CDC revamps classroom to improve child development

Col. Brandon Parker, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, and a child cut through a ribbon together, signifying the opening of the new Child Development Center gross motor classroom at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 20, 2015. The classroom provides an alternate location for children to continue to focus on their gross motor skills during extreme weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)

CDC revamps classroom to improve child development

Col. Brandon Parker, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, gives opening remarks during the Child Development Center’s gross motor classroom ribbon cutting ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 20, 2015. The new classroom provides the opportunity for children to develop their major muscle groups and gross motor skills, in addition to having a designated area for fun activities during extreme weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)

CDC revamps classroom to improve child development

Children engage in activities following the opening of the new Child Development Center gross motor classroom at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 20, 2015. The activities develop children’s major muscle groups to include the arms, legs and torso. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey)

CDC revamps classroom to improve child development

Published Aug. 20, 2015
By Senior Airman Jannelle Dickey
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Barksdale Air Force Base Child Development Center East held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gross motor skills classroom here, Aug. 20.

The new classroom provides the opportunity for children to develop their major muscle groups and gross motor skills during extreme weather conditions.

"Children need practice to develop skills such as running, jumping, climbing and dancing," said Tamiko Thomas, Child Development Center director. "Now we have designated zones set up with age-appropriate materials to encourage children to master their skills and gain self-confidence."

The renovated room is filled with equipment to focus on gross motor activities to include floor mats and climbers.

"We look forward to having a large area dedicated for safe play and not having to be concerned about outside temperature or precipitation," said Thomas. "We know our parents excel in their work duties when they know their children are being well taken care of. We all benefit when our children are safe and happy."

Col. Brandon Parker, 2nd Bomb Wing vice commander, stated taking care of the children is an important piece of Barksdale's number one priority: people.

"When we talk about taking care of our people, this is what we mean," said Parker. "This doesn't happen without individuals being fully committed to our families, their growth, development and learning."