Lakenheath's CDCs provide quality care

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  A big concern on most parents' minds is their children's development. They worry about whether their child is eating right, who is watching them, and most importantly, how well are they being educated.

RAF Lakenheath's child development centers provide quality care to help quell parents' concerns.

"One of the top priorities in the Air Force is completing the mission, but when you're worried about your family, it becomes difficult to focus on the mission," said Matthew Driver, 48th Services Squadron family member programs chief. "It is our job to provide a safe and efficient environment for children so that our people don't need to worry about their families."

There are two child development centers on RAF Lakenheath. Together, the CDC East and West provide child care for 324 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

"Our activity plans differ from classroom to classroom," said Megan Sniegowski, 48th SVS acting CDC East director. "Our teachers observe their classes and create lesson plans based on the needs of the class."

One of the main focuses of the lesson plans is to work on small and large motor functions of the children. This could be ripping paper for the younger children or writing exercises for the older children. Other classroom activities can include arts and crafts, cooking, writing and more.

"I like that the CDC has smaller class sizes," said Senior Airman Tarann Earl, 48th Security Forces Squadron, whose child attends CDC East. "It allows for better interaction between the teachers and the children."

The CDC also holds activities once a month for parent participation. These can include book reading, arts and crafts and cooking.

"Parents are always welcome to come to the CDC and take part in our lessons," said Mrs. Sniegowski.

Military life can be stressful, but one thing servicemembers should not stress over is how well the CDC is caring for their child.