Youth services gives Airmen peace of mind

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  For many military personnel who are or will become parents, their children mean more than anything to them. While those parents go to work and uphold the world’s greatest military presence, their children need to be cared for by top-tier professionals.

That is where McConnell’s youth services step-in. The base’s Child Development Center, family child care, school-age and youth programs provide attention and teach skills to these children while their parents are away.

Last October, during a surprise inspection, the base child service’s proved they are fit for the responsibility.

“The inspection covered three programs, five facilities, 83 staff and more than 400 children,” said Nancy Adams, Airman and Family Services Flight chief. “The inspection incorporated over 550 inspection criteria across health, safety, child abuse prevention, nutrition, staffing, benefits, and curriculum for youth, ages ranging from six weeks to 18 years, in-home and group care environments.”

This was one of three unannounced inspections that ensured the base’s Child and Youth Programs meet the stringent regulatory guidelines established by Department of Defense, said Adams.

“These inspections are required to certify compliance with rules and regulations centered around child and youth services,” said Col. Matthew Benivegna, 22nd Mission Support Group commander. “As always - our team knocked the inspections out of the park!”

Their performance achieved Department of Defense certification to continue their operations through October 2017.

“We are excited to continue to provide the best possible services to our base population,” said Benivegna, “which is all due to the outstanding teamwork we have supporting these critical programs.”

The services have proven to be reliable throughout the entire year.

Last year during a tornado watch, the base evacuated all aircraft and non-mission essential personnel. The last person at work was the CDC director caring for one child while their guardian could prepare for the storm.

“Typically, the last personnel on a base are military members during an event such as a tornado evacuation,” said Adams. “In this instance, our CDC Director, Tracie Bradford, released the remainder of her team as children were retrieved by authorized adults.”

The base youth services ensure all military personnel can accomplish their tasks by keeping their family members safe.

“Our Airmen are much more productive knowing their children are in such good hands,” said Col. Albert Miller, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander.