Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Secretary of the Army recently directed an Inspector General inspection of hiring, management, and oversight practices at all Child Development Centers (CDCs), and an Army Audit Agency (AAA) review of compliance with policies and procedures across the Army.

Throughout the Army in general, and at Fort Belvoir in particular, we believe providing a safe environment for the children of our service members and civilians is a fundamental responsibility.

In accordance with Army guidance, we have reviewed records of the more than CDC 300 employees and FCC providers, contractors and volunteers. This review was conducted to verify current background checks for all categories as required and we will continue these practices as new personnel/contractors/volunteers come on board. We will also continue to scrutinize any discrepancies in backgrounds and bring these findings before a Program Review Board chaired by the Garrison Commander to determine suitability.

Background checks include the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Child Care National Agency Check with Inquiries (CNACI). This comprehensive check includes FBI fingerprinting and by name search along with a state criminal records history search for the previous five years.

The CNACI is accompanied by an Army employment check and Installation Record Check.

Army CDCs have been lauded for nearly a decade by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies for setting the standard nationwide for child-care facilities.

Fort Belvoir CDCs are cut from this mold and follow all hiring requirements.

Our caregivers go through in-person interviews and must clear background checks before being hired.