CDC offers peace of mind, safe environment for children Published April 21, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Gwendalyn Smith 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Office SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Leaving a child in the hands of a stranger can be one of the most difficult moments for a parent, and that's why the staff at the Child Development Center say they strive to build a safe environment where parents can put their trust. The mission of each CDC is to assist military and civilian personnel in balancing the demands of the mission and family life by delivering a system of quality, available, and affordable programs and services for eligible children, according to Matthew Puls, Scott's CDC director. "It's important that we ensure parents feel that we offer a safe and trusting environment for their children. We do our mission, so the parents can do theirs," he said. To do that, the CDC here provides child care for families with children age six weeks to 5 years old, or until the child is ready to begin kindergarten. Open from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., it's a place where parents of more than 400 children can drop off and pick up at any time it is open. The CDC runs several developmental programs that includes teaching children how to interact with other children through play and developing their knowledge through interactive lesson plans. The Child Development Program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is certified by the Department of Defense. Each care area is staffed in accordance with Air Force regulations. "We have classroom schedules and routines, lesson plans and activities to teach the children," said Puls. "We have 130 caregivers and teachers who apply the interests of the children in their teaching programs." Throughout the week, children learn through active, hands-on involvement with their environment, peers and adults. Sandra Rogers, a caretaker in the infant room, said the staff members strive to respect each child's unique interest, experience, abilities and needs while providing a safe, nurturing environment in which to learn. "When they first come in here at six weeks, they can't do much," said Rogers. "The next thing you know they're crawling, reaching for things and sitting up. We really enjoying seeing that physical development." Nichole Smuro, a single parent who uses the CDC, said she is grateful for the knowledge and skills the staff has taught her daughter. "I was reading a book with her at home, and I had no clue she even knew what half the things in that book were," Smurro said. "They really work with the children and do well with them. It's a lot easier on me when I take my daughter home. "Being a single mother, I don't have a lot of time to do everything with her, so their help makes it easier on me."