Child and Youth Center opens at Hillside Elementary

Representatives from Clover Park School District and Joint Base Lewis-McChord cut a ribbon to open the Child and Youth Center at Hillside Elementary.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held May 12 at the new Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) Child and Youth Center at Hillside Elementary on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Children of all ages will utilize the facility which features instructional classes in different rooms along with special interest programs. CYSS is a network of systems and programs through which JBLM provides quality child and youth development options that reduce the conflict between parental responsibilities and unit mission requirements.

The Army leased back land from Clover Park School District (CPSD) so the building could be constructed. Through an agreement between CPSD and JBLM, students at Hillside Elementary will utilize the facility. Two of the rooms at the new center will be used as classrooms for Hillside students.

Construction began a year ago on the building and Department of Army funding paid for the $5 million structure. The Child Development Center is on another corner of the property and is designed for children from birth through pre-kindergarten age. Children will move into the building this summer. A new teen center will be constructed over the next year between the Child Development Center and Child and Youth Center.

“The objective of Child, Youth and School Services is to provide care options for children who are impacted by deployments, separation and re-integration following deployment,” said Barbara Sporcic, division chief of CYSS. “We are thrilled that the Army is committed to providing for the care of military youth through the construction of this facility.”