FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker officials remind Soldiers and Families that child supervision is an issue that affects the entire installation.

Some recent issues with unsupervised children around Fort Rucker Elementary School have prompted Directorate of Public Safety, Fort Rucker garrison and Child, Youth and School Services officials to remind those living and working here that there are consequences for not following regulations.

"There have been some recently reported issues with unsupervised children at bus stops and at playgrounds," said Maj. Jay Massey, DPS deputy provost marshal. "It's the responsibility of the parents to ensure their children are supervised in the hours before and after school.

"In accordance with U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Regulation 608-6, parents or sponsors who leave children unattended may be determined to have engaged in misconduct and could face administrative action including termination from government quarters or possible prosecution," Massey said. "The regulation is punitive, which means the appropriate chain of command will also be notified of these violations."

Unauthorized childcare is prohibited in government-owned or -leased housing at Fort Rucker, according to USAACE 608-6. If a child is 13 or older and has completed the babysitter course provided by the American Red Cross and Army Community Service, he or she may become a child care provider.

Justin Mitchell, Fort Rucker deputy garrison commander, said anyone who witnesses an unsupervised child should immediately report it to the proper authorities.

"If a child is left unsupervised and someone witnesses it, it should be reported to the (Fort Rucker police)," he said. "Child supervision is a concern for all of us here and it's something we take very seriously."

According to John Jennings, Fort Rucker school liaison officer, parents who are looking for childcare options in the hours before and after school should contact CYSS to find out what their options are.

"A lot of parents have jobs and they need to leave early," he said. "The youth center opens at 5:30 a.m. and can care for children. There are fees attached to that. However, there are agencies on post that can help with fees if the Family needs the service. Parents should also look to the community and their neighbors," he said.

Jennings also said limiting the time a child has to get to school can help cut down on incidents that may occur in the morning hours.

"If a child lives less than a mile away from school, that child should only need about 15 minutes to get there," he said. "The less time they have to spend in the morning, the less likely they are to run into trouble."

Other concerns of officials include incidents of bullying around the housing areas, bus stops and in schools.

According to Vicki Gilmer, Fort Rucker Elementary School principal, there is "zero tolerance" for bullying at Fort Rucker schools.

"There are consequences in place for anyone who is caught bullying another student on campus," she said. "We've really stepped up our anti-bullying efforts this month by talking with the children more and having things like anti-bullying news clips from the Foundation for a Better Life every Thursday morning on our in-school news. It's all about helping children make better choices."

Gilmer said the children all seem to be treating each other in a kinder manner since the anti-bullying initiative began.

Peggy Contreras, Community Police supervisor, said all children on Fort Rucker should feel safe at all times while on post, especially when they're in school.

"Some parents have complained their children are afraid to come to school because of some things that have happened on the playground," Contreras said. "We're asking parents to be responsible and talk with their children and be involved. Everyone is more than willing to work with the parents in these situations."

To report an incident of unsupervised children on post, call DPS at 255-2222. Those interested in becoming a Family Child Care Provider should contact ACS at 255-3817. To find out about child care services, contact CYSS at 255-9108.