RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Randolph Child Development Program took home top honors recently as it was named Air Force Services Child Development Program of the Year.
With two facilities and a staff of 65, the program cares for more than 190 children full-time and an additional 50 children in their part-day enrichment program.
"It's extremely gratifying to have received affirmation of a goal we have always strived for," said Tabitha Booker, Randolph Child Development Programs director. "We realize there are many other great programs in the Air Force and to be named the best of the best is an honor. We are overwhelmed with joy!"
The child development program, which encompasses both the child development center (for children ages 2-5 years) and the child development center annex (for children ages 6 weeks to 23 months), was lauded for its customer focus programs, parent advisory council, hardworking staff and renovation projects.
Throughout the year, the child development program offered a variety of family events including a Harvest Festival, Fam-a-ganza, Fiesta parade and party, cowboy breakfast, birthday celebrations and snack times with mom and dad. In all, more than 4,600 parents and children attended the events.
The program also focused on helping families with deployed members, by sending photos overseas to parents of their children and facilitating phone calls. The two centers also assisted the Airman and Family Readiness Flight with its Give Parents a Break Program providing more than 1,300 hours caring for more than 260 children of deployed members, children with special needs and families requiring respite.
Ms. Booker said she is especially proud of the child development program staff, which has garnered numerous command, division and flight-level awards.
"To say we have the best staff in the Air Force is an understatement," she said. "You couldn't find a group of professionals more dedicated and committed to excellence. They are continually looking to take themselves and the program to the next level by meeting the needs of each individual child and family."
The parent advisory committee has also shown their appreciation for all that the staff has done, facilitating two book fairs, children's photos, child ID cards and art to remember fundraisers to raise money for Caregiver Appreciation Week. During the week, the parents honored and pampered the staff with massages, spa treatments, movie passes and a luncheon.
Terrye Heagerty, 12th Services Division director, said she is especially pleased with the great relationship the parents and child development program have with one another.
"I am so proud of the staff and the parents in our child development program," she said. "They work together as an awesome team ensuring our children have world-class care, educational opportunities and just plain fun. They have really taken it up a notch this year and look at the results!"
Ms. Booker also noted the successful completion of the $300,000 renovation of the CDC playground and the $245,000 renovation of the CDC kitchen and laundry area. The program also allotted $25,000 for computers and software promoting literacy and technology for the children.
"We will continue to strive to provide the best possible care to the children and families of Randolph AFB," said Ms. Booker. "A special thanks to the parents of our program. We would not have received this recognition without their support."