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The Signature
CYP: Supporting the Mission Story by Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs; Photos courtesy of Sigonella Children and Youth Programs
aking care of the families onboard NAS Sigonella T is an integral part of the mission, and the dedicated employees of the Children and Youth Programs (CYP) work
hard day in and day out to keep kids safe, happy and healthy. People who work at the Child Development Center (CDC), School Age Care (SAC), and Teen Center come to their positions in a few different ways. Some employees, known as global hires, applied for a job with CYP and move their families to Sicily with them. Others employees, known as local hires, are spouses or dependents of people already stationed here who are looking for a career they can take from base to base. “The Employee Transfer Program (ETP) ensures that direct care staff have a job no matter the Navy base they move too,” said Sigonella’s CYP Director Adam D’Amico. “This way, they can continue their career uninterrupted, and will always have a job, regardless of open positions at the next installation.” The ETP is not just for those moving with active duty personnel. “This is also great for those families that either retire or get out of the military,” said D’Amico. “The transfer program is not necessarily linked to a permanent change of station. If you decided that you wanted to move to Virginia Beach, there are several installations that you could transfer to, no problem.” While many people bring a love of children and education to their jobs, that’s not all it takes to work at CYP. There
are several training requirements, such as an in-depth module-training program created in partnership with Ohio State University. Each program is designed around a staff member’s specific position, such as working with infants, preschoolers or school-aged children. There are even modules for managers and trainers. More information on the module program can be found at https://www.virtuallabschool.org/. Regardless of their positions, all staff have comprehensive individual development plans for various training that they complete throughout their career. Luckily, CYP does not stop there. If you are interested in obtaining a credential such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School Age (MSA), Navy CYP will pay for the cost to get these certifications. Additionally, full-time eligible staff can apply for tuition reimbursement for college credits relating to their position. D’Amico took advantage of these opportunities himself. “I just recently utilized this to complete my master’s in education this past February,” he said. Although COVID-19 mitigation measures have changed some of the policies and regulations at the CDC and SAC and have required the closure of the Teen Center, what hasn’t changed is the dedication and care these employees show to the children and the mission. With that in mind, let’s take a look at just two of the outstanding teachers at Sigonella’s CYP!
