JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Two family care providers from the Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis Child Development Centers on Joint Base Langley-Eustis were named Provider of the Year for 2016.
Langley Air Force Base 2016 Provider of the Year:
Cassandra Thomas, U.S. Air Force Child Development Center family child care provider, was named the 2016 Provider of the Year for Langley.
To win the Provider of the Year, a family child care provider must pass inspection visits and evaluations throughout the entire year.
“We feel like we’re doing a great service for the military,” said Thomas. “By them coming out and checking on us, making sure we’re following the guidelines, it is great to be noticed for what you’re doing for the service as well.”
According to Thomas, child care has always been a passion before she worked for the CDC.
“I’ve always wanted to [work in] child care,” said Thomas. “However, for 12 years I worked with hospitals, helping them get their revenue back for uninsured patients. Helping special needs children and working with children has always been a passion that I’ve wanted to do.”
Ft. Eustis 2016 Provider of the Year:
Kathryn Barrager, U.S. Air Force Child Development Center family child care provider, was awarded the Provider of the Year for her efforts to provide Ft. Eustis families support and care for their children.
“I started [at the CDC] two years ago,” said Barrager. “I wanted to find a way to work and stay at home with my youngest. When we were stationed in Hawaii my oldest child went to a Family Child Care home and I loved it. I then thought I should pursue being an FCC provider so I can stay home with him.
According to Barrager, being recognized for her hard work as an FCC provider was rewarding.
“It feels good to know that my hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Barrager. “I work really hard to provide a safe home for families and it’s nice to know that you’re appreciated.”
Barrager, who love her job as an FCC, looks to expand and make a bigger effort for military children in the future.
“I plan on doing this until we leave here and then I would eventually love to work in the Child Development Center as a lead teacher,” said Barrager.
Barrager and Thomas are among the hard working and dedicated CDC family child care providers who provide military families the assurance that their children will be taken care of and in a safe place while they are performing their duties.