Free child care for families of deployed active duty members

Free child care for families of deployed active duty members is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until Sept 30 at no cost.

This OEF care is in addition to the evening care currently available. The same process applies for reservations. Reservations must be called in and if you do not cancel/do not show up for care, there is still a $10 no cancelation fee applied that the family is responsible for paying. Reservations may be made up to two weeks in advance and the front desk staff must be notified that the reservation is for OEF child care at the time the reservation is made.

There are spaces in each age group that are held the week prior. If reservations are not made then those spaces will be released for use by regular hourly care patrons. If there are questions, please feel free to call Shanna Thomas at 928-269-3260 or Jennifer Dibble at 928-269-2350.

Yeah, another Parents Night Out!!

Friday, August 6, 2010

5:00pm - 8:30pm

for children ages 6 - 12, fee is $10

Parents: Need a little catch up time? Go on a date? Grocery shop? Let the Parks & Rec staff take the kids out on their own fun night.  The evening begins at Clymer Recreation Center where they will eat pizza and watch a "kid" movie. Then they will head to the Valley Aquatic Center for a swim.

Parents will drop off and pick up their kids at Clymer Recreation Center, 553 S. Orange Avenue.  Click here to register online now.

Cornerstone Preschool

Cornerstone Preschool

1098 S. 5th Ave. Yuma, AZ 85364

(928)782-1995

Yuma Moms Speak Out. See what other moms had to say about Cornerstone Preschool:

"My 5 year old son has been at Cornerstone Preschool since he was 2. He has done so well there. I love having him in a "school" environment. I think it is going to help him tremendously when he starts Kinder in the fall. They get 2 full meals and 2 snacks. The communication with the staff there is great. I believe they are starting a 1 year old room this year."

"Both of my girls attended Cornerstone at an overwhelming recommendation by all my friends. I was new to the area and am truely blessed at the care and nurturing environment provided at Cornerstone. They have fabulous teachers and administrators and an awesome curriculum. Their pre-k reading program more than prepared by girls for kindergarten. I still stop by and say "hi" and miss them dearly. There is a reason they have been voted Yuma's Best for many years now!!!!"

"My daughter attended Cornerstone preschool and I would keep her there thru High School if I could. I was also new to the area. I just bought my inlaws business and 1/2 my family was here and half my family was back in Phoenix. I have never felt so comfortable leaving my 2 1/2 year old at the time and she blossomed and even made lifetime friends there. There is no other preschool to send your kids. Cornerstone is #1 for a reason:)"

AWC Child Development Lab

Child Development Laboratory

Arizona Western College

(928) 317-6107

Yuma Moms speak out. See what other moms had to say about the Child Development Laboratory:

"Our family is lucky and blessed to be able to take our kids to the AWC Child Development lab - it is INCREDIBLE! The staff there are all wonderful, and my kids have a great time there. The facility is beautiful, clean, and safe too. The only problem is, you need to get on the waiting list before you even get pregnant :)"

"My son is at the best day care facility in Yuma, the Kathryn A Watson, Child Development and Learning Lab at AWC. When searching for a child care facility, my top priority was finding a place where the people were passionate about children discovering learning in an organic, developmentally appropriate setting. My son has learned to love so many beautiful things like music and art that I would have never had the time nor exact expertise to share with him. As an early childhood educator, this is the only place that I would ever consider sending my child. I trust these people with more than my life, my son's life, and can not speak highly enough about them."

Young Minds Preschool

Young Minds Preschool

1881 South 4th Avenue

Yuma, AZ 85364-5668

(928) 783-4979

Yuma Moms Speak Out: See what other moms had to say about Young Minds Preschool:

I have really liked Young Minds Preschool. Casa De Ninos was full when I needed it and was able to get in to Young Minds (4 yrs a go) I haven't had much luck finding a summer program for my school-ager that I like but as daycare for your little ones, Young Minds hands down.

Lucia Arrizon Day Care

Lucia Arrizon Day Care

3534 W 14th St

(928) 783-2212
 

"Arrizon Daycare is the best thing that could have happened to me. My kids get great meals, great pre school activities. They are opened from 7:30 until 5:30. The daycare providers are family members and my kids even feel like they are part of the family. The prices are reasonable and she does take govenment assisted grants. They are visited often without previous warning, and all the visits have come out great. They help me work better because I know I don't have to worry about my kids."

Little Sprout Preschool

Little Sprout Preschool

2175 S Arizona Ave

(928) 782-3553

 

Yuma Moms Speak Out.  See what other moms had to say about Little Sprouts Day Care:

 
"I take my 2.5 year old daughter to Little Sprouts and it's ok for now. They have all the little babies with the 1, and 2 years old and they don't, I personaly think that a 2 year old should be in a separate class, at this age my daughter can use more field trips and activites. Knowing that she is hanging out with the babies doesn't work for me.

It's not very organized, they have all the 3, 4 and 5 years old in one class. They do have separate activities for example the 4 and 5 year olds might go to the library but the 3 year old will stay and do something else.

I don't get progress reports or any feedback on my daughter so I am kind of lost, as to what happens throughout her day. I know they sing songs and do a project everyday and my daughter sings and enjoys it but she still cry's when I drop her off, so my guess is that there is a bully or something but when I ask about it, the teachers say everything is fine. I just wish there was more communication."

Parents Night Out

Parent's Night Out

Friday, July 23, 2010

5:00pm - 8:30pm

for children ages 6 - 12, fee is $10

Parents: Need a little catch up time? Go on a date? Grocery shop? Let the Parks & Rec staff take the kids out on their own fun night.  The evening begins at Clymer Recreation Center where they will eat pizza and watch a "kid" movie. Then they will head to the Valley Aquatic Center for a swim.

Parents will drop off and pick up their kids at Clymer Recreation Center, 553 S. Orange Avenue.  Click here to register online now.

NMCRS Needs Volunteers

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is in need of volunteers and they pay for your childcare while you volunteer!  This is a great way to keep your resume current without the commitment of a J-O-B and you get a little break from the daily motherhood duties.


Volunteer opportunities include reception work, casework (budgeting and financing with Marines & Sailors), working in the Thrift Shop, or teaching Budget for Baby classes.  Training is provided.  For more information, call NMCRS at (928) 269-2373 or stop by their office in building 645 (across from the Station Theater, same building as the Stork Club, Craft time, Breastfeeding Classes & Baby Weigh-Ins, and Youth Sports) for a volunteer application.  You don't have to be military to volunteer!!  


Your child care options are to a) have NMCRS reserve drop-in care for your child at the Child Development Center (CDC) on base and they pay for it, or b) use your own provider and have NMCRS pay them or reimburse you for the hourly cost (within reason).  Currently, I've been taking my kids to the Tree House while I volunteer, but during the school year, I volunteer while my youngest is in preschool and it helps offset the cost of his tuition.  

FREE Zumba Class w/ FREE child care!!!

FREE Zumba Class

Wednesday, June 30th at 6:00pm

at the Yuma Palms RV Resort (3400 S Ave. 7E)

Hot! Hot! Hot!!!  Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30th at 6pm, Healthy Butz is offering a free Zumba class for anyone and everyone. Including free childcare.  Donations of used toys, clothes and other necessities will be accepted at the door for the Yuma Child and Family Services.

Wanted: Child Care Reviews

Moms Speak Out: post a comment about your child(ren)'s child care center. What do you love about them?  Are the prices reasonable?  Do they offer full-time / part-time?  

I'll then repost your comments in a new post about each child care center.  All reviews will be anonymous when reposted.

You can post your comment under this blog, add it to the Facebook discussion board, or email it to me.

Your feedback is invaluable to local moms in need of child care - it can be so difficult to find the right place for our precious little ones!

CDC has no wait list!

Right now the Child Development Center on base has no wait list. I have never seen this happen before and it won't last long. If you are interested in utilizing full time care now would be the time to get in! An application for care must be submitted along with paperwork including proof of income, BIR, birth certificate, current shot record and a health assessment due within 30 days from when you turn in your packet for care. The program is amazing so come check it out! If you have any questions please call us at 928-269-2350 or 928-269-2349

Child Development Center hours of operation:
Monday through Friday 0530-1800
Date Night every other Friday Night from 1800-2100
Tues/Wed nights 1800-2100 Operation Enduring Freedom
First Saturday of every month 1200-1800 Operation Enduring Freedom

Must have a completed drop-in contract to utilize OEF care and Friday Night/Date Night care. Drop in fees are $3/hour and OEF is free for spouses of deployed marines!


(Thanks Katie D. for this great info!)

Babysitter training (MCAS)

Babysitter Training Class (MCAS)
Registration for the next class begins June 11th and is first come, first serve for the 7 spaces.  There is a $25 non-refundable fee and parents need to sign consent paperwork at time of registration.  Class is for 12-18 year olds and military ID and copy of birth certificate are required.

There are 3 parts to this class;
June 25th from 12:00noon to 2:00pm, the participants recieve their computerized dolls, watch a video and sign paperwork.
June 28th from 9:00am - 3:30pm
June 29th from 9:00am - 5:00pm

Participants will learn about SIDS, shaken baby syndrome, child abuse & neglect, and characteristics of ages and stages.   They will also learn child & infant CPR and First Aid.

Registration is $25
register at the CDC
week long
$25
computerized baby to take home
bring copy of ID and birth certificare

Treehouse offers 20% for military this weekend!

To celebrate this Memorial Day and say THANK YOU to all our brave military friends & families, The Treehouse is offering a special discount this weekend!! Show your military ID at check-in and your child will receive a 20% discount on his or her visit to the Treehouse.  This offer is good all weekend on Friday 5/28 and Saturday 5/29, open till 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday nights and reservations are encouraged. THANK YOU MILITARY from your friends at The Treehouse!

MCAS Child Care Center

Child Youth & Teen Programs offers school-age care at the youth center for children in kindergarten and up to 12-years-old. For more information contact Yolanda 928-269-3234.

FREE Childcare:
For all deployed spouses Tuesday's and Wednesday 6-9 p.m. and the first Saturday 12-6 p.m. to make a reservation call 928-269-2350, all children participating need to have a 2010 drop in packet, for more information contact Yolanda 928-269-3234.

Friday Night Care:
Every other Friday night care available at $3 an hour per child 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. to make a reservation call 928-269-2350, children participating need to have a 2010 drop in packet. For more information contact Yolanda 928-269-3234.

Kindergarten Readiness:
Do you have a child who missed the cut off date to start kindergarten, or will start kindergarten fall 2010? The Child Youth & Teen Programs offer a kindergarten readiness program for 4 and 5-year-olds at the child development center. The curriculum in the classroom will focus on the skills needed for successful transition to the kindergarten environment.

Resource and Referrals:
Expecting a baby, and planning on returning to work or school? It's never too late to put your unborn child on the CDC's wait list for care. By registering early, wait will be minimized. Infants must be at least six weeks old to attend child care.  


For more information about any of the above programs, contact Yolanda at 928-269-3234.

Family Child Care:
Interested in opening your home on/off base to other families, assisting with child care, being able to raise your own child and earn extra money?  Become a certified family child care provider. Free child care is provided during orientation. FCC has a huge lending library, with items such as high chairs, strollers, toys, paper, paint and more. For more information, call Susie at 928-269-3233.

Treehouse Summer Day Camps

Call now to put your child’s name on our list for Summer Day Camps starting in June and you’ll be the first to know when registration begins. Those who reserve will get to register two days before the open registration begins and last year they filled up so don’t wait.  The Summer Day Camp schedule & registration will being next week. The Treehouse Summer Day Camps are half-day programs all summer long in the cool air-conditioned comfort of The Treehouse! There will be activities, crafts, music, and FUN!

Click here for more information about The Treehouse.  And remember to tell them YumaMom.com sent you!

Day of the Young Child

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

Child and Family Resources is hosting a "Day of the Young Child" at West Wetlands Park.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

9:00am - 1:00pm

This is an annual event to celebrate and educate children and adults on child abuse. Each child receives an activity bag with education activities designed for parents and children on child abuse.  Local businesses (mostly day cares) will have booths with hands on activities such at making paper kites, planting seeds in pots, etc.  There is no cost to attend this event.

Tip: bring a picnic lunch and water is a must.  If you're shopping for a daycare, this is a great opportunity to learn about the different providers in Yuma as many of them will have booths for this event.

$3 off at the Tree House during Spring Break

Looking for something to keep the kids busy during SPRING BREAK? The Tree House is OPEN and is always a fun way to get the kids out of the house!
The Tree House is Yuma’s only hourly drop-in childcare and play center and is always ready with Spring FUN!

Print this page to receive their exclusive “Spring Break Break!” of $3 off your child’s visit!  Use it any time and as many times as you can during Spring Break! And tell them that you were referred by YumaMom!

Casa de Ninos Preschool

Casa de Ninos offers offers full day, half day, after school care, and drop-in service.  A good friend of mine has been sending her son there for preschool the last couple of years and was nice enough to give us the inside scoop!  (Thanks Shannon)


Casa de Ninos has 5 difference classrooms - 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s and 4s/5s (which is pre-K, for the kids that are not old enough to start kindergarten at the state cut off date).  They offer 1/2 day or full day schedules, you can do as little as 2 days a week or as many as 5 days a week, and a hot lunch and snacks are included in the tuition.  Each class has its own age appropriate schedule, but in all classes the "acedemic" day starts at 9am.  The 1/2 day schedule ends at 1pm and the full day schedule at 6pm.  Their curiculum is play based, with lots of active play built into the day on their fantastic playgrounds and a dance class built into the day on Thursdays.  The classrooms are totally separated by walls and doors, so each class is contained and quiet.  They offer two separate playgrounds, one for the 1s and 2s and one for the 3s and 4s.

The teachers are very loving and super responsive to parent feedback and concerns. They have all been equally wonderful and cater their styles to the age groups they teach.  The owner and Director of Casa de Ninos, Sabrina, is a Yuma native, and is the former assistant director of Cornerstone Preschool.  She is on-site daily, participates in the classrooms and goes above and beyond in making herself available to parents.  She prides herself on running a well organized school that follows a set schedule and guidelines.  However, it's also important to her to offer flexiblity when dealing with the individual needs of a child or family.  She is known for her personal touch.  She is always willing and happy to help you brainstorm ideas about how to help your child and not afraid to offer parenting advice when you ask for it.  


"Every school teaches the ABCs and colors- it has meant a lot to me that this school attends to the social and emotional growth a young child needs too.  If there were a star rating, I would give Casa de Ninos 5+ stars!" - Shannon


Their website provides a lot more information including class schedules and tuition rates.  I have to warn you, the website is pretty flashy.

Yuma Moms Speak Out.  See what other Yuma moms had to say about Casa de Ninos Preschool:

"Casa de Ninos is an amazing preschool. I have had a son graduated the pre-k class and I have a new child in the baby room. We love the staff and their curriculum is phenomental. His kinder teacher was amazed with his knowledge and his play/share skills. We love Sabrina and Casa. :)"

"by the way... Casa de Ninos has a waiting list too... the younger the child, the shorter the wait list. Fees are $22 for a full day including 2 "home style" meals and snacks. $20 for a morning program ending at either noon or 12:30. They have a facebook page. :)"

Free Child Care!

Do I have your attention now? 

It was requested by a YumaMom.com follower that I post information about free child care.  As much as any other mom, I love my children, but I need a little time away from them to be the best mom I can be.  There are many ways to volunteer on base and have your child care paid for.  While most of these volunteer opportunities are intended for military families, The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society accepts civilian volunteers on a case by case basis.  Volunteering is a great way to keep your job skills current and interact with other adults in a adult setting without the commitment of a full or part-time job.  The amount of time you choose to spend volunteering is up to you!  Read more to find out which volunteer opportunities may be the best fit for you.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is always in need of volunteers and they pay for your childcare while you volunteer.  Your child care options are to a) have NMCRS reserve drop-in care for your child at the Child Development Center (CDC) on base and they pay for it, or b) use your own provider and have NMCRS pay them or reimburse you for the hourly cost (within reason).  Volunteer opportunities include reception work, casework (budgeting and financing with Marines & Sailors), working in the Thrift Shop, or teaching Budget for Baby classes.  Training is provided.  For more information, call NMCRS at (928) 269-2373 or stop by their office in building 645 (across from the Station Theater, same building as the Stork Club, Craft time, Breastfeeding Classes & Baby Weigh-Ins, and Youth Sports) for a volunteer application.  You don't have to be military to volunteer!! 

Marine Corp Family Team Building (MCFTB) also provides many opportunities for free child care that include volunteering with LINKS, attending classes/workshops sponsored by MCFTB, or volunteering to help with the numerous events that MCFTB puts on through the year.  Child care is paid out at the CDC rate of $3 an hour per child and you may use the CDC on base, an at home provider, or your own babysitter.  Want to attend the next LINKS class?  Free Child care.  Want to be a LINKS mentor?  Free Child care.  Want to attend the next Spouses Leadership Seminar?  Free Child care.  Click here to register for BLOOM, the Marine Corps Family Team Building newsletter to be notified of more great opportunities!  The MCFTB office is now located right next to the Commissary.  Feel free to stop by to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.

The Family Readiness Program volunteer opportunities vary from unit to unit.  Most units will also pay for child care for their Family Readiness Assistants when they volunteer with their unit.  Free, child care-paid training is available and volunteers work closely with the unit Family Readiness Officer.  Check with your unit FRO for volunteer opportunities. 

The last opportunity for free child care that I'm aware of is through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). 

An Exceptional Family Member is defined as any authorized family member (spouse, child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child or dependent parent) residing with the sponsor who possesses a physical, intellectual or emotional disability and requires special medical or educational services.

For those registered in the EFMP, respite care is available for up to 40 hours a month.  Respite care is intended to relieve the caretaker, not to pay for child care while caretaker goes to work.  The rate of reimbursed child care is case dependent.  Please call the EFMP office at (928) 269-2425 for more information.

Do you know of other ways to volunteer for free child care?  If so, leave a comment and let Yuma moms know!