Registering Your Child in CYS

The first step to participating in CYS programs and activities is registration. Start your CYS registration by gathering up the needed paperwork with Webtrac online services, then finish up in person at Parent Central Services.

We’ll verify your eligibility (based on the sponsor’s status) at registration.

You’ll need your ID card and the following items to complete your registration:

• Kids age – 0-12 years
  • CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725
  • Child Health Assessment - complete Parts A, B & C or Part A + school physical (due within 30 days of registration)
  • Family Care Plan for single/dual military only (due within 30 days of registration)
• 6^th grade – 12^th grade:
  • CYS Teen Self  Registration Form
  • CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725 (complete only if physician documented special needs)

After CYS registration, most of your information follows you from post to post, so you don’t have to start from scratch after each new PCS move.

Once your registration is complete, you can enroll in programs like these: Child Development Centers (CDC), Family Child Care (FCC), School Age Centers (SAC), Kids on Site (KOS), Camps (Summer Camp and Before School Supervision), SKIESUnlimited, and Youth Sports. You’ll need to complete the listed forms for the program in which you are enrolling, available on WebTrac or in person at CYS Parent Central Services:

• Child Care (including Child Development Centers, Family Child Care and School Age Center)
  • Application for Department of Defense Child Care Fees, DD 2652 (not applicable to hourly care)
  • USDA Income Eligibility Form
  • Current immunization record (up to five year olds, and school age kids not enrolled in public school)
  • CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725
  • Child Health Assessment (complete Parts A, B & C or Part A + school physical), due within 30 days of registration
  • Current immunization record (up to five year olds, and school age kids not enrolled in public school)

• Kids on Site
  • CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725
  • Child Health Assessment (complete Parts A, B & C or Part A + school physical), due within 30 days of registration
  • Current immunization record (up to five year olds, and school age kids not enrolled in public school)

• Summer Camp (before 1pm) or Before School Supervision
  • Application for Department of Defense Child Care Fees, DD 2652
  • CYS Health Screening Tool: DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725 (if identified during the registration process)

• SKIESUnlimited
  • CYS Health Screening Tool: DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725

• Youth Sports
  • CYS Health Screening Tool: DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725
  • Health Assessment/Sports Physical (complete Parts A, B & C). Due before participation in all sports activities

We may also require a Medical Action Plan (MAP) if your child/youth is diagnosed with allergies, diabetes, asthma/respiratory, seizures that require any rescue medications, or other conditions noted by Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (MIAT).

Parent Orientation

Once you’re registered with CYS and enrolled in a program, Parent Central Services schedules appointments to acquaint parents with their child’s program. These sessions are an important part of the enrollment process and are offered at times convenient to parents. Orientation highlights include:

• Facility tour
• Orientation of our programs and spaces
• Review of rules of conduct and procedures
• Opportunity to meet staff, care providers and key volunteers
• Chance to complete required forms
• Parent participation

Requesting care is a snap with MilitaryChildCare.com.

Military Child Care (MCC) is a Department of Defense website for military families seeking child care. This single online gateway enables families to search for and request care, manage their requests and update their profiles online. Once you create an account, you can start requesting care.

STEP 1: CREATE ACCOUNT

Go to MilitaryChildCare.com to create an account containing information about your family, or to login using an existing username and password.

STEP 2: SEARCH AND REQUEST CARE

Search the system for the child care options that best fit your needs and submit your request for care.

STEP 3: MANAGE MY REQUESTS

You can manage your requests for care from anywhere in the world.

STEP 4: UPDATE MY PROFILE

Keep your My Profile page up-to-date with important information.

Will I get a Wait List number or an indication of how long will it be?

Militarychildcare.com will provide you with an anticipated placement time for child care when you request care.

According to public law, child care fees military-wide are based on Total Family Income (TFI), which is how much the parents make. (Fees are based on TFI and apply to children who attend on a regular basis. Parents are mandated by public law to pay their share of the cost of child care. Section 1793 of title 10, United States Code, requires that DoD prescribe uniform fee regulations for military child development programs.)

Parent fees are determined during the enrollment process prior to enrolling in a regularly scheduled Child Development Center (CDC), Family Child Care Home (FCC), School Age Care (SAC) or Youth Programs operating before 1300 hours and annually thereafter. 

WebTrac offers easy bill payment, tax forms, receipts, class sign-ups and other convenient options. Payments for childcare can also be made at any CYS Child Development Center, School Age Center, and Parent Central Services (PCS).

We love our kids with special needs – and make every effort to include them in CYS activities and programs.

To do that, every installation convenes a Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (MIAT), which explores child care and youth supervision options for children and youth with special needs, including life-threatening conditions, functional limitations and diagnosed behavioral/psychological conditions.

The MIAT recommends child care and youth placement. It also determines reasonable accommodations and availability of services to support a child/youth’s special needs.

The MIAT includes parent(s), CYS Coordinator, Outreach Services Director, Army Public Health Nurse (APHN), and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) manager.

Military Kids Connect is a DoD program to help connect military kids with each other and with the resources they need to cope with military life.

Don’t need childcare? We offer enrichment programs, too!

Here are some of our most popular on-post activities:

     Kids On Site! provides short-term hourly child care to parents attending on-post meetings or functions in the same or adjacent building.

     Parents on Site offers support services for parent co-ops, infant/toddler playgroups, and short-term care in unit settings by Family members in another unit or organization.

     CYSitters offers formal training for teens from adults who provide short term hourly child care for Families in their own homes. The training covers the skills needed to safely and appropriately care for children, including first aid and CPR, program activities, and the “business” of babysitting.

     Deployment Support Services provides special options for eligible Army Service members, including deployed Soldiers, dependents of Army Fallen Warriors, and Army Wounded Warriors assigned to a Wounded Warrior Unit. If you’re deploying, contact your local Parent Central Services Office or your child’s program.

CYS needs parents, too! Want to get engaged with CYS? Here are some ways.

Parent Volunteers: Throughout the year, we need parents to help out with activities. The Parent Participation Program encourages parents to volunteer with CYS, assisting with special events and activities (like field trips, holiday events, and special curriculum programs), small group activities, and special projects (such as playground improvement, procurement of equipment, and administrative aid). Parent Participation Program volunteers can take advantage of reduced child care fees for regularly scheduled programs, too.

Parent Education: Want resources to help raise healthy children? Join us for a variety of parental education classes to enhance parenting skills.

Parent Advisory Council: If you’re interested in a leadership role, look into the Parent Advisory Board, which meets quarterly to discuss ways to enhance Child and Youth Programs.

Transition of Child Records
 

Parent Central Services provides Army-wide transition assistance such as Global Data Transfer (GDT) of child records and accepts projected registrations for continued services. The system is designed to streamline the relocation process for military and civilian families. Standard data elements (such as names, birthdates, child health records, etc.) should follow each Family to their new duty assignments and make the local CYS registration procedure faster and easier.

Importing and exporting data for relocating families is part of the regular CYS in-and out-processing protocol.

Eligibility:

In order to register with CYS, you must have a valid DOD ID card and fall into one of these categories:

• Active duty Service members.
• DOD civilians.
• DOD contractors.
• Reservists on active duty or in active duty personnel training.
• Retirees*

* Use is limited to youth center and sports per CYS operations manual. 

Accessibility:
CYS facilities are located across the installation for JBLM Families from infant through high school. Child care is offered at centers and certified homes across the installation. 
Recreational opportunities include seasonal youth sports, sports camps and youth-centered special events.

Affordability:
For child care and youth services, there are military benefits on-base and off-base. Centers have a sliding scale based on total Family income, and all fees are subsidized by the government up to 60%.

​​​​​​What you need to bring:

1. DOD ID card.
2. Contact information for home and work.
3. Two local emergency contacts.
4. Shot records.
5. Deployment orders, if applicable.
6. One LES or paystub or proof of full-time-student (only if enrolling in full- or part-day or before- and/or after-school care)
7. CYS Youth Program Registration & Sponsor Checklist

What we’ll review at your registration appointment:

• All CYS programs specific to your child’s age.

• Health screening to ensure your child’s safety and any special accommodations.

• Household review to ensure privacy and to complete accurate fee assessments.

* What services does CYS provide?

·         Full-day child care

·         Part-day preschool

·         Youth Sports

·         Kids on Site

·         Seasonal Camps            

·         SKIESUnlimited   

·         Open recreation for teens

·         Hourly care

·         Strong Beginnings Pre-K program

·         Recreational classes

·         Before/after-school programs

 * Not all programs are offered at every garrison. Please check with your local CYS office to verify availability of programs.

2. What can be provided as proof of eligibility?

The sponsor’s ID card or DEERS enrollment forms that prove legal guardianship. If the sponsor is a biological parent, a birth certificate works, too.

3. Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?

Contact your local Parent Central Services to get your questions answered, by email, phone or in person. 

4. Where can I register?

Visit Parent Central Services 

5. What do I need to register?

·         Government ID

·         Contact information

·         Two emergency contacts

·         Immunization Documentation, unless school age children are enrolled in a local public school system where proof of currency of vaccination is required

·         Deployment orders (if applicable)

·         LES/pay voucher, student letter, or seeking employment verification (for on-base child care)

6. What full-day or before/after-school child care is available?

We offer three child care options

1. Family Child Care Providers

2. On-base child care centers

3. Army Fee Assistance for off-base child care

7. How often must I register and why?

The Department of Defense requires children's records be updated at least annually for their health, safety, or well-being.

8. When does my child need a sports physical?

Sports physicals are required by the first practice for your child to participate. The child may not participate until a sports physical has been completed by a physician. Sports physicals are required for seasonal competitive sports: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, soccer, track and field, and youth fitness programs.

9. When do I need to complete a health assessment for my child?

The health assessment is required 30 days from the date of registration. The health assessment is due every three years unless there are changes in your child’s medical condition before then.

10. Are immunizations required to register?

Yes. Kids five years and under need proof of immunizations. So do school age children not enrolled in a local public school system where proof of vaccination is required. Homeschool children are required to provide a copy of their immunization records.

11. What if my child needs special accommodations?

We welcome children with special needs. Every child will receive a recommended care plan based on the information presented from the Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team. 

12. Are there exceptions to fees based on total family income for special circumstances?

Yes. Commanders have the authority to grant financial hardship waivers and must consider the balance of Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) income and appropriated fund support as they approve waivers. Approved fees must be within the fee categories established by DoD.

13. Are there discounts for multiple children from the same family?

Installation Commanders may authorize up to 20% reduction of fees for additional children of the same family, with the exception of contractor employees and specified space-available patrons (in accordance with Department of Defense fee guidance) who do not receive child care fee assistance.

14. * What is available to me if I am retired?

Sports and SKIESUnlimited classes are available to retirees’ Families. Retirees are allowed to use services on a space-available basis when there are no other eligible uses on the wait list.

15. What types of programs and activities are offered for middle school students and teens?

·         Leadership activities

·         Girls & Guy talk

·         Sports clubs

·         How-to projects

·         Power Hours

·         Technology

·         Leisure activities and special events

·         Open recreation starting at 1300 on school holidays

·         Summer camp

·         Before School Supervision

16. What does the School Support Services Office do?

The School Liaison Officer works in conjunction with the CYS Division and the local school community to address educational issues involving military children. Through partnering with the local and military community, the School Liaison Officer acts as a communication link between the installation and the surrounding school districts. 

17. How do I use MCC?

STEP 1: CREATE ACCOUNT

Go to MilitaryChildCare.com to create an account containing information about your family, or to login using an existing username and password.

STEP 2: SEARCH AND REQUEST CARE

Search the system for the child care options that best fit your needs and submit your request for care.

STEP 3: MANAGE MY REQUESTS

You can manage your requests for care from anywhere in the world.

STEP 4: UPDATE MY PROFILE

Keep your My Profile page up-to-date with important information.

What services does CYS provide?

• Full-day child care.
• Part-day preschool.
• Strong Beginnings pre-k program.
• Hourly care and Kids On Site.
• Before/after-school programs and seasonal camps.
• Open recreation for teens.
• Sports and sports camps.

Who may use services in CYS?
Active duty, reservists on active orders/training orders, DOD civilians and DOD contractors (carrying a CAC card); eligibility determined by AR 608-10, 1-6.

What is available to me if I am retired?
CYS sports and the middle school/teen program. Child care and school age centers are not permissible per AR 215-1, 7-1.

If I have questions or concerns, who may I contact?
Please contact Parent Central Services. Drop by one of our offices (locations and hours above), email USArmy.JBLM.IMCOM.List.DFMWR-CYS-Registration@mail.mil or call +1(253)966-2977. We respond Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 

What full-day or before- and after-school child care is available?
You have three viable childcare options:
1. Family Child Care (licensed contractors in on-base homes).
2. On-base child care centers.

May I see a child care center before I decide?
To protect the safety of children in our programs, you’ll need to show your government ID and sign a visitor log. Then, you’ll receive an escorted tour. We highly recommend you contact the program ahead of time.

Where do I register?
Before visiting a Parent Central Services location, we recommend you visit JBLMcysRegistration.com for a registration appointment. Plus, check out the Registration Checklist above to ensure you have all needed paperwork with you.

Why may I register only at Parent Central Services?
Per regulation and to uphold the Privacy Act, all financial information for the sponsor is only held at Parent Central Services and not in the programs. Parents have access to their child’s file in the programs; however, only sponsors have access to financial information.

How much does it cost to register?
Registration is free.

How often do I register and why?
Registration must be completed annually, per AR 608-10. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requires release of information annually. This requirement is attended to with our health screening tool. The Department of Defense requires an annual fee contract.

How do I enroll in sports and hourly care?
If you’re currently registered at JBLM, go to JBLMcysRegistration.com, visit Parent Central Services's Lewis and McChord locations or call +1(253)966-2977.

When do I need a sports physical?
Sports physicals are required annually and must be valid through the sports season. They are required for seasonal competitive sports and the youth fitness program.

How often do I have to complete a health assessment?
The health assessment is due every three years unless there are changes in your child’s medical condition before then. The health assessment is required within 30 days from the
date of registration. Completed forms may be turned in at any CYS location.

Are immunizations required to register?
Yes. To prevent communicable diseases, CYS follows the Centers for Disease Control’s immunization schedule per AR 608–10. All immunizations must be current.

What if my child needs a special accommodation?
A special need is a medical, developmental or behavioral condition identified and validated by a licensed independent practitioner. It is initiated through the completion of a health screening tool during registration at Parent Central. Every child will receive a recommended care plan based on the information presented from the Special Needs Accommodation Process Team. This team is a group of representatives from the Exceptional Family Member Program, CYS and Army Public Health Nursing who work on behalf of Families to determine the safest, least restrictive and most appropriate placement.

How much is child care?
Both on-base and off-base child care are determined using total Family income defined in our annual fee policy. All fees are subsidized. Family Child Care providers determine their rates. Fee Chart (effective 01 FEB 2019).

When may my fees be lowered if my situation changes prior to registration renewal?
Fees can be immediately adjusted when there is a loss of employment or reduction of income. Bring current LES and/or proof of change to Parent Central Services; or, if you are separating from your spouse, bring court-filed separation documents and current LES. If you are separating from your spouse, you may change sponsorship as long as you’re eligible to be the sponsor.

Do you use curriculum at CYS?
Yes. CYS fosters the development of children and youth, birth through 18 years of age. Teachers provide an environment that combines the use of space, materials, experiences, daily routines and interactions to enhance development. Children and youth need consistency and interaction with caring adults to feel safe and secure and to develop a positive image of themselves and others. Home-like environments provide for their comfort, health, safety and well-being. A variety of activities and programs is provided.
For infants through preschool-age, some interest centers could include:

• Dramatic play or quiet individual play.
• Creative art, discovery centers and table toys.
• Writing and books.

Routine schedules for children need to include meals and rest times and adequate time for indoor and outdoor play.

What type of program and activities are offered for school-age youth?

• Gaming.
• Foosball, bumper pool and air hockey tournaments.
• Arts and crafts (sewing and knitting), photography and digital arts.
• Science and nature (animal caretakers).
• Homework lab/Power Hour.
• Reading club, cooking club, step club, Lego club and drama club. Plus, skits, plays and choir.
• Sports and fitness activities, playground and field.
• Passport Promise and Character Counts.
• Clay tech, construction and woodworking.

What types of programs and activities are offered for middle school students and teens?

• Leadership activities (Torch Club, Keystone Club, Career Launch, Money Matters).
• Girl & Guy Talk (high school and middle school separate activities).
• Sports club (basketball, dodgeball, pickleball, volleyball, etc.).
• How-to projects (drama, cooking, woodworking, sewing, plays).
• Hands-on art club.
• Power Hour (homework/tutoring).
• Technology (photography, robotics, navigation, etc.).
• Leisure activities (pool, air hockey, foosball, ping pong, video games).
• Special events and field trips (dances, lock-ins, ski and snow trips, etc.).

Are your programs licensed?
Through annual inspections of CYS sites, the Department of Defense certifies our programs. Child Development Center and School Age Centers are mandated by law to be accredited by national accrediting agencies. The accrediting process ensures military CYS programs remain the benchmark for the nation.

When do I need to turn in vacation credits or withdrawals for full-day and part-day programs?
As stated in the program agreement, please provide 30 days written notice for vacations and withdrawals.

How old does my child have to be to begin kindergarten?
Washington state requires children to be 5 years old on Aug. 31 of the school year to be eligible for kindergarten.

What are some services of the School Support Services office?
The team in the School Support Services office provides information, makes referrals, educates Families and offers personal support regarding local school and your child's education. For assistance, call +1(253)967-7195.

I have questions regarding WTB, medical retirement and survivor benefits. Where do I get information?
Call the CYS Service member and Family Assistance Center Liaison at +1(253)967-6936.

Parent-volunteers with the Child & Youth Services Parent Participation Program may earn a reduction in childcare fees. Read the frequently asked questions below, and refer to the chart on the reverse to find out how you can volunteer your time. If you still have questions, please call +1(253)966-2977.

How do I earn points for the Parent Participation Program?
Parents who volunteer with CYS in a variety of ways may earn points toward a fee reduction based on the number of hours volunteered. See the Participation Opportunities chart on the reverse.

How much time do I have to spend in a program to earn a point?
Points may be accrued in half-hour increments and logged on the Parent Participation Sign-in Sheet; however, participation will be recorded by the hour.

How many hours do I have to volunteer to receive the discount?
Parents may earn a fee reduction for volunteering a minimum of 10 hours, generally in their child’s program.

How long can I accumulate points?
Participation points may be accumulated from month to month until the parent earns 10 points to receive a 10-percent reduction on one month’s fee for one child. I earned 20 points this month, and I have two kids. May I use 10 points for both? If a parent has earned 20 points, the 10-percent fee reduction may be applied to one child for a two-month period or for two children during the same month.

Do I need to have a background check to be able to volunteer?
Parents who participate in the program are considered intermittent volunteers and do not need to have a background check; however, parents must sign the gratuitous service agreement.

I have another child but I want to volunteer. Do I receive childcare while I am volunteering?
Parents will not receive free childcare for siblings during the time they’re participating in a classroom or program activities for an enrolled child. Parents who require childcare for other children should make arrangements for Hourly Care.

I'm a CYS employee. Can I still participate in this program and earn a fee reduction? CYS employees may volunteer in the Parent Participation Program during non-work hours performing activities not a part of their normal work-related duties.
 

• DOD Priority List
• CYS Youth Registration & Sponsor Consent
• JBLMcysRegistration.com CYS WebTrac
• MilitaryChildCare.com
• JBLM CYS Parent Handbook
• Special Needs MIAT Process
• Parent Participation Program
• WebTrac Guide