JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va – The Garrison command team recognized employees of the Cody Child Development Center (CDC) for their outstanding performance during a recent Army Higher Headquarters Inspection (AHHI) of the facility.
Col. Keith Sandoval, Lt. Col. Sabrina Villarreal, and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenyon Simmons, presented more than a dozen employees with a variety of awards for their contributions in ensuring the Joint Base exceeded the Army standard during the CDC’s inspection.
According to Asia Baker, CYS Coordinator, Cody CDC received only six findings out of 329 criteria, exceeding the standard with a 98% pass rate.
“This is a testament to the excellence and dedication of our Child and Youth Services team, Baker said. “This achievement reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to the families we serve. Congratulations to the team on setting such a high standard.”
AHHIs are formal evaluations conducted to assess the effectiveness, quality and regulatory compliance of child and youth services programs. They cover a wide range of critical items including health and safety, program management, facilities maintenance and more.
These inspections ensure that the standards put forth by the Army in AR 608-10 are being implemented effectively across the force. The results from the inspections are documented in meticulous detail and highlight strengths, weaknesses and the required corrective action plans to be taken, should any be required.
All CDCs must meet the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for accreditation and maintain their DoD certification. With an organization as large as the Department of Defense, and the frequency at which families relocate, it’s critical to ensure children receive quality, dependable care, regardless of where they’re located.
Inspectors also ensure all caregivers meet all training and educational requirements including background checks, CPR and first aid certifications. Health and safety practices regarding food preparation and storage, diapering protocols, and the overall cleanliness of facilities are heavily scrutinized.
The inspections also afford CDC leadership the opportunity to showcase their own innovations, hard work, and commitment to military families. It’s a chance to receive valuable feedback that can be used to strengthen employee skills and the overall effectiveness of CDC’s programming. Overall, AHHIs work to maintain accountability, promote best practices, and reinforce the Army’s commitment to family readiness.
“It’s no secret why the Cody Child Development Center is one of the best CDCs in the entire military,” Sandoval said. “From the childcare providers, to the admin staff, the cooks, to the leadership, every single person makes it their mission to provide our children the best care imaginable. We are lucky to have this team at our CDC.”
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