A night of freedom for parents – every month

Published Sept. 6, 2011
By Zach Sproul
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Child Development Center at Vance Air Force Base hosts a Parents Night Out every month on a Saturday evening giving parents a chance to enjoy doing something of the adult variety.

Saturday, Sept. 17, the center will host the next one from 6-11 p.m., which will give parents the opportunity to attend the Air Force Ball scheduled that night. If needed, the center will open up another room for more availability.

Cost for the evening is $4 an hour per child for children ages 6 weeks to 10-years-old.

A lot of parents take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, said Adrian Randles, Child Development Center director. "This gives them that time away to do the things that they enjoy, all while knowing their child is someplace safe."

There are only a few requirements for parents follow. Kids need to be fed before they are dropped off and no open-toed shoes may be worn by the kids. Also, parents with infants need to provide extra nourishment for the child every two and a half to three hours.

Spaces come available on the first working day of the month, said Randles. Some parents start calling before that date just to make sure they can get their name on the list. Those with "Give Parents a Break" certificates can make reservations two days in advance of everyone else.

Slots fill up fast and there is always quite a wait list.

Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to make reservations early. If it is necessary to cancel a reservation, notify the center before 3 p.m. on the Friday before Parents Night Out.
This will help them place another child in that spot.

Next month's scheduled Parents Night Out will be Saturday, Oct. 15. For more information, call the CDC, 213-7310.