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News | April 12, 2017

DSCR’s CDC personnel transition to federal positions

By Bonnie Koenig DLA Aviation public affairs

The Bettye Ackerman-Cobb Child Development Center celebrated a reopening ceremony April 3, on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia.The CDC provides developmental care for the installation's military and civilian workforce's children from ages six weeks to five years.  The CDC transitioned from being under Bright Horizons management to now being under the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate at Installation Support at Richmond. 

Case Chapman, the previous director under Bright Horizons and now the CDC director said the transition will reduce costs and improve services.

“We only closed the center for one day, March 31,” said Chapman. “Staff came in for two days of training on Friday and Saturday, to learn about the new curriculum, transitioning as non-appropriated funds employees, and to get the classrooms ready for opening on Monday.

She said she is optimistic about the transition because the CDC is providing more teachers, administrative, and supervisory staff than the previous contractor. The MWR director has hired an additional seven teachers, a supervisory program specialist, two administrative assistants, and a trainer.

“There are a lot of federal regulations that come with a military CDC,” said Chapman. “The staff will include personnel who are experts on those regulations.” She also said the teachers and staff will have time for planning and to complete the training they are required to take because there are others who can cover the classroom.

“The teachers are loving the new structured curriculum because it is in-depth with lots of activities, creative ways to dive into interest areas, and ways built into the curriculum to easily track students developmental progress.” said Chapman. “This is important because the military or civilian employees can go to work every day and know their children are close by, getting developmental learning and getting the best care possible.”

Chapman said they do not have any openings for daycare at this time, but there is a waiting list.  She is encouraging employees to get on the waiting list because she does have 20 students who will be graduating to kindergarten.