NAS Jacksonville Youth Activities Center earns NAA accreditation

"By receiving this NAA accreditation means that our program is at a very high quality. The remarks the inspectors gave us were exceptional. They only had wonderful things to say about us and we passed 100 percent marks," said NAS Jax YAC Director Megan Elliot. "Accreditation leads to a better trained workforce, leading to greater stability and ultimately better outcomes for children and youth. The accreditation process also promotes a team approach to program improvement."

To earn NAA accreditation, the NAS Jax YAC went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services. "We developed a team to observe all aspects of the program. The observations included 36 rating questions," continued Elliot.

Reese Martin get some help from Youth Activities Center Counselor Suzanne Hitson while playing a rock band video game Feb. 12.

"After the observations were completed, the team and staff looked at the scores and decided what needed to be improved. After coming up with goals and making improvements, we had another observation period. This pattern continued until we felt we were ready for the inspectors to come out."

The accreditation process also included completing a survey to gain feedback on the Before and After School program.

"We surveyed parents, children and staff to get a variety of input. The whole process took about a year and a half," added Elliot.

The inspection process took 24 hours with inspectors looking at every aspect of the center and what they provide to military families.

"The program is housed in a brand new facility that is dedicated to the after school program. Six classrooms surround a large open recreation room. All of the supplies, games, carpets and playground are new. The children have the ability to choose any activity room they desire and can move from room to room as long as staff-to-child ratios allow," said NAA Inspectors Joy Deal and Ashley Peters.

"The staff has tremendous buy-in to the program. Each staff member was allowed to plan and decorate their own room. There is a true 'community' feel to the program. Staff and children were happy to be there."

In a letter sent to the center, NAA director of program improvement and accreditation Stephanie Brumbeloe praised the YAC for providing excellent care to the children enrolled in the program.

"We are honored to have your program join more than 550 accredited programs nationally and serve as a role model for excellence. The accreditation award you have earned took solid leadership, teamwork, family support and perseverance. All of these qualities will also help ensure that your program continues to maintain the high level of quality you have attained," said Brumbeloe.

"I think this is great! It was one of my personal goals to receive this accreditation. Everyone worked really hard to accomplish this and we are all very proud. It was a bit challenging because we accomplished this at the same time we were moving into the new YAC and really had to hustle to have everything ready for inspection within a month after moving. I'm very proud of my staff who do a tremendous job every day," said Elliot.