CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS

The New Orleans Child and Youth Programs (CYP) serve children 6 weeks to 18 years old in high-quality, nationally accredited programs. Local instructions and standard operating procedures are available to all patrons and are located in all facilities. Policies and guidelines are coordinated through the Navy safety office, preventive medicine, fire department, family advocacy and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC-912). Key indicators of quality that CYP adheres to include the following child abuse prevention measures:

• Two staff members with each group of children at all times.
• 100 percent parent sign-in/sign-out, and 100 percent ID check at pickup time.
• Closed-circuit television recording in the child development centers (protects all children).
• Low staff-to-child ratios and implemented maximum group sizes.
• Thorough background clearance and medical screening.
• Training and curriculum specialist on-site to provide mandatory, ongoing professional staff development.
• Mandatory continuous training for all CYP professionals to implement safe, healthy, educational and developmentally appropriate programs and activities with the children.
• Low staff turnover and competitive wages for CYP professionals.
• Parent involvement program that includes events, activities, education and board meetings.
• Developmentally appropriate curriculum and staff to articulate the curriculum.

Mission Statement

Navy CYP assists parents in meeting their military obligation and the mission of the installation by creating a safe, enriched environment that promotes quality programming where children are encouraged to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Program Goals and Objectives

• Build physical development and skills.
• Promote social competence and positive relationships with others.
• Foster emotional well-being and a sense of trust and respect for self and others.
• Encourage children to think, reason, question and experiment.
• Develop initiative, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Advance creative expression, representation and appreciation for the arts.
• Promote language and literacy development.
• Develop self-discipline and the ability to seek out and complete self-selected tasks.
• Cultivate respect and appreciation of differences and the uniqueness of diverse cultures and traditions.
• Support sound health, safety and nutritional practices.

Philosophy

Navy CYPs provide high-quality educational and recreational activities. Teams of caring, knowledgeable professionals plan developmentally appropriate programs that are responsive to the unique needs, abilities and interests of children. The staff fosters a sense of independence, trust and responsibility within each child through understanding and respectful interactions. Likewise, through positive relationships, the programs respect and support the ideals, cultures and values of families in their task of nurturing children and youth. The CYP staff members are advocates for children, families and the child and youth professionals within the programs and surrounding communities.

Eligibility

The central enrollment and waiting list office maintains eligibility requirements, priority for care categories, fees (based on total family income requirements), request for care forms and information about contracts for special evening and weekend openings. As the demand for child care has increased in the military community, subsidized Child Development Homes (CDH) have become a viable alternative for the Navy New Orleans CYP to help bridge the gap between the needs of personnel and the availability of center-based care. CDH provides the only business authorized and sanctioned by the Navy in government-owned or -leased housing. Child development home providers care for up to six children in their housing units at both NAS JRB and Federal City. The CDH provides care for children whose parents prefer a homelike setting or work evenings, weekends or shift hours. The CDH providers care for children four weeks to 12 years of age in a loving, learning environment. Hours are listed in the individuals’ Parent/Provider Contract.

CYP Facilities and Hours of Operation

The Child Development Center (CDC)

offers full-day, developmentally appropriate programs for children of active-duty and authorized civilian parents from infancy to 5 years of age (if not eligible for kindergarten). The CDC is in Building 528, behind the Naval Branch Health Clinic Belle Chasse, and is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Youth and School Age Care

programs offer before- and after-school programs for children from kindergarten to 12 years old during the school year and full-day care during school holidays and summer camps. Teen programs and a variety of youth sports are offered for youths 13 to 18 years of age (18 if still in school). Navy Youth Programs have partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide core programs that build character through everyday leadership and guidance in behavior and attitude. The trained CYP professionals are positive adult mentors and role models, encouraging children to reach their full potential as responsible, productive citizens. School Age Care (SAC) is offered in Building 561 and is combined with the Youth Center on NAS JRB near Belle Chasse Academy. SAC hours are 6 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Holiday and summer camp hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Youth sports and cheerleading are offered throughout the year. The teen center at NAS JRB is open 3 to 6 p.m. Friday for youths 13 to 18 years old, with occasional open recreation activities. All child and youth programs are closed on federal holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). They are also closed for Mardi Gras and any other day sanctioned by the NAS JRB commanding officer.

Drop-in Care

Drop-in care is provided on a space-available basis for all CYP Programs by going online at NAS JRB New Orleans CYP online services at https://myffr.navyaims.com/nolacyms.html for each facility. Reservations for drop-in care are also accepted online at this site. Call on the day that care is required for availability status if you do not get a confirmation from the site. Drop-in care is $5 per hour per child. Children are accepted for drop-in care throughout operating hours. Fees for drop-in care are due when the child or children are picked up from the program on the same day that care was provided.

Child Development Homes

Child Development Homes are an important part of the Navy’s quality-of-life enhancement. The homes also provide a career opportunity for military spouses living in housing, a career that easily transfers from one duty station to the next. Providers can provide service in the evenings and weekends and can accommodate shift workers’ schedules. The CYP staff and command representatives:

• Help to ensure certified providers are successful and provide a positive experience for children.
• Assist providers in completing the certification process and support their continued professional growth.
• Provide assurance for parents by visiting each home at least monthly to verify all inspection standards are met.
• Support both parents and providers through home visits and a variety of ongoing training and parent involvement opportunities.
• The CDH office and lending library provide resources and guidance for both parents and providers to enhance the total quality experience for families.

Parents using CDH are assured that:

• Maximum group limits ensure each child receives opportunities for love, encouragement, guidance and individual attention.
• Homes meet minimum health, fire and safety standards.
• Providers have successfully completed background screenings.
• Providers’ family members are in good health, as are all the children in care.
• Providers are trained in developmentally appropriate practices to aid in the development of the whole child.

Because of legal implications and liabilities, CDH providers must purchase liability insurance before caring for children and are required to maintain personal liability insurance to protect themselves and the Navy against potential liability claims. Providers are required to carry insurance because they are independent private contractors and not employees of MWR or the U.S. government.

School Liaison Officer (SLO) Connecting Military Families, Commands and K-12

The school liaison officer (SLO) serves as the primary liaison between schools, commanders and military parents with regard to K-12 educational issues. The SLO informs and links military families to the resources and information needed to maximize educational opportunities to ensure academic success for all military children. The school liaison officer functions as the face of the command to the educational community as well as the face of the educational community to the command. She can be reached at 504-281-8945 or 504-210-7338. There are seven core services:

• School Transition Services (PCS cycle).
• Deployment support.
• Special education system navigation.
• Command, school and community communication.
• Home-school linkage and support.
• Partnerships in education.
• Postsecondary preparations.

Chain of Command

CYP operates under OPNAVINST 1700.9E and local instructions. CYP appreciates feedback on customer service and welcomes all comments or concerns. Concerns or issues should be addressed with the child’s caregiver or lead education technician immediately. If the concerns remain unresolved, parents should talk to the program director. Parents not satisfied with the response from the child’s program director should contact the CDC director at NAS JRB, who has oversight of all Navy New Orleans CYP, or the MWR director, who reports directly to the NAS JRB commanding officer. Parents who would like to address a comment or complaint in writing may email the program director at Elvina.Candaso@navy.mil or mail it to: MWR Administration, 400 Russell Ave. Building 261, NAS JRB New Orleans, LA 70143-5012.

ARCHERY RANGE & PAINTBALL (OLD AIRFIELD)

The archery range has a variety of targets and also is available for rent. The three paintball courses are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with everything needed. Call 504-678-3142 for private party and birthday party information.

AUTO CARE CENTER (BUILDING 42)

The Auto Care Center in Building 42 is for when people prefer to “do it themselves.” The shop has the equipment and tools for changing a spark plug, doing a major overhaul or carrying out a restoration project. The facility provides equipment for routine car maintenance such as oil change and lube, tire mounting, brake service, tire repair, tire rotation and balance, and replacing belts, hoses, CV axles and struts. The center also offers two motorcycle lifts, a tire balancer, a tire changer and outdoor bays for extended jobs. A CD library with repair manuals and tools (including metric) is available to patrons. Trained MWR personnel are available to assist patrons in performing do-it-yourself projects. All fees are based upon work being performed and are available to active-duty, retired and Reserve military, DOD civilian employees and family members. For more information call 504-678-3448.

AUTORAMA (NEXT TO BUILDING 42)

For a small fee, park your “for sale” vehicle in the Autorama. This is a great opportunity to display your car, boat, camper, etc., for all to see. Autorama is operated by the Auto Care Center and is open the same hours. The lot is in the Auto Care Center parking lot next to Building 42.

AVIATION ARBOR RV PARK (BUILDING 579A)

The RV park at NAS JRB New Orleans opened in 2012. Aviation Arbor offers 45 short-term RV and camper slips with laundry and shower facilities on-site. Handicap and pull-through slips are available. Cost is $21.50 per day, $126 per week or $405 per month. Call 504-678-3500 for reservations, which are not required but are recommended.

BAYOU FUN TIME BOWL (BUILDING 301)

Bayou Fun Time Bowling Center celebrates the “flavor of N’awlins” with a Mardi Gras theme. The eight-lane, state-of-the-art handicap-accessible facility is sanctioned by the United States Bowling Congress and features a user-friendly and fully automated scoring system featuring “BES-X” graphics as well as a variety of interactive bowling features and games. All lanes have automatic bumpers that can deploy and retract for individual bowlers, allowing parents and children to bowl together with bumpers up for the kids and down for adults. “Dinosaur bowling” is popular with young children, enabling them to place the ball on a dinosaur’s head and roll it down its tail. If they’re able to lift a 4-pound ball, they can bowl with these ramps. Prices cannot be touched by off-base bowling centers, and discounts and specials are routinely offered. Bayou Bowl is a comfortable, family-oriented, protected and safe environment that hosts bowling leagues, bowling clubs, tournaments and events year-round with details advertised throughout the base and posted on MWR websites and in the center. Complimentary bowling for active-duty military is available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 p.m. Friday. Friday nights feature glow-in-the-dark Cosmic Bowling. LED lights, black lights and laser lights always rocks the house. With 17 42-inch TVs and two 9-foot dropdown video screens there is always a lot to see. The diverse music database holds more than 10,000 songs. The center routinely hosts themed events, including Christmas in July, Haunted Bowling on Da Bayou, Special Mardi Gras Celebration, Bowl with the Easter Bunny and just about any occasion there is to celebrate. The center has a full-service snack bar with a variety of short-order foods including shrimp, a variety of chicken, made-to-order pizza and a variety of refreshments including adult beverages. Bayou Fun Time Bowl has it all. Popular and diverse party packages meet the needs of any event for any age and can accommodate from six to 80 guests. Parties can be scheduled by the hour, by the meal or by rental of the entire bowling center, with a buffet food package for closed events. Cost-per-child kids’ party packages are $10 per guest, which includes 2 1/2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, a choice of meal and soft drink. Check out any bowling center in New Orleans, and you will find our price amazing. Additional discounts are offered for official command functions and approved fundraising events. The center is open 362 days a year; the only scheduled days closed are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The center is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Join us for a great time at Bayou Fun Time Bowl — where “Fun Time” is our middle name! For questions, pricing or copies of the menu, email david.mcmasters@navy.mil or call 504-678-3514.

BAYOU FUN TIME GRILL (BUILDING 301A)

Bayou Fun Time Grill, next to the bowling center, is a limited-service kitchen that includes eat-in or takeout service. Meals may be purchased in the diner to be enjoyed in the comfortable, New Orleans-themed bowling center or in the outdoor seating area. The grill offers breakfast 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and lunch 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Breakfast items include eggs to order, omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, a full breakfast platter and side items and juices at reasonable prices. There is no tax. The lunchtime menu features half-pound, all-beef TNT burgers, quarter-pound smoked sausages and hot dogs that can be loaded with choices. Add fries and a soft drink to any item for $2.50. The grill also offers a daily lunch special that will fill you up but won’t empty your wallet. These plated daily specials include loaded baked potato, spaghetti and meatballs, hamburger steak in brown gravy, a fish platter and more. All come with vegetables, bread and a soft drink. To request a complete menu, email david.mcmasters@navy.mil.

BOONDOGGLES (BUILDING 40)

Boondoggles is an event space in Building 40 available to rent. The space is equipped with a full-service bar, pool tables, DJ booth, dance floor and lots more. Call 504-678-3034 for more information or to book your next event.

COMMAND SUPPORT SERVICES (BUILDING 260)

Community Recreation offers support services to each command on base. Items are offered for use with MWR family days, picnics and other command events. Items available include tables, chairs, grills, tents, small bounce houses and more. Call 504-281-8949 or email lance.greco@navy.mil for a complete list of available items.

FAMILY RECREATION CENTER (BUILDING 410)

The MWR Family Recreation Center has something for everyone. It is composed of the Krewe-Dats Lounge, which is now open and coming in early 2019, the Oasis Video Game Arcade, Pierre’s Eatery and Sweet Sensations Coffee shop. The Krewe-Dats Lounge is a casual bar featuring six large screen TV’s bringing you all the best in sports. It also has a patio lounge with outdoor TVs and comfortable lounge furniture. It is available on Tuesday and Wednesday for private unit functions only. Oasis Arcade will have the latest in video and redemption games, guaranteed to keep young and old alike entertained. Pierre’s Eatery will have fresh Italian and local favorite’s cuisine. The center also has a party room, designed for youth parties. It features seating for 24 and a flat-screen TV/monitor to play movie(s) or presentation(s) and access to the arcade. Guests may not bring in outside food with the exception of a celebration cake and ice cream; however Pierre’s will be available for your catering needs. For more information on booking a party or reserving the lounge for a group function, call the recreation center’s office at 504-678-4523. The recreation center will be open every day. Hours will vary by day and holiday. Hours of Operation for Krewe-Dats Lounge: Thursday……….4 to 10 p.m. Friday…………….3 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday……..…11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday…………..11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday………..4 to 10 p.m.