MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Corps New Parent Support Program received the Workplace Model of Excellence Award May 16, from the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition for its unique efforts in helping families expecting children. Iwakuni also has a branch of the NPSP located here that provides many of the services, for which the organization received the award. "We are here to support families that are either pregnant or have children less than 6 years old," said Lilia Blair, NPSP home visitor. "The NPSP is important in better preparing new and expectant parents for a more realistic view of parenting." The Workplace Model of Excellence Award recognizes employers for the innovative ways they assist workers who are planning to start a family or are expecting a child. "The award was to recognize the Marine Corps for their efforts to help new parents and getting fathers more involved," she explained. Although the program was recognized for its overall efforts, a few services stood above the rest. Blair added that the main programs that enabled the NPSP to receive the award were, "the parenting classes, specifically, the Daddy's Baby Boot Camp and Mom's Basic Training classes." Daddy's Baby Boot Camp and Mom's Basic Training are interactive classes for new or expectant parents. Subjects covered during the 5 1/2 hour course include the developmental stages of infants, role definitions of parenthood, basic infant care, child safety, discipline, pre and post partum emotions, and communication between spouses. Also, other father-oriented activities and the lengths the staff goes in order to meet people where they work or live also contributed. The Marine Corps NPSP competed against all services that pertain to new parents, including civilian programs, Blair noted. Currently the NPSP programs operate at 18 Marine Corps installations in the United States and Japan. All SOFA status personnel and their families have access to the NPSP library of books and videotapes to aid them in any questions they may have as first-time parents. Along with teaching parents about childhood issues, NPSP can also help them become aware of all the military programs that support them. For more information about the NPSP call 253-6553 or visit the NPSP in building 411, Room 127.