CDC makes room for Silly Putty education

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Russell
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Military parents face the challenge of finding high quality childcare that accommodates their ever-changing schedule and Incirlik's Child Development Center has specifically catered to this need by opening two new rooms for child care.

"Opening a new preschool room and a pre-toddler room has helped personnel at Incirlik obtain childcare for their family members," said Joann Collins, CDC training and curriculum specialist. "The CDC has also reduced the wait list by 33 percent since July".

With the opening of these two new rooms, a total of six classrooms are available at the CDC for young children.

There are two preschool rooms, one toddler room, two pre-toddler rooms and one infant room. Based on Air Force regulations, the CDC can accommodate eight infants, 14 toddlers, 10 pre-toddlers and 20 preschool children, each age group in their own room.

Along with caring for as many children as possible, the CDC staff strive to harmonize children's needs to the maximum extent possible. They are unique individuals and hold peculiar traits that dictate how they learn and experience the world.

The Greek philosopher, Plato, once said, "Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each."

Plato might be proud as the Part-Day Enrichment program at the CDC has been a major success in this regard.

This program is based on the "learn through play" philosophy. The staff addresses all areas of development: social, physical, cognitive and creative, based on the needs and interests of the children, said Ms. Collins.

Children, 3 to 5 years old, "learn through play" with activities such as learning why the sky is blue, playing hopscotch with letters and numbers and learning to make silly putty, said Lavonnah Walker, the Youth Center's School-age Program assistant.

Ms. Walker takes time away from the "older kids" to teach with the Part-Day Enrichment Program.

"It's nice to work with the younger children for a change," said Ms. Walker. "Everything about them is different; their personalities, the way they learn and especially their imagination!"

The CDC's programs bring a new outlook to learning and having fun.

For more information about the CDC's childcare, call 676-6553.