Advisory board gives parents a say in Wiesbaden Child, Youth Services programs

WIESBADEN, Germany - April marks the Month of the Military Child. One way that USAG Wiesbaden Child & Youth Services (CYS) serves its military child community is by encouraging parent participation with the Parent Advisory Board.

"The Parent Advisory Board is designed to allow parents to share information, provide opportunities for parent education, provide opportunities to discuss the quality of CYS and allow engagement with senior leaders within the program," said CYS Coordinator Richard Burton. "Ultimately, it's [the parents'] program and we're just the shepherds ensuring that we provide quality in a nurturing environment."

The Parent Advisory Board consists of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and is supported by the Parent Central Services Director, Carol Carter, and Assistant Director, Karen Sarul. Meeting topics range from program updates and upcoming events to discussions about various support plans provided to children.

Last quarter's meeting focused on volunteer opportunities for parents by informing them of Parent Participation Points. "Parents can accumulate a certain number of volunteer hours within a month to get 10% off their bill," shared Burton. There are several ways for parents to volunteer their time that are unique to each childcare center, who each have their own needs.

The Parent Education portion featured DODEA representatives sharing information about their Child Find program. This outreach program provides assessments of children who may require special education and assistance in their transition from CYS childcare facilities to DODEA schools.

"The Parental Advisory Board really is our best forum for engaging with our CYS parents. It gives parents a chance to provide direct feedback to both CYS and garrison leadership and shape the direction of some of our most essential programs," said U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Commander Troy Danderson. "While we have other forums to speak with parents in the community, like town halls and housing community roundtables, I really encourage parents to attend in person or dial in. This is the best way to have your concerns heard."

The next meeting on Apr. 17 will feature news about upcoming events such as summer camps, graduation and Kinderfest. Summer Safety topics and fall enrollment will also be discussed.

In celebration of the Month of the Military Child, CYS childcare centers will be offering various activities, such as the Teen Center who will host Operation Megaphone, an annual event held with the Boys & Girls Club of America. To find out what activities are being offered at your local childcare center, please check out the calendar at each front desk.

For any parents interested in participating in the Parent Advisory Board, please contact Carol Carter at Parent Central Services.

Join CYS in celebrating the Month of the Military Child at Kinderfest this Saturday, Apr. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center on Hainerberg.

Upcoming Parent Advisory Board Meetings

• Apr. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the PCS Conference Room, Bldg. 1213 on Clay Kaserne.
• Jul. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the PCS Conference Room, Bldg. 1213 on Clay Kaserne.
• Oct. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the PCS Conference Room, Bldg. 1213 on Clay Kaserne.