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Shaw opens Air Force's first supervised childcare at fitness center

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  • By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. --  The fitness center here recently opened the Air Force's first free, supervised childcare area to allow parents the opportunity to work out without their children.

In the past, the fitness center had a room where parents could watch their child while working out, but now there are two child development center-qualified technicians, so parents can have the reassurance their child is being carefully watched.

There are a few rules for parents to remember.

"The parent has a two-hour time limit," said 1st Lt. Jordan Smith, 20th Force Support Squadron officer-in-charge. "The parent can go anywhere in the gym or on the track to work out, but cannot just leave their child to run errands."

Although the fitness center would love to take all children, they do have a limit.

"Any child five and under is eligible for the program, but we do have a 12-child capacity," Lieutenant Smith said. "We are limited by our means. Due to safety and CDC guidelines, we only have room for 12 children."

The fitness center management would also like patrons to know their hours and remind them that mornings are generally the busiest.

"We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday," she added. "On Saturday, we are open from 9 a.m.  to 1 p.m. and closed on Sunday."

Along with the supervision, there is also a room with windows where parents can work out and watch their children play in the child daycare room. For even more added security, there is also a television where the parent can keep their eye on their children.

With this being the "Year of the Air Force Family," this  is just another avenue of programs offered by the Air Force to help out Airmen and their families.

"The strength of the nation's Air Force is not the platforms we operate or the technologies we employ, as good as they are," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. "It is our Airmen and their families. The Air Force is a great place to work, live, and play. Our intent is to make it even better. We will devote this year to identifying what we are doing right and what we need to do better to support the entire Air Force family."

And, the child care at the fitness center is one step in the right direction, said Wanda Coleman, fitness center child care area caregiver.

"This is such a great opportunity," she added. "For dual military parents and stay-at-home moms, this gives them the chance to get to the gym and work out with a peace of mind. Without this program some people might not ever make it to the gym because they don't have anyone to watch their children. There is really nothing else like this in the Air Force, and we truly love working with the kids and this program."

The fitness center child care area not only passes the test with the caregivers, but also with those who are benefiting from it.

"I'm truly thrilled about the program," said Jennifer Sears, who has an 11-month-old baby.
For more information about the new program, contact the fitness center at 895-2788/2789.