The Best Daycare Centers in FPO, AP
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in FPO. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in FPO
Child Development Center Yokosuka
U.S. Navy Child and Youth Programs
The Child Development Center at Yokosuka Naval Base is a highly-regarded facility serving military families throughout the FPO AP region. This center offers comprehensive early childhood education programs with developmentally appropriate curricula aligned with Navy standards. Features include certified early childhood educators, structured learning environments, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure access controls and emergency preparedness training. Nutritional meal programs follow USDA guidelines, and the facility emphasizes cultural diversity and inclusion to support the unique needs of military families stationed overseas.
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Sasebo Naval Base Child Development Center
U.S. Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Serving military families in the FPO AP area, the Sasebo Child Development Center provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on military family support. The center employs qualified early childhood professionals who implement research-based curricula promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. The program emphasizes parent involvement with regular communication and family events. Special features include flexible care options and support for children with special needs, making it a trusted choice for Navy families in the Western Pacific region.
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Singapore CDC - Sembawang
U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Readiness
The Child Development Center at Sembawang Naval Base in Singapore serves as a premier childcare option for military families throughout the FPO AP command. This accredited facility offers comprehensive early childhood programs with a strong emphasis on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified staff with early childhood credentials, modern learning environments, and secure facilities with controlled access. Curriculum incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The program maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parent satisfaction is high due to consistent communication and flexible scheduling options tailored to military family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in FPO, AP
What are the primary types of childcare options available for military and civilian families in FPO, AP?
In FPO, AP, childcare is primarily provided through on-base and off-base options. The most common on-base option is the Child Development Center (CDC), which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The CDC is accredited and follows strict Department of Defense (DoD) standards. For school-age children, the School Age Care (SAC) program is available. Off-base, options are extremely limited due to the unique nature of the location (typically a military base or diplomatic post in the Asia-Pacific region). Some families may utilize in-home daycare through other military spouses who are registered with the Family Child Care (FCC) program, which is a licensed, home-based alternative on the installation. Due to the transient population and space constraints, securing a spot often requires early registration.
How does the priority system work for getting a spot at the on-base Child Development Center (CDC) in FPO, AP?
Access to the CDC in FPO, AP operates on a strict priority system mandated by the DoD. This system is crucial due to high demand and limited capacity. Priority is generally assigned in this order: 1) Single military members or dual-military couples, 2) Single civilian DoD employees or one military spouse with one civilian DoD employee, 3) Other military spouses, 4) DoD contractors, and 5) Other eligible patrons as space allows. Within each category, placement is often determined by the date of application. It is critical to register your child on the military installation's centralized waitlist as soon as you have orders to the location, even before you arrive. Wait times can vary from weeks to several months.
Are there any unique health, safety, or security protocols for daycares in FPO, AP that parents should know about?
Yes, childcare facilities in FPO, AP, especially on-base, adhere to enhanced security and health protocols specific to the overseas and often isolated military environment. All on-base facilities have controlled access, requiring a valid military or dependent ID for entry. Background checks for all staff and FCC providers are rigorous. Health protocols may align with both U.S. standards and any host-nation requirements, including specific immunizations or health screenings for children. Given the AP region, facilities are also prepared for specific emergency scenarios, such as typhoons or other natural disasters common to the area, with detailed evacuation and shelter-in-place plans that parents are briefed on during enrollment.
What is the typical cost of childcare in FPO, AP, and how is it calculated for military families?
For the on-base CDC and SAC programs in FPO, AP, fees are set by the DoD and are based on a family's Total Family Income (TFI). This is a sliding scale system, meaning families with lower incomes pay less. The TFI includes all basic pay, allowances, and civilian spouse income. You can find the current fee chart through MilitaryChildCare.com or your local installation's Family Support office. Fees are typically deducted automatically from the military member's pay. Costs for the licensed Family Child Care (FCC) homes on-base are set by the individual provider but must fall within a range approved by the installation. Off-base commercial daycare is rarely an option, but if available, costs would be market-driven and paid out-of-pocket without a DoD subsidy.
How can I find and vet a licensed Family Child Care (FCC) provider on the installation in FPO, AP?
The installation's Family Child Care (FCC) office is the central hub for all licensed home-based providers. You can contact the FCC office directly through the base's Family Support Center or via MilitaryChildCare.com, which lists available FCC homes. All FCC providers are required to be licensed, which involves thorough background checks, home safety inspections, CPR/first aid certification, and ongoing training. The FCC office coordinates interviews and visits between parents and providers. When vetting, ask about the provider's daily schedule, discipline philosophy, meal plans, and emergency procedures. It's also advisable to ask for references from other military families they have cared for. The FCC program offers a more flexible and often home-like environment but still operates under the oversight and standards of the installation's childcare authority.