Room to grow -- Fort Campbell opens Eagles Child Development Center

By Nondice Powell, Fort Campbell CourierFebruary 6, 2009

FORT CAMPBELL, KY -- FEB 6, 2009 ---Soldiers, their families and civilian employees on Fort Campbell now have access to a new child development center.

Eagles Child Development Center, located on Bastogne Avenue across from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, has the ability to care for approximately 145 full-time children ages 0-5.

"This is their very first day," said Spc. Emily Garcia, Medical Department Activity. "I was so excited they had slots available. I'm going to save a lot of money and the facility is much nicer than anything I've had them in before. I'm thrilled about it."

Garcia dropped off her 1 1/2-year-old son Christian and 3-year-old daughter Emily Monday for their first day at the center. They were among many of the children who started that day.

The different rooms for each age group continue to open and the center will soon be at full capacity. The facility cost $4.4 million and was funded by Congress.

The new center created more than just opportunities for children to attend daycare on post. "The new child development center has brought about 64 new jobs within Child, Youth and School Services," said Barbara Robinson, CYSS transition specialist.

Another child development center is part of the construction in the area near Gate 10. The hope is for it to be completed by August 2010. It will be able to accommodate 232 children ages 0-5.

"The importance of increasing the number of facilities on the installation is to meet the growing demand of Soldiers and families who are in need of child care services," said Robinson. "Updating facilities is also a necessity; much the same as keeping your home updated."