HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Here at Holloman Air Force Base, taking care of Airmen and their families is a top priority.
One of the most essential organizations on base contributing to this effort is the child and youth program, consisting of the Child Development Center, School Age Care Program and Family Child Care Homes.
The childcare workers here allow Airmen to focus their efforts on Holloman’s mission.
“Our child and youth programs play the foundational role in allowing their parents to go to work and not worry about the care that their children will receive,” said Cathy Dobbins, 49th Force Support Squadron child and youth services flight chief. “These centers are a safe-haven for children to come and have fun and connect with others.”
In November, childcare facilities on base completed the 2022 Annual Unannounced Higher Headquarters Inspection to gauge their effectiveness in their curriculum and development efforts. Investigators observed environmental factors, lesson planning, and interactions between caregivers and children.
“They come in to make sure we are in compliance with U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and Council of Accreditation regulations,” said Dobbins. “Across all child and youth programs, there were no write-ups in any categories.”
To further improve the quality of care for children on base and continue the momentum of excellent care from our providers here, the Child Development Center has set plans in motion to build a brand new playground.
“Higher headquarters will fund the building of a school-age outdoor playground,” said Rhonda Fowler, 49th FSS youth program director. “This will give the children an outside environment for different learning areas, specifically physical activity and social interaction.”
Members of the child and youth program have made further efforts to help to support its caregivers through the Parent Advisory Board, a group of parents, whose children attend one of the three centers, that work together to put on fundraisers and events for children and staff.
“The purpose of the Parent Advisory Board is to have parents involved in our program,” said Dobbins. “They help put together fundraisers to support our caregivers as well create activities they would like to see for the children. It’s a great support system for parents and caregivers.”
There are new incentives for caregivers interested in joining Holloman’s amazing team of providers.
“Direct care staff can have their first child attend the center for free and, if they have more children attending the center, they receive a discounted rate,” said Martine Lynch, 49th FSS Child Development Center director. “On top of that, they are eligible to receive medical and dental insurance as well as paid leave and vacation time.”
The efforts and hard work of Holloman’s childcare workers does not go unseen by parents and staff.
“We have an outstanding group of people here that just love our children,” said Dobbins. “That means everything to parents and we are looking for more people that are energetic, flexible and excited to join our team.”
For more information, visit www.hollomanfss.com/cdc or attend the CYP job fair at the Tays Center, Alamogordo, Nov. 18, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.