Free child care available for new community members

Incoming Soldiers and civilians can qualify for up to 16 hours of free child care per child at the Child Development and School Age Centers in the Kaiserslautern and Baumholder communities during in-processing.

Jason Etchell, coordinator for the Baumholder Military Community Child, Youth and School Services, said the service is designed to allow Soldiers, civilians and their spouses the opportunity to attend orientations together as they integrate into the new community.

“We’ve had some people come, but I think it’s kind of slowly building,” Etchell said. “The program came out in April or May, so it hasn’t existed that long, but we also do a lot of different briefings in the community to try and get the word out. Right now, the service is being used, but it certainly could be utilized more.”

The centers are equipped to care for children 6 weeks of age through fifth grade. Parents or guardians should bring their completed registration paperwork, identification cards and their child’s immunization records to their appointment. The 16 hours of free child care for in-processing Soldiers and civilians is valid for up to 60 days from the time families arrive.

“We have great programs here that are nationally accredited, and the staff are truly dedicated to serving the families,” Etchell said. “So you can have your child be somewhere that is safe and fun as you learn about your new community. I really think it’s an overall win-win situation for families and us.”

Soldiers and civilians can contact the Kaiserslautern and Baumholder central processing facilities for more information and sign-up details. Contact the Child, Youth and School Services Central Enrollment Kaiserslautern at 0631-3406-4516, or for the Child, Youth and School Services Central Enrollment Baumholder, call 06783-67003.