ADREWS AFB, Md. –
Friends and family gathered last week to recognize the pint-sized graduates of the base's Infants and Toddlers University program. One graduate, Ava Rostan Goodfield, 18 months, daughter of Staff Sgt. Zack Goodfield, 316th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler and his wife, Jenn, was one of the proud graduates.
"Ava's been involved with the Infant University program since November," said Mrs. Goodfield. "We joined the program when a friend said her daughter really enjoyed the interaction with the other children as well as the planned activities. We were new to the base so I thought I'd give it a try. Ava's now graduated into the Toddler University program!"
Mrs. Goodfield said the Infant and Toddler University program has many benefits -- both for Ava and for herself. "Ava was born two months early and I believe that being around the other children and being involved in the activities, she has caught up and you would never know that she was a preemie," said Mrs. Goodfield. "As a parent, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Infant University. I have met great people and built great relationships with the other moms. Not only does it allow Ava to interact with other children, but it also gives the parents an opportunity for adult conversation. We are able to talk about issues that arise during parenthood and, basically, form a support system for each other."
Another proud graduate of the Toddler University program is Gian Andre Valentin-Fontanez, son of Staff Sgt. Ricardo Valentin, 79th Medical Support Squadron budget office NCOIC and his wife, Alma. "We have been associated with the Infant and Toddler program for three years," said Mrs. Fontanez-Serrano. "We started as participants when my son, Gian Andre, was three months old. Within a couple of months, I started to volunteer my time to the program," said Mrs. Fontanez-Serrano. As a 3-year old, Gian Andre has graduated from both the Infant and Toddler University programs.
"My personal experience has been that I have found very good friends at Infant and Toddler University and it is almost like an extended family. We have been there to celebrate our children's milestones and achievements," said Mrs. Fontanez-Serrano. "It is not easy to be part of a military family and it is even harder to be away from your family. This program works as a support group for parents as well as an educational program for the children."
Both Mrs. Goodfield and Mrs. Fontanez-Serrano are coordinators for the Infant and Toddler programs with the guidance of Joyce Cravin of the base Family Advocacy office.
The Infant and Toddler University playgroups are on vacation for the summer and will resume September 16 at CDC 1. The playgroups provide an interactive experience to engage both child and parent. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. for infants ages 3 to 18 months and 10:45 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. for 18 months to 3 years. Older or younger siblings can attend a group if one child is age appropriate.