New Child Development Center Opens Aboard Naval Base San Diego

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shawnte Bryan, Naval Base San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base San Diego and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 22 to celebrate the grand opening of the new Child Care Development Center (CDC) located aboard Naval Base San Diego.

The requirement for the new CDC was critical, and the need was urgent to support Sailors and their families in the vital fleet-concentrated area of San Diego, said guest speaker Capt. Keith Hamilton, NAVFAC Southwest commanding officer.

Other guest speakers were Rear Adm. William French, commander, Navy Region Southwest, and Capt. Rick Williamson, Naval Base San Diego commanding officer.

The new 31,200 square-foot CDC has 23 classrooms to provide service to 306 service members' children ranging from infant to five years old.

"Depending on the age, the center usually has two instructors in each class," said James Marcelino, CDC Child and Youth Program administrator. "It has 105 employees to provide for the 306 students."

Marcelino said one of the great things about the facility is each corner of the building has its own playground for each age group. This was designed to avoid crowding in one playground.

Hamilton explained how the CDC was built with environmental standards in mind.

The contractor will be attaining a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver accreditation for obtaining points in various categories. The LEED categories include Indoor Environmental Quality, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, and Sustainable Site.

"We do save a lot of water," said Marcelino. "If you take a tour the outside you can see the irrigation canals."

Marcelino also said the CDC uses many energy efficient appliances.

The CDC was funded with military construction money, and Soltek Pacific Construction completed the construction.