Child, youth programs reduced across base

  • Published
  • By Mary Kozaitis
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs OcciceChild, youth
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

Edwards’ Child and Youth Programs reduced service hours, suspended drop-in care and paused new enrollments, among other changes driven by staff shortages impacting the entire federal government.

The base program office notified parents and guardians of children enrolled in one of the CYP programs about the reductions June 9.

The memorandum outlined changes and the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children while maintaining essential mission readiness. The “temporary operational adjustments” apply only to Child and Youth Programs.

Operating hours across all CYP programs are now 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Drop-in care and the Give Parents a Break program have been temporarily suspended.

Child Development Center (six weeks to five years old)

CDC paused new enrollments and is considering consolidation of classrooms.

School Annex (five to 12 years old)

The School Age Annex reduced operational capacity to a maximum of 60 children, with no transportation services available during the summer months. Services are now limited to currently enrolled families.

Youth Center (9-12 years old) and Teen Center (13-18 years old)

Changes included youth and teen programs consolidation, and suspension of youth sports programming until further notice.

"We understand these changes may cause disruption and inconvenience for your family, but we are dedicated to continuing to support the mission with limited capabilities," said Anthony Chatfield, 412th Force Support Squadron deputy director, in the memorandum. "Please know that these decisions were not made unaided or lightly and reflect our unwavering commitment to maintaining safe, high-quality care under current constraints."

Base leadership is actively engaged in recruiting and onboarding new staff and advocating for the restoration of full hiring capabilities. The goal is to resume full operations as soon as staffing conditions allow.

“This is a top priority in front of wing leadership right now,” said Michael Seelos, 412th Test Wing director of staff.

The Air Force recognizes the vital role CYP plays in supporting military families and remains committed to providing the best possible care under challenging circumstances.

“We understand that this creates additional challenges for families at Edwards AFB for the time being,” said Col. Chris Carnduff, 412th Mission Support Group commander. “We are aggressively pursuing all available staffing solutions to resume normal operations as soon as able because we know families depend on CYP.”


Col. Chris Carnduff, 412th Mission Support Group commander, welcomes students arriving for the first day of classes at Bailey Elementary School, Edwards Air Force Base, Aug. 15, 2024. (Photo by Blaine Torres)

Family childcare program

The U.S. Air Force Family Child Care program offers a variety of benefits for both military families and individuals who become certified FCC providers. 

“There are many benefits for becoming FCC certified,” Chatfield said. “This certification program is a great opportunity and short-term solution for families in need of care.” 

Benefits include:

  • Serving military families: FCC providers play a vital role in supporting the Air Force community by offering high-quality childcare to military families.
  • Work-from-home business: This program allows individuals to build and operate a childcare business from the comfort of their home.
  • Flexible schedule: FCC providers can set their own schedules, offering diverse care options including full-day, part-day, and potentially extended or 24/7 care.
  • Caring for your own children: Certified providers can care for their own children while providing care to others.
  • Financial incentives: FCC certified providers may receive incentives, such as financial support for the care of their own children, based on specific criteria.
  • Support and training: The FCC program provides support, including coaching, mentoring, and ongoing training opportunities to help providers succeed.
  • Lending library access: Providers have access to resources like equipment and supplies through the installation's lending library.
  • Career transferability: The FCC program allows providers to transfer their careers to other installations with minimal interruption.
  • National accreditation support: The program can assist providers in obtaining national accreditation, like the National Association for Family Child Care certification.
  • Professional development and networking: FCC providers are part of a network that offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration. 

Anyone interested in becoming a licensed family childcare provider should contact Candance Lang at Candance.lang@us.af.mil or 661-277-1595 for more information.