Parents appreciate caregiver’s dedication

Published Jan. 15, 2009
By Becky Pillifant
72nd Force Support Squadron Marketing

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- As a young girl in Italy, she liked working with children and enjoyed babysitting the neighborhood kids. So being a child care provider seemed to come natural for Valentina Jones.

Mrs. Jones was named 2009 Family Child Care Provider for the first quarter, January through March.

In the future, Mrs. Jones said she sees herself serving military families as an FCC coordinator.

"I want to make sure that military families stationed overseas or stateside can count on a strong and reliable childcare system with a good early childhood education program," she said.

Mrs. Jones promotes communication among children in her home day care by offing a bilingual setting. She speaks English and Italian fluently as well as a little Spanish and German.

Kimberly Woodruff leaves her 2-year-old son Jonathan with Mrs. Jones.

"I enjoy having Jonathan in Valentina's care since it is a smaller group of children, but also because he gets a chance to hear other languages spoken in a home setting," Mrs. Woodruff said. "Jonathan learned how to communicate very well under her guidance, and even learned some Italian words. Valentina always cooks outstanding Italian dishes for the children's lunch and Jonathan just loves it."

Since she began her home child care program, Mrs. Jones has been very active in the field. She has 18 college credits in child development plus training in CPR/First Aid, USDA, Child Abuse and has completed 15 Air Force training modules in less than a year. She also has an associate's degree in Liberal Arts and a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Currently she is pursuing a master's degree in Public Administration.

Mrs. Jones is married to Staff Sgt. Waleed Jones, 33rd Combat Communications Squadron. They have two daughters, Aliya and Jasmine.

Those interested in learning how to get started on a meaningful career in the field of child development are invited to attend the "Getting to Know FCC" Open House from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the FCC administrative office, Bldg. 6001. Pre-registration is not required. Call the FCC office at 734-7190 for more details about the Open House or for more information about the FCC Program.

According to Stacy Middleton, FCC coordinator, providers offer in-home care for children ages 2 weeks to 12 years in both on-base housing and civilian communities. Family Child Care is offered on an hourly, part-day or full-day basis.

"It is a viable option for child care services, while providing an opportunity for authorized family members to manage a career while staying at home," said Ms. Middleton.

Far from a simple babysitting service, FCC providers must meet stringent requirements. They are required to be at least 18 years of age, able to speak, read and write English and be in good mental and physical health. They and their family members must pass a comprehensive background check and complete an orientation program prior to licensing.

Additionally, providers must complete 15 Air Force Training Modules equating to approximately 60 hours of training. Finally, they are required to complete additional training each year, similar to the training required of the Child Development Center employees.

Necessary prerequisites for becoming a Tinker FCC provider or affiliate include residence in base housing or off-base housing within a 10-mile radius of the FCC office, and the spouse must be an active duty or retired military member.

Some of the benefits of becoming a provider include having an occupation that is easily portable, access to a resource center with hundreds of items available for check-out and a comprehensive, cost-free training program.

Home care