Hanscom honors, recognizes contributions of child care providers, staff

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  The Hanscom community will join other organizations and parents across the globe on May 9 to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day. 

Provider Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, school-age program staff, child care center directors and staff, and all those who work with children in a variety of ways and are responsible for their education and care. 

"Hanscom is fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring staff of professionals taking care of the youngest members of our community," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "We have some very special and talented people that work with our children; the care, compassion, and knowledge that they impart on our youth is valued by all of us. They ensure that our parents have the piece of mind in knowing that their children's needs are being met so that they can focus on their missions." 

At Hanscom there are 11 licensed Family Child Care providers which offer in-home care for children, there are five School Age Program caregivers and 40 staff members that work at the Child Development Center, in addition to the front desk staff, cooks and janitorial staff that contribute to the programs daily operations. In addition the Youth Center staff oversees a number of activities and programs for the base's young people. 

"Our family member programs have proven themselves to be among the best, earning accreditation and re-accreditation from outside organizations certifying them as high quality care providers" said Roxane Dietrich, Family Member Programs chief. 

"It takes a special person to work in this field and the contribution these individuals make to the quality of children's and families' lives is often unrecognized," said Kathryn Friess, Parent Advisory Board chair. "Provider Appreciation Day offers a unique opportunity to recognize and commend the unselfish dedication, commitment and compassion that child care providers demonstrate every day. As parents we want them to know how much they are appreciated."