Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

The 24/7 Child Development Center is a $1.5 million facility that provides high-quality educational and recreational programs for children and youth, 24 hours, seven days a week. “This Child & Youth Center is specifically designed to help ease the burden financially to those second- and third-shift workers that are here supporting patient care in Portsmouth,” said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks, when it opened in January 2011.  “It extends the normal Child Development hours that don’t normally meet the needs of medical care providers, to include weekends and evenings.”

The NMCP CDC was created specifically to meet the unique needs of service members and their families.

The 4,249-square-foot facility can accommodate up to 16 children per shift overnight and ultimately can accommodate 36 during the day, as well as drop-ins when space is available.

The center décor evokes a homey feeling, and has a large kitchen and dining area, play room, living room, a baby room with up to eight cribs, and boys’ and a girls’ rooms for up to four children in each room. There is also an outdoor play area.

The cost is based on your income, and it’s much more affordable than outside day care.

The center is equipped with closed-circuit cameras to monitor every room, and is outfitted with the latest technology.  It complies with design and construction requirements and energy performance standards for new federal buildings.

The Navy operates 11 Child Development Centers in Hampton Roads including three other 24/7 centers.  The Navy’s Child Development Centers are accredited with the National Association for the Education of Young Children.