Choosing child care is a significant decision for any family, and for Navy families, the unique demands of military life add another layer of complexity. Looking back, the spirit of comprehensive child care programs began to take shape in the 1960s, aiming to provide nurturing and supportive environments for children. While the Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) of today have evolved significantly, they stand on the shoulders of those early initiatives, reflecting a long-standing commitment to quality care and development.
The Foundational Philosophy of Navy CYP: Echoes of the 1960s
The core philosophy of Navy CYP resonates with the progressive childcare ideals that gained traction in the 1960s. These early programs, much like today’s CYP, emphasized high-quality educational and recreational activities. The focus was, and remains, on creating developmentally appropriate programs led by caring and knowledgeable professionals. This enduring philosophy prioritizes the unique needs, abilities, and interests of each child, fostering independence, trust, and responsibility through respectful interactions – principles deeply rooted in the child-centered approaches advocated in the 1960s.
Goals for Growth: Then and Now
The goals of Navy CYP today mirror many of the developmental aspirations that were central to the 1960 Child Care Program movement. Both eras recognize the importance of:
- Physical Development and Skills: Encouraging physical activity and skill-building remains a cornerstone, reflecting the understanding of the crucial link between physical and cognitive development recognized in the 60s.
- Social Competence and Positive Relationships: Fostering social skills and positive peer interactions was a key objective then and continues to be vital in today’s CYP, acknowledging the lifelong benefits of early social development.
- Emotional Well-being and Respect: Cultivating emotional security, self-respect, and respect for others is a consistent goal. The 1960s saw growing awareness of the impact of emotional well-being on overall development, a principle firmly embedded in CYP.
- Cognitive Development and Inquiry: Encouraging thinking, reasoning, questioning, and experimentation aligns with the educational advancements of the 1960s, which emphasized active learning and exploration.
- Initiative and Problem-Solving: Developing initiative, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are crucial life skills. Progressive 1960s programs began to prioritize these skills, and CYP continues this focus.
- Creative Expression and Appreciation for the Arts: Promoting creativity and artistic appreciation reflects a holistic approach to child development, valued in both the 1960s and contemporary CYP.
- Language and Literacy Development: Building strong language and literacy skills is fundamental. Early childhood education in the 1960s recognized the critical importance of early literacy, a focus that persists in CYP.
- Self-Discipline and Task Completion: Developing self-discipline and the ability to pursue tasks independently are important for future success, reflecting a long-held educational principle that extends back to the 1960s and beyond.
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition: Supporting sound health, safety, and nutritional practices is a basic necessity. The 1960s saw increased attention to child health and nutrition, principles that are integral to CYP operations.
Highly Trained Professionals: A Continuing Commitment
Just as the success of the 1960 child care program depended on dedicated and skilled professionals, Navy CYP places immense value on the expertise of its staff. CYP professionals undergo rigorous training in child and youth development, equipped to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs. Continuous professional development ensures they remain at the forefront of best practices, a commitment to excellence that echoes the aspirations for professionalized childcare that were emerging in the 1960s.
Furthermore, the safety and security of children are paramount. Extensive background checks for all CYP professionals, a practice that has become increasingly standardized since the 1960s, provide parents with peace of mind. This dedication to safety, coupled with highly trained staff, reinforces the trustworthy environment that families seek.
Modern Programs Rooted in a Rich History
Today’s MWR Mayport Child Development Center (CDC) facilities, offering full-time and hourly care for children from infancy to preschool age, are a testament to the enduring principles of quality childcare that were taking shape in the 1960s. Open to active duty, DoD personnel, and contractors, these centers provide essential services to military families. The DoD-established fees, structured on a sliding scale, aim to make care accessible, reflecting the broader societal goals of accessible childcare that gained momentum in the 1960s. On-site kitchens preparing USDA-guideline meals further underscore the commitment to holistic child development, encompassing nutrition as a key component of well-being, an understanding that was growing in the 1960s.
For Navy families today, registering for full-time care at militarychildcare.com is the first step. Additional resources at childcareaware.org further support families in navigating their childcare options. These modern resources and programs are the direct descendants of the growing recognition in the 1960s of the critical need for accessible, high-quality child care to support families and children’s development. The Navy CYP continues to build upon this legacy, providing exceptional care for military families.
