European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - January 13, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A i to Magazine is Lynda w. Sparks the loft is one of the most popular play areas among preschoolers at the children s Center in Berlin. This is the fourth in the stars and stripes five part series on child care by Deedee Arrington Doke staff writer run enter Hen . Military child care professionals in Europe want to examine a state of the Art child care program they often visit the children s Center in West Berlin s Dahlem area. It has it All diverse programs for youngsters career enhancement incentives for employees and a spacious two Story building that was built for the sole purpose of being a child care Center. And while other military child care centers offer some of the same benefits to their Small customers and their parents Berlin is one of the few installations that have been Able to fit it All into one package. Among the standout ingredients found under the children s Center roof Are a developmental preschool operated by the department of defense dependents schools for children Ages 3 through 5 who have learning disabilities or other handicaps. A so called play group for infants toddlers and sets the Standard preschoolers and their parents. A music creative movement enrichment class instructed by a staff member specifically hired for that purpose. A room set apart for a Library that various classrooms visit for Book related activities. An extensive Art program involving even infants who fingerprint with whipped Cream. Advanced training for child care providers who want to increase their skills and career opportunities through an associate of arts degree program in child care and development through Central Texas College. Tuition and books Are paid for through the army education program. A building constructed to provide a variety of spaces a music room indoor play areas lofts classrooms kid size bathroom facilities for children of different Ages and diverse activities. A private association formed to promote children s interests and child care needs in the Berlin military Community. And then there s tedi Simonowsky coordinator of Berlin s child development services and a longtime participant in developing Berlin s child care program. A former elementary school teacher Simonowsky joined the Berlin child care team in the late 1970s. The Way you make it happen is you have to establish there is a need for  Simonowsky said of the children s Center s diverse educational offerings and its spacious two Story building. You have to marshal Community interest which then becomes a command interest Simonowsky continued. I Don t believe there s any such thing As not having any Money. It s a question of How Money is spent and what the command priorities Are. Is it going to be putting 22 lanes in a Bowling Center instead of 17? remodelling the movie theater or the child care Center it s just a question of influencing these  after nine years of Community planning the $2.5 continued on Page 14 Friday january 13, 1989 the stars and stripes Page 13