FORT RUCKER, Ala.--Parents with youngsters participating in School Age Services (SAS) activities here can rest easy knowing the program is nationally accredited. Pam Williams, Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) coordinator, said the program for 6- to 10-year-olds was awarded accreditation through the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) May 7.
The accreditation - SAS' third so far - is good for four years. "It's all about improvement" and "getting that stamp of approval from that outside professional source," Williams said. SAS staff proved to an NAA endorser the program meets 144 standards, including multicultural awareness, quality food services, Family participation, ample science and art activities and more.
Williams said the accreditation also calls for an action plan laying out desired improvements. NAA staff suggested replacing regular crackers with unsalted ones and limiting the time children spend playing dodge ball. Williams said minor changes like these will be simple to implement.
"We continually want to improve as Families' needs change," she said. Williams said SAS staff members are trained to nurture relationships, create a positive environment, allow children to make independent decisions and create innovative lesson plans. CYSS Facility Director Eugene Johnson explained the accreditation achievement was collective.
"This is a team effort. Quality is not something you can create in a vacuum. It needs active input and support, the kind you can get only from people (who) believe in your mission," he said. Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Felder led a brief ceremony at Splash! water park Saturday to congratulate staff members' achievements.
"You guys are so great because you've got great people," Felder said. "Accreditations are very tough." Felder added he values the SAS program, noting his three now-grown daughters participated as children. He understands the burden SAS takes off parents' shoulders by providing quality care and activities. He awarded three staff members the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, including Training Specialist Nancy Chandler, Assistant Director Charlotte Hardy and Training Specialist Laura Kornacki.
Felder also presented Johnson and Williams the Commander's Award for Civilian Service. More than 15 other staff members were recognized with Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation certificates of appreciation. Chandler said the accreditation holds her and other staff members accountable for their work.
"The accreditation tells you we're an excellent facility to take care of kids. We value Soldiers and their kids," she said. Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant Jessica Del Valle said national recognition is a sign of growth and progress for the program. "We're focusing on the kids and offering them the best," she said. For more information on SAS, call 255-9108. For more information on NAA, visit www.naaweb.org.
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