PAB: Liaison between families, youth program staff

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brooke Brzozowske
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  An organization that acts as a liaison between base child and youth program staff and parents recently began a new operational approach. 

Warren's Parent Advisory Board now actively engages the parents and staff of child and youth programs to recognize and assist the needs and concerns of both parties involved.
"It's no longer meeting after meeting," said Tech. Sgt. Kristen Salinas, 90th Force Support Squadron and president of the parent advisory board. "We now have the capabilities and opportunities to show our proactive support for the parents and staff of our child and youth programs." 

The organization's new approach allows them to meet to discuss upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and ways to help the parents and staff of the programs. All of these activities are meant to foster the relationship and communication between the two.
"We used to just meet and discuss problems," Sergeant Salinas said. "Now, we can come together, motivated, and create opportunities to show our appreciation to the parents and staff of the CDC, family child care and youth programs." 

The PAB addresses issues by encouraging members to voice their comments or concerns in an open environment while keeping their children's best interests at heart. 

Oftentimes, communication gaps can exist between the staff and parents in regards to expectations for programs and facilities. This board is meant to bridge that gap, she said. 

The PAB hosts events such as art shows; appreciation potluck lunches for program staff; Red, White and Blue day parade; tea parties for Mother's Day; playground clean-ups; and many more. 

Upcoming events for the PAB include CDC activities such as "Teddy Bear Picnic" June 13, an "Ice Cream social" Aug. 22, and a "Family Craft Party" Sept. 19. These CDC events are open to registered CDC patrons only. 

The Warren PAB has been in existence for 18 years, and it consists of military and civilian participants Every parent who has a child enrolled in the CDC, FCC or YC are welcome to attend PAB meetings. Members meet on a quarterly basis to discuss ways to help teachers, coaches, parents and all others involved with youth programs. 

The parent advisory board's upcoming meetings are July 15 and Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The locations are announced prior to each meeting. 

"We are always looking for more participation in meetings," Sergeant Salinas said. "It is important to be involved and invested in your kids' facilities."