Sheppard Youth Services breeze through AF-level spot inspection

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard's Youth Services demonstrated their nationally accredited skills for the benefit of a team of Air Force inspectors who dropped by in December. 

The Madrigal Youth Center, the Child Development Center and the Family Child Care program underwent weeklong scrutiny as the inspectors reviewed their individual checklists and guidelines and explored their facilities. The team also interviewed some of the parents and children who use the childcare system. 

Although the final results have not yet been released, a debriefing offered at the end of the week let the Youth Services Program know how they fared. 

"They told us we did real well," said Xan Kahn, programs director of Youth Programs, 82nd Services Division. 

Inspectors regularly conduct annual inspections on youth centers throughout the Air Force. Though the inspections are an annual event, the bases are not forewarned as to the exact date the inspectors will show up. 

Sheppard's Youth Services, having earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, was ready for the challenge. 

"We work hard here, and we have a great staff," Ms. Kahn said. "We take this seriously; for some of us, childcare is our career. It's not a babysitting job for us." 

Ms. Kahn said she could point to several programs she felt contributed to their high inspection marks. One is their summer program for children ages 9-14, offering activities for children otherwise left with the prospect of staying home alone. 

Another is their Fit Factor, first in Air Education and Training Command for most children enrolled. Fit Factor encourages children to get involved in athletic activities and eat healthy, offering points that lead to prizes for its participants. 

Ms. Kahn said one motivator for the Youth Services' efforts is providing the highest quality of childcare for people making the biggest sacrifices for their country. 

"We want to supply the military families and the civilians working on base with the opportunity to leave their children in a safe, structured environment," Ms. Kahn said. "We're very proud of our program and honored to be affiliated with the military."