Offutt home to Air Force's top child care provider

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Air Force officials recently announced an Offutt spouse as its 2013 Family Child Care Provider of the Year.

Erica Buum, wife of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Buum, 55th Maintenance Group, has provided child care on base since 2010. During that time frame, she has helped more than 80 families.

"She is truly the best at what she does," said U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander. "We can't retain families without people like Mrs. Buum. I am pleased that her dedication to the next generation, our children, has been recognized at the Air Force level."

Buum solely coordinated 25 field trips, earned 100 percent compliance on an unannounced Defense Department inspection, provided more than 1,000 hours of Extended Duty Care, and opened her home on the weekends for reserve Airmen during drill.

"Deciding to provide care on random weekends wasn't hard, since I have the support of my husband," Buum said. "I feel that without him I wouldn't be able to run a daycare. It doesn't just take a provider to care for others; it takes the approval and awareness of the whole family to accept the occasional long hours and weekend care. He has been great with many families I have had the pleasure of meeting and has treated their child like members of our own family."

She has also helped to teach children basic American Sign Language, foreign languages, social skills, manners, nature awareness and age appropriate activities.

"I have had many opportunities to help families reach goals with their children, and I feel it's my job to help encourage and promote the same learning techniques at home and at daycare," Buum said. "All children learn differently and at different rates. It's important to provide the proper tools for them to explore and to promote learning and curiosity."

When the children aren't present, Buum is motivated to continue learning. She has completed more than 100 credit hours in early childhood education, mastered 15 family child care modules in less than the allotted time, and attended Offutt Parent University and speech delay courses. She even found the time to mentor a dozen other providers.

"I enjoy helping others when and where I can," said Buum. "I feel it's important to get advice and bounce ideas off of one another. It helps to extend learning opportunities and teaching techniques."

If all that wasn't enough, Buum is heavily involved in the community as well. She has helped raise money for food and clothing for homeless shelters, participated in "Toys for Tots," and assisted in creating care packages for deployed members.

"My wife is one of the most caring and patient people I know," Sergeant Buum said. "She sacrifices a lot for her job and puts everyone else needs before her own."

Buum said she is still in shock over the award win.

"I am beyond honored receiving this award," Buum said. "I have always enjoyed being around children and knew I was interested in early childhood education from early on. I love being that person who helps a child learn and grow."