HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Force Support Squadron officials here recently announced that Child and Youth Programs and the School Liaison Program have been re-certified by the Department of Defense.
Air Force Services Center officials notified 66th Air Base Group senior leaders via email earlier this month.
“I want to personally congratulate your entire Child and Youth Programs team for achieving DOD certification from their 2022 Annual Unannounced Higher Headquarters Inspection,” wrote Erica Castillo-Mitchell, AFSC Child and Youth Programs Division chief, via email to Col. Taona Enriquez, 66 ABG and installation commander.
According to FSS officials, Defense Department policy requires an unannounced inspection of military child care facilities five times per year. Facilities include the Child Development Center, School-Age Care Programs, Family Child Care, Youth Programs and School Liaison Programs.
“Of those five inspections, one must include a multidisciplinary team led by a representative of Hanscom Air Force Base and one must be conducted by representatives from the Air Force Services Center,” said Scott Craver, 66th Force Support Squadron Child and Youth Services Flight chief.
He added that the child and youth development programs must also undergo a comprehensive health and sanitation inspection and a comprehensive fire and safety inspection on an annual basis. These inspections are separate from any installation-level and command-level inspections.
According to DOD officials, the certification is current through Sept. 30, 2023.
Hanscom AFB child care officials will host two local hiring fairs for job seekers interested in federal employment Sept. 22 and Sept. 24. Those interested in caring for military-connected children may visit HanscomFSS.com to learn more.
The FSS-run CDC assists eligible personnel with balancing the demands of family life and accomplishing the mission, according to the center’s webpage.
The Hanscom Family Child Care program, according to the program’s webpage, offers families alternative childcare in a less structured, home-like environment. Providers are able to accommodate parents’ various work schedules with full- and part-time, drop-in, weekend and evening care.
The School Age Program serves Hanscom families by providing a caring and positive environment for children, according to the SAP program page.