Beale celebrates new Child Development Center with ribbon cutting

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., -- The 9th Force Support Squadron hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the newly constructed Child Development Center here April 2.

The $15 million CDC, which opened March 26, can accommodate 280 children, ranging from six weeks to five years of age.

"This is a great day for the Beale Air Force Base family," said Brig. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. "This is the best facility I've ever been in, but it's not just the facility, it's the staff."

The facility includes five infant, six pre-toddler, six toddler and four preschool rooms helping it exceed the previous CDC's capacity by 105 children.

"This increase will relieve a lot of pressure from Airmen waiting for child care on base or looking for a more centralized location to bring their children," said Lt. Col. Connie May, 9th FSS commander. "Our candidates for care are often on a waiting list because we carry the best staff you can find. These Airmen and their families are well deserving of this state-of-the-art facility."

In addition to the facility having the latest and greatest amenities, it meets the Silver standard from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The building helps eliminate waste by being equipped with natural lighting, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, motion detector lighting, low flush toilets and other water-saving features.

During the ceremony, McGillicuddy gave credit to the California Congressional Delegation and members of the Beale Military Liaison Committee for securing the funding authorization for the CDC.

"The construction of this building was only one aspect of the project," he said. "The support and determination from everyone involved from the beginning is really what makes this a success. Ultimately this is about the bond the American people share with service members and their families."