School Age Program receives national accreditation, accolade

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shawn Nickel
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Eielson's School Age Program, one of the Iceman's three youth services, received national accolades and certification from the Council on Accreditation Nov. 22.

Accreditation demonstrates the program is recognized as an after school provider, which successfully implements high performance standards and is delivering the highest quality of service to all of its children, youth and families.

"Just like the Air Force is the best because of Airmen, these youth services staff members are the lifeblood of all our youth programs for the Iceman Team," said Col. Larry Rice, 354th Mission Support Group commander. "These programs are successful because of our caregivers and they deserve all credit for this accolade."

Suggestions, courtesy of Eielson's Parent Advisory Board and customers, drove improvements in safety, aesthetics, outdoor play and developmental learning activities.

"The staff at our facilities constantly looks to improve," said Rice. "Our Airmen need to feel comfortable with where their children are so they can focus on the missions at hand."

In addition to the accreditation, a Pre-Commission Review Report showed no out-of-compliance ratings in any fundamental practices or core standards, making Eielson's school age program part of COA's Community of Excellence.

"Everyone who works in our programs has a passion for their job because they have a passion for children," said Zachary Hart, 354th Force Support Squadron School Age Program director. "Bottom line-We are here for them investing our time so they can have a positive experience every day."

More upcoming projects will focus on the Child Development Center, Youth Center and continue to heighten the learning environment of the School Age Program.

"A large percentage of our staff is military spouses and members of the community who know how the Air Force is a close knit family," said Rice. "We are always looking for fresh ideas and always looking for anyone willing to participate in our programs."

For more information about getting involved, call the Eielson Youth Programs Director at 377-3194.