Construction crews recently began construction on a new childcare facility here. The new facility will accommodate more than 200 children when it's completed late January 2008, making a dent in the region’s military childcare waiting lists.

With the two new buildings, slated to open in March 2008, come 40 additional childcare providers, according to Jack R. Harkins, deputy director of installations and logistics here.

The buildings will be entirely self-sufficient with kitchen facilities, parking access and security. Some other benefits of using on-base childcare include discount rates, government certified employees and easy access.

“It’s good to see the military providing more room for childcare,” said Teri M. Cox, a family counselor for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. “It’s expensive outside the military, some places cost $300 a week, or $15 to $20 every hour without a contract in the civilian sector.”

Active duty military families and Department of Defense employees can also apply for financial aid to help pay for childcare.

Currently, the average wait time for childcare is 6 to 18 months. Infants and toddlers have a longer wait due to the number of infants on the waiting list, said Cynthia Padilla, a family liaisons director with Navy Region Southwest, Morale Welfare and Recreation.

In addition to the new childcare facilities at Miramar, military families can look forward to construction of additional centers in the Murphy Canyon military housing community.

While the wait for affordable childcare exists, the referral offices can aid families in finding at-home childcare by certified providers.

“We continue to look for ways to ensure Miramar families have access to quality and affordable childcare,” said Sharoll Guther, the director for the child development center, here.