Award-winning Patrick AFB CDC earns bragging rights Published Jan. 12, 2007 By Jen Cooper 45th Services Division PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Patrick Air Force Base's Child Development Center has always been a safe, nurturing place for kids to grow and learn. But now the CDC has bragging rights; the center has been awarded Air Force Space Command's "Child Development Program of the Year" and its manager named "Civilian Manager of the Year" for 2006. Sue Pollock, director of the CDC, is the AFSPC Civilian Manager of the Year. Pamela Jordan, Family Member Support flight chief, said she is excited for the well-deserved recognition of the CDC. "The award validates that Patrick AFB provides the highest quality child care available with the best parents, staff and children," she said. Ms. Pollock, the mother of three adult children, has spent 20 years working in the DoD system, 12 of which have been here at Patrick. Her daily duties include supervising more than 45 staff members, and providing excellent customer service to more than 176 parents. With the aid of her staff, she's also responsible for the compliance of more than 600 Air Force inspection measures as well as meeting the standards for accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Her number-one concern, Ms. Pollock said, is to "ensure the children are in a safe, healthy learning environment." By winning this award, Ms. Pollock is in the running for the Air Force Civilian Manager of the Year Award. "I'm honored and thankful for my supervisor who took the time to prepare the nomination package and submit me for the award," said Ms. Pollock. "I'm also very proud of the staff and what they do and their dedication to the program; their efforts ensure our programs' success." The staff of the CDC takes care of more than 175 children from the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years. Between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., the children at the CDC may receive breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, as well as play outside twice a day. Ms. Jordan said she is proud of the staff of the CDC and the level of care they give to the children. "Children play and learn in a developmentally appropriate environment that is stimulating and age appropriate with a highly trained and educated staff," she said. Ms. Pollock also said she's been busy working on the plans for the new CDC. The expanded facility will allow care for more children as well as improved rooms and equipment. For more information on the Patrick Child Development Center, call 494- 7028.