Child care provider goes above, beyond

VADNENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Sean Pitts interacts with the other children during a reading session on Sept. 6, at the home of his mother, Windy Pitts. Mrs. Pitts, who was recently named the 2007 Family Child Care Provider of the Year for Vandenberg, runs a full spectrum day care program from her home. Her program includes school fundamentals, arts and crafts, and field trips for the six children in her care. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Reed)

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Child care provider goes above, beyond

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Sean Pitts reads a book to children in the care of Windy Pitts at her home on Sept. 6. Mrs. Pitts, who was recently named the 2007 Family Child Care Provider of the Year for Vandenberg, runs a full spectrum day care program from her home. Her program includes school fundamentals, arts and crafts, and field trips for the six children in her care. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman First Class Ashley Reed)

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Child care provider goes above, beyond

Published Sept. 11, 2007
By Senior Airman Stephen Cadette

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE -- One woman's dedication to her work has created a high demand for Windy Pitts' service of providing day care for Vandenberg.

"If you went into her home and saw it, you would think you walked into a children's playground in her loft room," said Marcia Garcia, 30th Services Division marketing assistant.

Recently named by Vandenberg AFB Family Child Care Program as the 2007 Family Child Care Provider of the Year, Mrs. Pitts has 10 families on her waiting list eager to have her as their provider, Mrs. Garcia said.

"It's not like she has a place to work, then comes home," Mrs. Garcia said. "Her job has completely engulfed her entire home."

"My favorite time of the day is teaching the children school age fundamentals and tapping into their creative side with arts and crafts," Mrs. Pitts said. She has several stations throughout her home for arts and crafts, reading, science and more.

"Once a month I also incorporate learning outside of the home with community field trips," she said. Some of the trips include the local fire department and museums, and clean ups at the park.

Mrs. Pitts is soon to be the highest accredited FCC provider on base; not only providing for the six children in her care, but also to mentor new providers, said Gwendolyn Jones, the FCC coordinator.

With only enough family care providers to care for less than 120 children, the FCC is looking for more providers. For information on how to become a provider, call Mrs. Jones at 606-4639.