LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
A group of approximately 10 parents meet in a small conference room in the Russ Child Development Center on a quarterly basis discussing issues that impact more than 400 Langley parents.
While the voice of Langley's Parent Advisory Council may be small, its impact has become great.
"The purpose of this organization is to promote and provide esprit de corps and morale for all personnel who have children attending the CDC, school-age program, youth center, family child care and family members working at these locations," according to the PAC constitution.
In other words, the PAC acts as a liaison for Langley parents; board members document concerns brought up during the meetings and forward those concerns to the appropriate agencies.
Since the group's establishment in October 2007, PAC members worked to extend CDC hours to coincide with parents' work schedules, established guidelines for transitioning children to new classes, and created bylaws and a constitution.
"Parents need to know they have an outlet where they can express their concerns or ask questions concerning the care of their children," said Master Sgt. Zenaida Long, PAC president. "We encourage parents with children in any of the Langley childcare facilities to get involved, come to the meetings, and become PAC members."
The PAC also has an organizational e-mail box, CDCPAB@langley.af.mil, for questions, comments or feedback regarding Langley childcare.
"The teachers at each of the Langley facilities provide educational activities for our children, while also giving them the love and attention the children need," Sergeant Long said. "The PAC is here for all parents and children associated with the Langley CDC. If there are any parents who are concerned about the attention their child is receiving or wish to thank a particular teacher, they should submit a comment card to the PAC."
The PAC has served Langley parents for several months and will continue to support parents as long as there are questions and concerns, said Tech. Sgt. Jacqueline Weber, PAC member.
"Let us do whatever we can to be a voice for our parents and children," she said.
For more information and meeting times, call the CDC at 764-3585.