The Best Daycare Centers in Eielson AFB, AK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Eielson AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Eielson AFB
Eielson AFB Child Development Center
United States Air Force
As the primary military childcare facility on base, the Eielson AFB CDC offers comprehensive early childhood education programs following Department of Defense standards. The center features a structured curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and school readiness. All staff undergo extensive background checks and receive specialized training in military family support. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. What sets this center apart is its deep understanding of military family needs, offering flexible scheduling for deployed parents and integration with base support services.
Daycare Services:
Kindercare Learning Center - Fairbanks
Kindercare Education
This Kindercare location serves Eielson AFB families with a research-based curriculum focused on early literacy, math, science, and social skills. The center features dedicated learning centers, secure facilities with keypad entry, and experienced teachers with early childhood education credentials. Their program includes daily communication with parents through digital updates and regular developmental assessments. The center offers transportation options for school-age children and accommodates military family scheduling needs. Their strong safety protocols and consistent staff retention make them a trusted choice for military families in the North Pole/Fairbanks area.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Fairbanks
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. The center provides secure environments with electronic entry systems and comprehensive safety protocols. Their structured yet flexible approach accommodates military family needs with extended hours and reliable scheduling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Eielson AFB, AK
What are the main childcare options available for military families at Eielson AFB, and how do I access them?
Military families at Eielson AFB have several primary options. The most direct is the **Eielson Child Development Center (CDC)**, located on base, which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Access is prioritized by military status (e.g., active duty, dual-military). You must register through the **MilitaryChildCare.com** website, which is the Department of Defense's centralized system for finding and requesting care at all installations. Off-base, options in the nearby Fairbanks North Star Borough include licensed home-based providers and private centers. Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, applying for the CDC waitlist as soon as you receive orders is critical.
How long are the typical waitlists for the Child Development Center (CDC) at Eielson AFB, and what can I do while waiting?
Waitlists for the Eielson AFB CDC, particularly for infant care (6 weeks - 18 months), can be several months to over a year long, given the high concentration of young families and limited facility capacity. Wait times for older age groups are generally shorter but still significant. While on the waitlist, explore these alternatives: 1) Register for the **Family Child Care (FCC)** program on base, which consists of licensed home providers in base housing, also accessed via MilitaryChildCare.com. 2) Use your **Child Care Aware of America** subsidy; military families may be eligible for fee assistance to help offset the cost of using a certified off-base provider in the Fairbanks community. 3) Investigate local licensed home daycares in North Pole or Fairbanks, though availability is also tight.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Alaska, and how can I verify a provider's status?
All childcare providers in Alaska, whether centers or home-based, must be licensed by the **State of Alaska, Division of Public Assistance, Child Care Program Office**. Key regulations include staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, and facility inspections. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history through the official **Alaska Online Licensing system**. For on-base CDC and FCC providers, they meet or exceed these state standards and also adhere to stringent Department of Defense regulations and unannounced inspections. Always ask any off-base provider for their state license number and verify it online before enrolling.
How does the cost of childcare at the Eielson AFB CDC compare to off-base options in the Fairbanks area, and how are fees determined?
The Eielson AFB CDC uses a **sliding fee scale based on Total Family Income (TFI)**, making it typically the most affordable option for eligible military families. Your fee is calculated after you submit your most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). Off-base childcare in the Fairbanks/North Pole area is generally more expensive, with average full-time infant care ranging from $1,000 to $1,400+ per month. The **Military Fee Assistance program**, administered through Child Care Aware, can help bridge this cost gap if you use a community provider while on the CDC waitlist. It's essential to budget for higher off-base costs and apply for fee assistance immediately upon securing a spot.
Are there any unique childcare considerations for the extreme weather and seasonal darkness in Interior Alaska?
Absolutely. Childcare providers in the Eielson/Fairbanks area are accustomed to operating in extreme conditions. Key considerations include: 1) **Transportation & Outdoor Play**: Inquire about policies for pick-up/drop-off during severe cold (below -20°F is common) and winter road conditions. Ask about indoor gross motor areas for days when outdoor play is unsafe. 2) **Health Policies**: Protocols for preventing and managing cold-weather illnesses (like RSV, which can be severe) are crucial. 3) **Seasonal Activities**: Quality programs will have curricula adapted for the environment, with a focus on indoor learning during deep winter and maximizing outdoor time during the brief summer. 4) **Emergency Preparedness**: Ensure the provider has robust plans for power outages, heating failures, and communication during storms. On-base facilities have dedicated support from the installation for such emergencies.