CDC

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Clockwise from top left: Vanessa Esmie, child development center provider; Angelica, daughter of Janet Smith; Jasmine, daughter of TSgt. Jason and Staff Sgt. Laurel Degelau; Caleb, son of Master Sgt. Phillip and Tech. Sgt. Colleen Beverly; and Quincy, son of Staff Sgt. Quincy and Corinthia Hall, draw with chalk on the playground of the main base CDC here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane)

CDC

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Ann Leach (right) and her son Mason swipe an identification card at the child development center here as Theresa Goodwin, CDC desk clerk, monitors the front desk. The ID cards are used to check the children in and out of the center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane)

CDC

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Jeri Ambo (right), a provider at the child development center, shows Charice Roberson, a parent, the children's cubby area at the child development center on main base here. Ms. Roberson was given a tour and introduction to the CDC before her child began attending. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Laura R. McFarlane)

Handle with care

Published Oct. 2, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Vann Miller
35th Fighter Wing public affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Military members are asked to sacrifice a number of things for their nation: missed anniversaries; long hours in the office; and countless birthdays, holidays and weekends from time to time. There is a limit to the sacrifices one person can make and the child development centers here make sure the children of a servicemember are not part of that sacrifice.

The Misawa CDC offers programs and facilities that make caring for children a top priority.

"The philosophy of each program is to support the development of the whole child, meaning all areas of the child's development are considered interrelated and equally important," said Eileen Henderson 35th Services Squadron child care centers program director. "Children are complex individuals. I see our challenge as being the first step in building the community. We know that the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of the child needs to be nurtured daily."

To support the needs of the Misawa population the base offers two centers. The Yoiko CDC, the larger of the two, has 15 classrooms and is located on the main base. The Zeamer CDC has six classrooms and is on the north side of the base directly behind the shoppette.

At each center, full-day and hourly-care is available for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
The center is also capable of providing for children with special needs based on the ability of the program with written guidance from a physician, therapist or other appropriate health professional.

In addition to the regular services offered year long, the child development centers offers a three-hour preschool enrichment program for children age 3 and older, during the school year.

The care children receive is individualized according to one child care representative.

"There is a trust placed in our program," said Mrs. Henderson. "The staff provides the parent with the reassurance and confidence that their child will be given the best possible care, and be respected, valued and loved. This is where our mission begins."

For more information on prices and availability, contact the child development center at 226-4666.