The goal of this team is to establish and implement a Child, Youth & School Services Program that addresses the Army Reserve's child care, youth development, and school transition needs through community-based programs.  This means they will bring AR Soldiers and Families up-to-date information on services available to them in their own communities, create activities relevant to today's AR youth, educate the community about the AR youth's unique needs, and establish avenues of support to meet them.  There are several programs already in place, including free summer camps, free leadership activities, reduced child care rates, and more!  Locate an Army Reserve CYSS Staff Member in your area.

Army Reserve Child and Youth Services have implemented programs to increase availability to high quality child care options. Learn more about subsidy programs that reduce out-of-pocket expenses, locating quality child care providers, and establishing free child care during Battle Training Assembly weekends. These child care programs are furthering our ability to reduce potential conflicts between parental responsibilities and mission requirements. Download a Child Care Fact Sheet.

"What's Up With"??? Facts and tips on mobilization and deployment for youth ages 12 and up.  It is the 411 on topics from feelings to finances; information to help them prepare for when their Soldier has to leave.  

Sesame Street has partnered with the Department of Defense and WalMart to create a Sesame Street DVD called "Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families Cope with Military Deployment." Geared towards children between 3 and 5 years old - this DVD provides an excellent platform to help these children cope when a parent is deployed or getting ready to deploy.

Children's responses to a parent's deployment are individualized and age related. Sudden negative changes ina a child's behavior or mood are common and predictable responses to the stress of having a parent deploy.  Children often revert to behaviors that are typical of an earlier age.  For example, a child who has been independent may suddenly become clingy, or a child who has been potty trained may revert to bed wetting.  Remedies and coping strategies may have to be adjusted based on each child.  Know your child(ren); the coping tips/remedies may not be foolproof in resolving the problem.

Parents, Educators and other caring adults who are actively involved in the life of a military child have the unique opportunity to provide support and encouragement to these children who are experiencing changes brought about by military life.  Learn more about the impact of deployment on children and their families, request professional assistance from a CYSS Staff Member, download lesson plan activities to use at home, in the classroom, at an after-school program, with your 4-H club, however you see fit!  Visit the Student Support Center for Parents and Teachers for more information.

The military lifestyle presents many challenges in the lives of today's Army Reserve Youth.  These challenges can only be managed with the help of caring and nurturing adults.  Although teachers, counsleors, coaches and other youth professionals may be willing to help, they often may not be aware that there is a specific need for help or what they can do to support these youth.  To initiate communication with educators about your family's situation, you may utilize this Letter to Youth Professional to outline some of the changes your child may experience.

This compilation of resources and links are provided to parents and caregivers so they can better understand their childrens' experiences and serve as a supportive person.  Many of these resources are documents that can be downloaded or printed.

• Parent's Guide to Military Child During Deployment and Reunion
• Resilience for Kids and Teens
• Children and Deployment Stress
• Homecoming: Resilience after Wartime
• Military Students on the Move: Toolkits for Parents
• Reunions and Children: Rebuilding their Circle of Trust by Reuniting their Family
• More Resources and Links for Parents