Kirtland childcare provider named best in AFMC

  • Published
  • By Jim Fisher
  • 377th Air Force Base Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Kirtland Family Child Care program demands a lot from its providers, and a successful provider must meet the program's standards for licensure and the demands of childcare on a daily basis. Still, providers regularly do this and more, according to FCC provider Marie Stabe, who was recently named Air Force Materiel Command's FCC Provider of the Year for 2014.

Stabe said her selection for the award was a validation of the hard work Kirtland FCC providers have put forth throughout the year, recognizing a program giving essential support to Team Kirtland members. FCC providers offer in-home child care to many people who may not be able to get services at the Child Development Centers or need care outside the CDC parameters.

"I am so happy. I feel like all the effort and the hard work, all the dedication--not just mine, but that of my co-providers also--is being highlighted," she said. "There are a lot of outstanding providers, so I'm humbled they chose me."

To become a family child care provider a candidate must complete a thorough certification process: 40 hours of initial orientation training, which includes blocks on CPR and first aid; and four initial home inspections (fire, public health, safety, and FCC program inspections).

Once complete, the licensure package must be approved by a panel of experts chaired by the 377th Mission Support Group commander. After licensure, providers must complete an 18-month module course (ongoing), be subject to monthly unannounced inspections from the FCC coordinator, the four initial inspections are repeated annually, and providers are subject to monthly observation by the FCC office.

These rigorous standards are essential to ensuring the safety of children cared for by providers, said Cynthia Huntsman, FCC coordinator.

"It is to ensure that our children are in safe, healthy and stimulating environments that meet Air Force's high standards for quality childcare," Huntsman said.

Stabe has taken this purpose to heart.

"My approach to FCC my program is to promote healthy development--physical, mental and social. Safety is my priority," Stabe said, adding that when children are well cared for, it enables parents to give their best on duty.

"I want the child and the family to feel comfortable with the quality of care. Then they can go and do their job without worrying about their children," Stabe said. "And when they pick them up at the end of the day, I want to the children to have had a positive experience."

In addition to encouraging positive social interaction and behavior, Stabe adheres to the guidelines of the USDA Food Program.

"I am a member of the USDA, and this means I serve healthy food, all food groups, and I record how much each child eats, and report on appetite, so I can monitor any changes in behavior or allergy alerts," Stabe said.

Stabe is not only diligent in running her program, Huntsman said, but goes above and beyond to assist her families and fellow providers, and to enrich Kirtland's overall program, ultimately leading to the award.

"She is a fabulous mentor to new providers. Marie has been so enthusiastic in efforts to get her program to grow, and to become involved in the community here on base," Huntsman said. "She has a strong following, a huge clientele list, very strong family relationships and involvement and I think what really set her apart is that she actually tailors the cost of care for families going through rough times or who may have an active duty member who is deployed or TDY. Marie does a lot of extra-curricular stuff that is unnecessary--she goes above and beyond."

"If you are considering becoming an FCC provider, and you have the motivation to work with the little ones, go for it. Do not be discouraged by the policies and regulations of the Air Force. They are there to protect you and the children," Stabe said.

Being licensed also precludes illegal, unlicensed child care.

"Base housing residents interested in providing 10 or more hours per week of regular child care in their homes must obtain a license, " Huntsman said. "This is to ensure the safety of children receiving care." For more information on the Family Child Care program at Kirtland, call Huntsman or Michelle Nitz at 846-1902.