Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Stai | Megan Lee, 22nd Force Support Squadron, child and youth program assistant, plays on...... read more read more
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Many families across the globe are facing challenges with not working while others are facing the challenge of being an essential worker and needing child care — McConnell is no exception. The Child Development Center has been in the game since the beginning.
As fears spread about the virus, the CDC pulled together and handled the crisis with action and positivity.
“My main concern was the health of the children and my staff in the program; the move to limit the number of children and staff during the day helped ease the concern,” said Kathleen Gladman, 22nd Force Support Squadron CDC director. “I was relieved that organizations could move to teleworking and staggered shifts so we could limit our classroom rations to help with exposure risks to our children.”
The CDC placed measures at the very beginning and continues to fine-tune procedures as the situation continues to evolve, based on guidance from the Department of Defense and Air Force Services Headquarters. Currently, staff and parents must wear face masks, hand sanitizer can be found throughout the facility and every child’s temperature is taken upon arrival.
“We try to social distance, but working with children, that is not always optimal,” explains Megan Lee, CDC child and youth program assistant, about adjustments she has adapted to in the infant room. “We wear masks all day. We talk with parents about any symptoms the children may have. We’re using stronger cleaning supplies and cleaning more frequently. In the room, we find activities to distract the children with so we can do the required cleaning.”
While McConnell’s mission continues, the CDC remains open to provide safety, security and peace of mind to parents who are essential to the mission.
The pandemic creates additional stress and uncertainty in daily life, but the staff at the CDC has found ways to combat that stress.
“Being present in the moment and taking the time to give extra care and comfort to a child who is having a hard time. Appreciating those around you and the connections with them. Be positive.” said Lee.
With all the uncertainty surrounding the crisis, the staff at the CDC remains modest in their daily duties while providing a safe and healthy environment for children of the essential workers required to keep McConnell fueling the fight.
“I never really saw the job as an essential job before,” said Lee. “But it’s a bit humbling to realize that there are people who can’t go do their job if there is nowhere to take their children and to be a part of that has been really eye opening.”
| Date Taken: | 05.18.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2020 17:02 |
| Story ID: | 374403 |
| Location: | MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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