Choosing childcare and youth programming for your family is an important decision, which may be further complicated by military lifestyles. We know that military life comes with unique experiences and rewards of its own. While your children may face more than the usual challenges growing up, they also have the benefit of receiving high-quality early care and education from qualified professionals who can assist them in learning and in coping with these challenges. Navy CYP provides quality programs and services to nurture and support children as they navigate life in a military family, including care for your children during nontraditional work hours. The Navy is also dedicated to supporting the inclusion of children of all races, ethnicities, and abilities in CY programs. Navy policies, practices, and procedures reflect a commitment to inclusion and support of all children with and without disabilities or other special needs.

All of us in Navy CYP are committed to partnering with you as parents to provide a stable foundation for early learning and school readiness. Working together, we can help build a secure and successful future for your children.

Download a copy of the Parent Handbook

GIVE PARENTS A BREAK Program

Military families are subject to unique stressors associated with military life, including deployments, remote tours of duty, and extended working hours. The Navy Child & Youth Programs (CYP) "Give Parents a Break (GPAB)" program is designed to give family members a short break from parenting in order to help them deal with these types of stressful situations. The GPAB program is designed to standardize respite care at all installations operating CYP programs. Below are the varying options for utilization of GPAB.

Who is Eligible?

The family of a Fallen Warrior is authorized 40-hours of respite care to be taken at one-time during the year after the member's death. The family should be able to provide a copy of the death certificate or verification from the command. However, in order to not place undue burden on the family, verification can be provided by the Navy Gold Star program.

Families who meet the criteria and have been identified by the command can receive up to 16 hours of free childcare monthly. Please download and complete the Give Parents A Break Referral Certificate below to request free childcare from your command.

If you do not meet the requirements for free care through GPAB, your child is still eligible for care through CYP at the Hourly Care rate. Hourly Care may be utilized through each of the CYP programs; Child Development Centers, Child Development Homes, Youth Programs, as well as the GPAB schedule below.

Category 4/5 EFMP families may be eligible for up to 40 hours of free respite childcare each month. This service is provided through Child Care Aware. Families seeking this service can visit the Child Care Aware EFMP Respite or call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246.

In support of Give Parents a Break, centers are open for care in the evenings at no cost for qualifying military families, and at the Hourly Care rate for all other eligible CYP patrons who wish to utilize, on a space available basis. Families requesting childcare should contact the center directly. Commands requiring childcare for official functions must utilize spaces made available through these evening hours.

Schedule

GPAB is offered during normal business hours at the preferred location. Call the center directly for more information. 
Advanced registration required and based on availability.

Families are responsible for

• Families are required to obtain registration and immunization forms prior to utilizing care.
• Families are responsible for picking up their children on time; late pickups will result in a charge to the parent.
• Scheduling care in advance at the desired Center. Care is provided on a space available basis. Closed on Federal holidays.

Commands are responsible for

• Scheduling their childcare needs at least 1 month prior directly with the center.
• Working with the POC at the center to obtain registration and immunization cards prior to using care.
• Providing a final count of names and ages of children 1 week prior to the scheduled event.
• Ensuring parents pick up their children on time.
• Scheduling care in advance at the desired Center. Care is provided on a space available basis. Closed on Federal holidays.

Late pick up will result in a charge to the parents.