Children ages one through four are at a vital point in their development and can learn habits or skills that can last the rest of their lives.

As parents, it is our job to ensure that we provide our children with age appropriate knowledge that will help them excel when they are older.

ACS Family Advocacy Program presents 1, 2, 3, 4 Parents; a three session workshop for parents of children ages one through four. This workshop discusses ages and stages, discipline skills, avoiding accidents and problems, choices and consequences, and encouragement.

Parent(s) must attend all three sessions to complete the class and free child care is available through Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) hourly care for children 5 and under.

Child must be registered with CYSS in order to be admitted into hourly care. Registration is required as space for child care is limited.

For more information or to register for 1, 2, 3, 4 Parents, please call ACS Family Advocacy Program at (270) 956-3736 or (270) 412-5500.

Develop your children's imagination by enrolling them in R.F. Sink Library's Summer Reading Program. The Summer Reading Program is open to children entering kindergarten through fourth grade. Registration is available June 1 through June 25.

Children will gather at the R.F. Sink Library from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday July 1, 8, 15 and 22 to enjoy some fantastic stories, craft making, and refreshments. On Thursday July 29 at 11:30 a.m., the Library will host a party at the Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center.

Children who have read 10 books or had 10 books read to them will be presented with a reading certificate. The Summer Reading Program is FREE, so sign your children up at R.F. Sink Library this summer.

Registration will not be taken over the phone and must be done in person at the R.F. Sink Library.

For additional information on the Summer Reading Club, please contact R. F. Sink Library at (270) 798-7466.

Set the pins, line it up, and roll for a strike! Hooper Bowling Center is starting a Summer Youth Bowling Program beginning every Thursday night at 5 p.m. June 3rd through August 5th.

The 10 week program will give children ages 6 and older the opportunity to come in and have some bowling fun.

For those who require assistance, some limited instruction and guidance will be provided by volunteers from the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Youth Program.

Cost for this program is $12 per week which includes three bowling games, shoe rental, and a new plastic ball which retails for $57.95. Participants may use the equivalent of that amount as an upgrade to a more expensive reactive urethane ball if they choose. Professional fitting and drilling will be provided at no extra charge to participants.

Sing-ups are now available at Hooper Bowling Center. For anyone who has questions or concerns a short meeting will be held on May 27 at 5 p.m. to address those inquiries. This program will be a great foundation for the USBC Youth Bowling League that starts in September.

For additional information on the Summer Youth Bowling Program, please contact Hooper Bowling Center at (270) 798-5887.

Bring your infant or toddler up to the age of 24 months to the R. F. Sink Memorial Library every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for Baby and Me Lapsit.

This program is designed to expose your child to rhythms of language and music by lending a hand in your child's development through introduction of books and reading at an early age.

Expose your little one to activities that enhance both small and large motor skills; such as basic finger-plays, tickles, bounces, and activity songs. Lapsit offers both you and your child the opportunity to socialize, while spending quality time with your child. Upcoming Baby and Me Lapsit times in 2010 are as follows; dates and times are subject to change:

• February 3, 10, 17, and 24
• March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
• April 7, 14, 21, and 28
• May 5, 12, 19, and 26
• September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
• October 6, 13, 20, and 27
• November 3, 10, 17, and 24
• December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29

For more information on Baby and Me Lapsit, please contact R.F. Sink Library at (270) 798-5729.

Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) is now offering a program that prepares your Pre-K aged child to become acclimated to the world of kindergarten.

Strong Beginnings is a Pre-K program designed to prepare children to be successful when entering school.

Curriculum focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of children. Equipping your Pre-K child with the basic academics and "kindergarten classroom etiquette" and skills to enhance their "school readiness" can be a crucial difference in a child who has participated in the Strong Beginnings program and one who has not.

This part day program is offered Monday through Friday at 3301 Indiana Avenue at two different times, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

The cost for the program is based on total family gross income and will be determined upon registration.

For more information or to register for Strong Beginnings, or any other program CYSS offers, please call to make an appointment with the CYSS Central Registration Office at (270) 798-0674.

Deployment can be a very difficult and trying time for all members of the Family.

The best defense in avoiding or getting through the trials and tribulations of a deployment is to be prepared with the knowledge and resources that are available to you.

Spouse Battlemind is a class that deals with the challenges that both Spouses and Soldiers face during the deployment cycle and how to overcome those issues.

By participating in the Spouse Battlemind class, several goals will be achieved: identifying common areas of deployment related concern or conflict that Military Spouses and Soldiers experience, taking a look at issues dealing with deployment from both the point of view of the Soldier and the Spouse, providing strategies to enhance you and your Family's resiliency before and during deployment, and identifying cues for when to seek help and available resources for yourself and your Family. These are all goals that will be achieved by participating in the Spouse Battlemind class.

Classes are limited to 12 people at a time and are located at the Family Resource Center (FRC). Free onsite childcare is provided, and registration for childcare must be done at least one week prior to class. Dates of classes are subject to change.

For additional information on the Spouse Battlemind Classes, please contact the Mobilization/Deployment Office at (270) 798-3849 or (270) 798-4408.