MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Due to a lack of child care providers working at the Child Development Center here, CDC officials may soon have to make changes in order to fulfill the regulatory requirements of the depleted work force.
The CDC, in accordance with set standards for child care, requires a minimum of 22 care-providers while 29 is the ideal number. The CDC is currently working with 17.
The CDC is required by law to maintain a certain child care provider to child ratio, which means that unless new providers are hired, some of the programs and services may have to be reduced, or terminated.
"The problem we are running into is a high turnover rate for families changing stations or bases, and leaving an empty void in our child care-provider ranks," said Ray Tribe, Marine Corps Community Services, Marine and Family Services Division director. "The CDC is USMC sponsored and providing child care for single service members and dual military families takes precedence over other programs, which are here as more of a quality of life option rather than necessity."
Programs such as Sure Start and Part Day Enrichment may be subject to scrutiny if the problem at CDC is not solved. While Tribe and other CDC officials have made a personal endeavor to advertise the job openings to the Station community, responses have been scarce.
"We are losing people every month," said Jane Jermain, CDC supervisor. "The problem is becoming increasingly serious."
While the cause for concern is warranted, Tribe feels the problem can be fixed by the Station residents, who utilize the program themselves.
"We are looking for individuals who are qualified and enjoy working with kids," Tribe said. "MCCS will provide all the training classes required to become a certified care-giver. All that is required of you is that you are 18-years-old, a high school graduate or have your general education degree and complete the mandatory background check. The background check can take up to two to three weeks."
Jermain added, "going through the training classes and working with children on a daily basis will not only support the community, it will make you a better parent or future parent."
Those interested in working at the CDC can also look forward to tuition assistance for college as well as other benefits MCCS offers their employees.
"The training you receive and the experience you gain can be used at any military CDC anywhere, so there is an opportunity for career advancement," said Tribe. "Just come out and apply for the job."
For more information regarding a job at the Child Development Center, located at Building 637 adjacent to the Sakura Theater, call 253-5584.