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Many KMC parents are growing anxious for the scheduled June opening of the new child development center here, but some parents may feel a little let down, at least for now.
While the $5.1 million facility, which will open 112 child care slots, is scheduled in June, the new facility will be used for children who receive care at the Vogelweh Military Complex CDC while that facility is under renovation.
The construction of the child care centers is part of a more than $13 million emergency intervention construction effort to increase the capacity of KMC child development and school age programs.
In July 2005, the Air Force was tasked by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Congress to meet the growing needs for child care by increasing child care capacity.
“In 2005, Price Waterhouse, a contracted company, published a study of KMC child care opportunities and found there was a shortage,” said Dorothy Choate, 86th Services Squadron Family Member Programs chief.
In total, there are seven emergency intervention projects scheduled for completion over the next 16 months, including additions to Bldg. 1003 used for the Ramstein School Age Program, the renovation of the Ramstein Youth Center and additions to the existing Ramstein CDC.
“If everything goes according to plan, around Christmas 2010, our KMC families seeking child care will begin seeing big changes in their wait status,” Mrs. Choate said.
Currently, there are 73 dual-military/single-parent dependents in the KMC waiting for care at either the Vogelweh or Ramstein facilities. Although waiting list times vary from category and facility, the average wait time for these individuals is three to 12 months.
“Our goal is that if you are a dual-military or single parent moving to the KMC you will be able to receive seamless, affordable, accessible and sustainable child care upon arrival,” she said.
The new facility and renovations should make the 86th Services Squadron youth services goal a reality.
“Just three years ago, 3rd Air Force wasn’t here at Ramstein. A year ago, 17th Air Force wasn’t here,” Mrs. Choate said. “As the wing grows, our needs have increased.”
And as Mrs. Choate explained not only have Air Force dependent needs increase, but KMC CDCs also provide child care for any Army and Navy personnel who live in base housing on either Ramstein or the Vogelweh.
“I’m excited for the opportunity we have in the coming year to begin really expanding our services to meet the needs of our community,” said Josie Cordova, Ramstein Child Development Program director.
In addition to supporting more children, the new and renovated child care facilities will also provide job opportunities — approximately 35 at the new Ramstein CDC alone.
“There will be eight classrooms, which will need 24 teachers to fill as well as other administrative positions available once the center opens,” Mrs. Choate said.
As construction of the Ramstein CDC comes to an end with contractors finishing punch-list items like completing the carpeting of the facility, and another construction project begins, officials stress patience and the improvement the entire project will bring.
“We know it is going to be an inconvenience to families either who thought there were going to be slots immediately after the new center opens or to families from Vogelweh who have to commute to Ramstein for child care,” Mrs. Choate said.
“But, the result will be an enhanced child care experience for our servicemembers’ dependents.”
