CNO Helps Open Child Development Center at Naval Base Coronado

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- A new Child Development Center (CDC) was officially opened for business with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead at Naval Base Coronado (NBC) Sept. 17.

One of two centers funded by the First 5 Commission of San Diego at NBC, the CDC opening marks the first time in nearly seven years NBC will have a childcare facility available for use by personnel stationed there.

"This project has played a key role in highlighting the need for more Navy childcare infrastructure for our families," said Greg Young, deputy director of family readiness for Commander, Navy Installation Command. "The 7,000 Navy families that utilize this facility can focus on their mission of defending this great nation, knowing that their children are well-cared for."

The First 5 Commission of San Diego is a program promoting early childhood development for children ages newborn through five years old in San Diego County. First 5 believes providing child development for children of NBC Sailors is a good opportunity to bring quality childcare to a base that has not had the facilities available recently.

"It is important for our military families to be confident their kids are given the necessary tools they are going to need to succeed in life," said Nick Macchione, First 5 commissioner and director of San Diego County Health and Human Services. "This facility is a chance at socializing and learning for children; it is about early childcare and education and preparing kids for success."

The completion of the CDC was the result of collaboration between federal, state and county entities, bringing the highest quality care to military families and their children.

"I am so pleased that so many have come together to make this project possible," Roughead said. "It is something that will last a lifetime, many lifetimes indeed, so I thank all who made it possible. It allows us, as we serve in our Navy and go forward with our Navy, to know that those who serve will have their children cared for in a place they can develop."

U.S. Rep. Susan Davis, of California, also attended the event.

The NBC facility has the capacity to serve 112 children and includes site development for play areas, new parking, drop-off areas and a service entrance. The facility has also been designed to accommodate future expansion to be able to care for approximately 300 children.

The opening of the NBC facility brings the number of CDCs in the San Diego metro area to seven, with other CDCs located at Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Point Loma, Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Medical Center, and Murphy Canyon housing area.