NEW BEGINNINGS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
   Program Description:  

The New Beginnings Child Development Center (CDC) offers Full-Day, Part-Day Preschool, Army Strong Beginnings Pre-Kindergarten, and Hourly Care for the children of Fort Huachuca Soldiers and civilians.  The Center’s mission is to reduce the conflict between parental responsibilities and work requirements by providing enriching experiences; a safe environment; and warm, loving care and education for young children.

 We believe that communication with parents is a vital part of our success.  Please feel free to discuss any ideas or suggestions you may have with any member of our staff. You will also be informed of information concerning your child’s program through newsletters, email or other means of communication.  We strongly encourage parents to visit the classroom prior to the child’s first day in the program.

 The CDC is nationally accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and DoD Certified.  

 The CDC provides wholesome, healthy meals for children.  Our menus are based on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Guidelines and approved by a registered dietitian.

 Since a successful child care program requires a partnership between the Center staff and the parents, the CDC managers have an open-door policy and encourage parents to be involved in the Center’s Programs.  Parents are also strongly encouraged to visit the Center and the classrooms with their children prior to their children’s start date.  Numerous parent involvement opportunities are offered throughout the year. 

Location: Smith Street , Building # 48101

Telephone: (520) 533-5209

 Hours/Days of Operation: 0530-1730; Monday through Friday (closed on all Federal Holidays)

 Ages Served: 6 weeks through Kindergarten

Full-Day Program:

 Days of Operation:  Monday through Friday (closed on all Federal Holidays)

 Hours of Operation: 0530 to 1730

 Ages Served:  Infant            (6 weeks - 12 months)                                                                   

                        Pre-Toddler (13 – 24 months)

                        Toddler         (24 – 36 months)

                        Preschool      (3 - 5 years)

Army Strong Pre-K Program (Eligible for next school year age, 4-5 yrs.)

                        Kindergarten Before-/After-School (5 – 6 years)

Description:  The Full-Day Program provides care for children (from 6 weeks of age through Kindergarten) of working parents requiring childcare from 5 to 12 hours per day on a regular basis.  Patrons who use the Full-Day Program are dual working parents, single working parents, or working parents with spouses who are full-time students. 

Part-Day Preschool  (PDPS):    
                                                               

(Follows Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools Calendar)

 Two Sessions:                                                                                             -Monday/Wednesday/Friday                                                                                           -Tuesday/Thursday                                                                                                           

no PDPS on Fort Huachuca school-out days)                                                                                                      

 Hours: 0900-1200

 Ages Served: Preschool (3-5 years)

 Maximum Enrollment: 30 children per session

 Description:  The Part-Day Preschool (PDPS) Program allows children to play, while actively using imagination to increase knowledge.  The PDPS Program operates from August to May. 

This Program uses Creative Curriculum and the Six Pillars of Character from Character Counts! The goal is to prepare children for Kindergarten.

 Creative Curriculum is designed for use in early childhood programs and rests on a firm foundation of research that addresses academic content.    

 The Six Pillars of Character are ethical values used to guide children’s choices: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.  We introduce and implement these Pillars through developmentally appropriate programming.                                                                                            

Hourly Care:                                                                                                 

         Days/Hours of Operation:  Monday through Friday; 0800 to 1630

Ages Served: Infant            (6 weeks – 12 months)   

Pre-Toddler                       (13 - 24 months)                                      

          Toddler                              (25 - 36 months)                                                         

          Preschool                           (3-5years)                                                                                                  

Reservations can be made in advance.  Minimum number of hours is 2 per day; maximum number of hours is 25 per week.

 Description: The Hourly Care Program is designed as a short-term child care option for parents with short-term or irregular needs (e.g., volunteering, in-processing, respite care, and doctor’s appointments).  Parents can use Hourly Care as soon as their children are registered with CYS Services.  The CDC will accept reservations up to one month in advance.  However, some drop- in spaces may be available.

Kindergarten Before- and After-School Care:

 Days/Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday; 0530 to 0800 and 1430 to 1730.  (Full-Day Care for Kindergarteners provided from 0530 to 1730 on school-out days and during the summer).  A bus from Johnston Elementary School (one of the Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools) picks up and drops off Kindergarteners at the CDC.  

Ages Served: 5-6 years

 Description:  The framework for program activities for children enrolled in this Program is based on the following Army’s four Core Service Areas:  Sports and Fitness; Life Skills and Citizenship; Leisure and Recreation; and Mentoring, Intervention, and Support Services.  In addition, the Program offers 4-H Clubs, which incorporate the Six Pillars of Character.

Army Strong Beginnings Pre-Kindergarten Program:

 Days of Operation:  Monday through Friday (closed on all Federal Holidays)

 Hours of Operation: 0530 to 1730

 Ages Served: 4-5 year olds (must be eligible for Kindergarten and meet the Fort Huachuca school year cut-off date).

 Description:  The Army’s Strong Beginnings Pre-Kindergarten Program is designed to prepare children to be successful when they start school.  The curriculum focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of children.  It also equips them with basic academic and “Kindergarten classroom etiquette” skills to enhance school readiness.

For more information, contact Ms. Christine Thorps, CDC Director, at 520-533-5209 or by email at Christine.Thorps@us.army.mil.