Fort Riley officials cut ribbon on seventh on-post CDC

FORT RILEY, Kan. - Brightly braided red, white and blue ribbons shimmered in the sun waiting to be cut for the official opening of the Forsyth East Child Development Center Sept. 17.

The new CDC, located at 2420 H St., Camp Forsyth, can serve up to 135 children with its two large classrooms, two multipurpose rooms, gym and large kitchen.

Sonya Douglas, Child, Youth and School Services coordinator, said CYSS services help support Soldiers by giving their children a safe place to learn.

"A Soldier can concentrate on his mission, knowing that their children and youth are safe and supervised by trained and professional staff, while participating in quality development programs," she said.

Brig. Gen. David Petersen said the opening of the CDC marked another great milestone in the growth of Fort Riley and its continued commitment to its Families.

"What you see here today is a direct result of the Army Family Covenant," he said.

The center will be used for part-day preschool, Part-day Strong Beginning (pre-kindergarten) programs, SKIES Unlimited classes, home school and other outreach services.

"The CDC will meet the need of our young children and youth by keeping them busy and resilient during times of deployment. Keeping youth busy and engaged is a key to lowering stress levels in our adolescents during those deployments," Petersen said.

Amanda Carmen, who home schools her five children with her husband 1st Lt. Josh Carmen, said they use the new CDC every Friday for arts and crafts day with other home schooled children.

"I love the new CDC. I like how many activities they offer," said Katie Wisdom, a mother of two.

Her daughter Kayla, 4, said she likes art and computers and takes gymnastics classes at the new center.

This CDC is the seventh on post, and there are two more CDC's being planned. The first will be a 24/7 mini-CDC by Irwin Army Community Hospital. The second is a fitness CDC, located near Long Gymnasium on Custer Hill.