The practices of Air Force Child Development Programs are based on current knowledge of child development and early childhood education. Our centers support the development of the whole child, meaning all areas of development are considered inter-related and equally important. Our program acknowledges that children learn through active, hands-on involvement with their environment, peers, and caring adults. We respect each child’s unique interests, experiences, abilities and needs, thus allowing us to be responsive to and appropriate for each child. Likewise, our program respects and supports the ideals, cultures, and values of families in their task of nurturing children. We advocate for children, families and the early childhood professionals within our programs. Goals
To foster positive identity and a sense of emotional well being
To enhance social skills
To encourage children to think, reason, question and experiment
To promote language and literacy development
To build physical development and skills
MISSION
The mission of Child and Youth Programs is to assist DoD military and civilian personnel in balancing the competing demands of the accomplishments of the DoD mission and family life by managing and delivering a system of quality, available, and affordable programs and services for eligible children and youth birth through 18 years of age. GOALS
Our goal is to provide you with the best service possible and to provide your children with age appropriate educational and recreational activities in a safe and healthy environment. In addition,
• Facilitate self-reliance and reinforce Department of the Air Force values.
• Ensure availability of predictable programs and services for eligible children and youth ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age not attending Kindergarten.
• Maintain affordability of child and youth programs for both patrons and Department of the Air Force through operational efficiencies and seamless delivery.
• Establish and sustain CYP quality as a "Benchmark for the Nation" in accordance with statutory requirements, DoD policy and Department of the Air Force Standards.
• Provide programs which meet the requirements of the Military Child Care Act. PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophical approach is grounded on current research and knowledge of early childhood education. The program is committed to welcome children and families and to partner with and support them in their parenting role. We advocate for children, families, and early childhood professionals within our programs. Policies
The CDP complies with AFI 34-248, the most current year of the Inspection Checklist and with National Association for the Education of Young Children criterion for accreditation. In addition, a Parent Agreement is maintained and revised annually which outlines additional policies that are more specific. REGISTRATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES
Registration on MilitaryChildCare.com is necessary before your child may participate in a Child
Development Program. Prior to admission of a child, you must complete and sign all applicable portions of the
registration forms. You have the option of uploading the completed forms in Child and
Youth Programs Business Modernization System (CYPBMS) or bring completed forms to scheduled orientation. Parent Advisory Board
The purpose of the Parent Advisory Board (PAB) is to build a strong relationship between families and the CDP and utilize this relationship to foster an enriching experience for children and families.
