FORT SILL, Okla. -- The ribbon has been cut and the Alice Grierson Child Development Center is officially open for business.
Grierson offers 124 spaces for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Grierson is also the center for hourly child care with 42 hourly openings and the Strong Beginnings Pre-K program.
Robin Garrett, director, Grierson Child Development Center, said Friday was a very exciting day for her.
"The opening of a new child center is always a cause for celebration and a time of optimism and hope, but for me it is especially exciting because we are able to provide quality child care for 89 families that were on a long waiting list. Additionally, we have room for a few more since we actually hold 124 children in the center."
Col. Raymond Lacey, garrison commander, said the opening of the Grierson CDC reinforces the Army's commitment to Soldiers and their families through the Army Family Covenant.
"This opening is a physical demonstration of the Army's promise for quality of life facilities and programs through the covenant. This is another of the many quality of life programs and services the Army offers to Soldiers and their families in return for the sacrifices of our Soldiers."
Nichole Howard, a parent who has her 2-year-old daughter, Chloe, enrolled at the center, said the center and its staff are an asset for parents. "They are my support system," she said. "My family is over 1,000 miles away, and my spouse is deployed so I'm very grateful for the staff here. They have helped me with potty training Chloe and taught her manners. They also help me to be a better mom."
Tammie Ferguson's 2-year-old son, Marcus, has attended the center since the unofficial opening in October, when she transferred him from an off-post facility. Marcus said he likes school at Grierson.
"I like to play with toys outside and I like to race cars," he said. "We sing ABC's and I can count the 1,2,3's. I sing Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," he said. "We go to sheep (sleep) and we wake up."
When asked what else he does at the center, Marcus said, "I play with my friends. We eat. I like goldfish crackers."
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