Renovated Fort Meade child center opens this week

Maj. Gen. Omar Jones, the commanding general of Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington along with Fort Meade Garrison Command, Col. Christopher Nyland cut the ribbon Tuesday, April 20, to mark the reopening of Fort Meade’s Child Development Center II after multiple upgrades, fire and safety improvements and energy efficiency improvements.

“Our number one priority is taking care of people,” said Jones. “It’s not just those of us in uniform and those civilian teammates we have, it’s their families as well. 

"They serve right there, alongside, each and every one of them, and they allow all of us to accomplish the missions we have to do every single day. Particularly here at Fort Meade, where the missions are absolutely vital to the security of our entire country.”

Renovations to CDC II had already begun when the pandemic restrictions forced it to close. Once some restrictions were relaxed, renovation resumed. Work was completed in late March and the center will resume operations on Monday, April 26.

April is the Month of the Military Child, when the Department of Defense recognizes military children and youth for their service, commitment and sacrifice in support of the Army’s mission. This year’s theme, “Military Children and Youth A Resilient Force in a Changing World,” highlights the strength of military children and their ability to adapt to current and future changes.

Reopening CDC II is a way to recognize the tumultuous year in the lives of military children and their families.

Fort Meade’s Child and Youth Services office operates five CDCs all but one of which were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic prevention measures. Along with the opening of CDC II, the installation marked the restart of Fort Meade’s Family Child Care Centers program which allows certified child care professionals to care for children in their home. FCCC programs were also suspended during the pandemic. Only CDC I remained open during the pandemic to provide child care to service members whose jobs were deemed mission essential.