Child Development Center
ELIGIBILITY
CDC facilities are open to children of active-duty military service members, active reservists, Department of Defense employees and DoD contractors. The sponsor must provide proof of eligibility and employment.
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CDC I and CDC II
Child Development Centers (CDCs) provide full day early care and education (ECE) services for children ages 6 weeks through preschool (or until the child enters kindergarten) in a center-based learning environment. Both centers are accredited or pursuing accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Austin’s Playroom
Austin’s Playroom is dedicated exclusively to hourly care. Care is provided for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. Austin’s Playroom is sponsored by the Mario Lemieux Foundation and is managed by NSA Bethesda Child & Youth Programs.
24/7 Center
The NSA Bethesda 24/7 Center serves children between the ages of 6 weeks to 12 years in a Navy Child and Youth Program facility that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Care can be provided up to 24 hours. The concept of 24/7 centers is developed to meet the needs of military watch standers, shift workers, and military personnel called for other special duties during non-traditional hours. To qualify, parents must submit work schedules issued from the command or printed on letterhead (for civilian schedules), and must contain the supervisor's name and contact information. The schedule is essential for developing appropriate child and staff schedules and therefore, enrollment in the program is contingent upon receipt of work schedules in a timely manner.
School Liaison Officer
The School Liaison Officer (SLO) works to connect commanders, educators and parents. They serve as the subject matter experts for K-12 education issues. The SLO's primary function is to provide transition support to DoD-eligible families with school-age children to ensure smooth transitions between schools and positive educational experiences. The SLO can provide numerous resources to assist families, educators and commands in their efforts to create positive and supportive educational environments for military children.
All Centers hold Department of Defense certification and participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.
CDC professionals use The Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies to provide developmentally appropriate activities that nurture children socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually to reach child development milestones and school readiness skills.