or school principal directly. 

​​​​For more information
Can’t find what you need here? Contact JBLM’s School Liaison Office for information at 253-967-7195 or visit the School Support Services webpage.
Some topics you might need answers on include:

  • Special education- IEP or 504 Plans in place.
  • You live in another area than those named in the article.
  • General questions - please call and get your answers.

Do you know about School Liaison Officers?

  • Your School Liaison Officers at JBLM give you assistance with school registration and transition.
  • We help with questions about compliance and solutions regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to ensure your family receives the same opportunities for educational success as other children, without any penalty or delay due to your PCS.
  • We provide two-way communication between the school and parent.
  • We help you connect with homeschool co-ops or support groups.
  • We provide answers to your questions about schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions and more.

 

Other News

March Basketball Bracket Challenge
1,000 lb Club
Active Duty Spouse Survey
Spring Break
Welcome Luncheon
Intramural Sports

More Child & Youth Services

thumbnail

Babysitting Class

Mar 18 4 pm
thumbnail

Sounders

Mar 19 12:30 pm - 3 pm
thumbnail

DONSA hours

Mar 29
thumbnail

Teen Easter Egg Hunt

Mar 29 7 pm - 8:30 pm

Free Tutoring for School-Age Children of Federal Employees

thumbnail

Free Tutoring for School-Age Children of Federal Employees

thumbnail
thumbnail

School Information

thumbnail

Back to School Resources

Impact Aid Program

thumbnail

Impact Aid Program

thumbnail
thumbnail

DONSA hours

Apr 1
thumbnail

Job Fair

No base access required. Bring your resume and transcripts or applicable certifications. On-the-spot interviews! Selections made the same day!

Apr 2 8 am - 2 pm

FCC Provider Orientation

Make up to $10K per month!

Apr 16 6 pm - 8 pm
thumbnail

FCC Provider Orientation

Make up to $10K per month!

Apr 16 6 pm - 8 pm
thumbnail
thumbnail

Kids' Fest

Armed Forces Kids' Run and more! JBLM's Month of the Military Child event, free!

Apr 27
thumbnail

Parent's Night Out

Enjoy a kid-free night out!

May 11 5 pm - 10 pm
thumbnail

Armed Forces Day

Open to the public!

May 18 11 am - 6 pm
thumbnail

Holiday Hours

May 27