Programs hit five years: Free child care services available to Travis Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Leidholm
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
Travis Air Force Base, Calif. --  Finding care for children while working out or attending medical appointments can be tough and expensive, with current fiscal constraints.

Teddy's Child Watch Service and The Peep Drop, which celebrated their five-year anniversary April 9, are free community-based programs provided by the Armed Services YMCA and open to the Travis Air Force Base, California, community.

"Teddy's Watch is located at David Grant USAF Medical Center," said Betty Hart, 60th Force Support Squadron ASYMCA director. "It is a special waiting room that provides on-site child supervision for parents who need to attend medical or dental appointments, while The Peep Drop provides care while parents want to work out."

Parents who bring their children to Teddy's Child Watch need to provide current shot records and fill out a registration form for care at the facility, said Sandra Tejada, 60th FSS Teddy's Child Watch manager.

"We're not a daycare though," she said. "We don't provide food at the facility because of potential food allergies, so children can only be here a maximum of three hours."

This service is available through a part-time staff and qualified volunteers trained in necessary areas of health safety and abuse prevention and identification. It's overseen by ASYMCA employees, who are CPR and First Aid certified. Teddy's Watch takes up to 14 children at a time from 6 months to 12 years old.

"We encourage parents to make an appointment to make sure we have space available," Tejada said. "But walk-ins are always welcome."

Teddy's Watch, located on the first floor of DGMC near the Arthur J. Sachsel Dental Clinic, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on volunteering or to make a reservation, call 423-3376.

The Peep Drop, which is similar to Teddy's Watch, is located in the Fitness Center, and runs on parent volunteers to provide up to two hours of care.

"Previously, parents had to volunteer to receive care," said Elisa Bennett, 60th FSS Peep Drop assistant manager. "That is no longer required, but parents are always welcome to volunteer their time."

The Peep Drop will watch children between 6 months and 11 years old. Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the facility, only water.

"Parents need to call to make a reservation for care," Bennett said. "If they can't make the reservation, they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance."

Current shot records also must be provided for care.

The Peep Drop, located near the racquetball courts of the Fitness Center, is open from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For more information on volunteering or to make a reservation, call 424-4797.