FORT STEWART, Ga. - Soldiers, Family Members, and Army Civilians gathered to celebrate the opening of the newest child development center on Fort Stewart, Nov. 20. The new center will care for 244 of the Army's youngest Family Members, who range in age from six weeks to five years old.
"It's a great facility." Said Evelyn R. Garcia, Children Youth Services Family Center Director. She said the staff at the new facility make a great team, and they work hard to ensure the safety and education of all the children who attend.
Brigadier General Jeffrey Phillips, deputy commanding general-rear, said the new facility would significantly increase child care capacity. He went on to say that while the cost of the new center, $6.8 million, seems high, it will offer great value to Soldiers who will be assured that they children are receiving good care.
Master Sergeant Adrienne Kelley, whose daughter, Maleah, is one of the center's first children. "(The new CDC is) very convenient. I come on my lunch hour (to visit her daughter). She (Maleah) loves it."
The new CDC will also be the site of a new Army program for four year olds, called Strong Beginnings.
The goal of the program is to better prepare students to entering kindergarten and elementary school.
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