Compassionate caregiver

A thickly padded floor, a brightly-colored tunnel, two small cribs and plenty of toys fill a room off the kitchen at Michelle Jones’ house.

All items are necessary for Jones’ chosen profession as a military family child care provider.

Rows of photographs, featuring wide-eyed chubby infants, also fill a wall in the military wife’s house. “They’re all of them,” Jones said pointing to the two boys playing in the floor. “I put them up so they feel like they are part of our home.”

Jones is one of many women who provide in-home childcare for active duty military members. “I do it because I enjoy helping military families,” she said.

The petite mother of two said she has spent the last 12 years in childcare.

And her dedication to military children was recently rewarded when she was named Cannon Air Force Base’s Child Care Provider of the Year. “It was a nice honor,” Jones said of the award. “I didn’t expect it.”

According to Cannon officials, the award is based on parent and peer recommendations, community involvement, experience and education.

The nomination form submitted to Cannon said Jones is a dedicated professional who serves as a mentor to other childcare providers. “She is a strong advocate for children’s health, safety, education and well-being,” the nominator said.

Jones said she chose a career in childcare when her husband was sent to Korea, while she stayed behind with two toddlers. “I needed something to do,” Jones said, “and my two kids needed someone to play with.”

Although Jones has conducted a pre-school program in the past, she now cares for two infants, ages 1 year and 8 months.

She spends her days teaching the infants sign language, taking them on trips to the zoo and working on their motor skills.

She said she enjoys teaching and building a relationship with the children. “I get very attached to them,” Jones said. “I’m watching them grow up.”