The Best Daycare Centers in DM AFB, AZ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in DM AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in DM AFB
DM Child Development Center
355th Force Support Squadron
The DM Child Development Center is the primary on-base childcare facility serving military families at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. This DOD-certified center offers comprehensive early childhood education programs with a focus on developmental appropriateness and military family support. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and follows strict DOD safety and health protocols. Staff are required to have early childhood education credentials and undergo extensive background checks. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and school readiness, with special programs to support children during parental deployments. As a military facility, it prioritizes accessibility for base personnel with flexible scheduling to accommodate shift work.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Tucson at Rita Ranch
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Tucson at Rita Ranch is a highly-regarded private preschool and childcare center located approximately 15 minutes from DM AFB. This nationally accredited facility follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts in purpose-built classrooms. Features include secure entry systems, commercial-grade kitchens providing nutritious meals, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and has earned recognition for its high-quality early learning programs and strong parent communication systems.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Tucson (East)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Tucson (East) is a premium early childhood education center serving families in the greater Tucson area, including DM AFB communities. This state-licensed facility offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic readiness with social development and creative expression. The school features modern security systems including keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and comprehensive safety protocols. Classrooms are equipped with SMART Board technology and developmentally appropriate learning materials. All teachers are qualified early childhood professionals who participate in ongoing training. The program emphasizes STEM education, literacy development, and physical activity through structured play and learning centers. The school maintains excellent compliance records and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in DM AFB, AZ
What are the primary childcare options available for military families stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DM AFB)?
Military families at DM AFB have several key options. The most direct is the **Davis-Monthan AFB Child Development Center (CDC)**, which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is accredited and prioritizes military families. For school-age children (Kindergarten-5th grade), the **Youth Center** provides before/after-school care and summer programs. Additionally, the **MilitaryChildCare.com** website is the centralized portal to find and request care at the CDC or for **Family Child Care (FCC)** homes—licensed, home-based providers living in base housing. Off-base, there are numerous licensed centers and homes in the surrounding Tucson area, but availability can be tight, so using the base resources first is highly recommended.
How does the priority system work for getting a spot at the DM AFB Child Development Center, and are waitlists common?
The CDC uses a Department of Defense-mandated priority system to allocate spots. Priority 1 is for single or dual active-duty military members. Priority 2 is for active-duty members with a working spouse. Priority 3 is for other active-duty families, DoD civilians, and contractors. Due to high demand, especially for infants and toddlers, **waitlists are very common and can be several months long**. It is crucial to register on **MilitaryChildCare.com** as soon as you receive your orders to DM AFB. You can request care for a future date. Staying in communication with the CDC and also exploring the FCC network on-base can improve your chances of securing care sooner.
What are the typical costs for childcare at the base CDC compared to off-base centers in Tucson, and what financial assistance is available?
Costs at the **DM AFB CDC are based on your Total Family Income (TFI)**, making it significantly more affordable than most off-base options for eligible families. Fees are set on a sliding scale, so you pay according to your income bracket. In contrast, off-base centers in Tucson typically charge a flat weekly rate, which for full-time infant care can range from $225 to $350+ per week. To assist with off-base care, military families may be eligible for the **Department of Defense Child Care Fee Assistance Program**, which can subsidize a portion of the cost at community-based, licensed providers if no on-base care is available. Your local **Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)** can provide details on this program.
Are there any state of Arizona or local Tucson regulations parents should be aware of when choosing an off-base daycare?
Yes. All licensed childcare providers in Arizona must be regulated by the **Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)**. Key regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers), background checks for staff, and health/safety standards. You can and should check a provider's **license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history for free on the ADHS website**. Tucson also has specific zoning and safety codes. When looking off-base, ensure the provider is ADHS-licensed, not just "registered." The A&FRC or the **Child Care Aware of America** military liaison can help you understand these standards and find licensed options.
What resources are available on DM AFB to help parents evaluate and choose a quality childcare provider, either on or off base?
The **Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)** is your best starting point. They offer **Childcare Aware** services, which include personalized referrals, help navigating the MilitaryChildCare.com system, and consultations on what to look for in a quality program. They can provide checklists for touring facilities, questions to ask about curriculum and safety, and guidance on understanding inspection reports. For on-base FCC providers, the FCC program coordinator conducts regular inspections and offers training, ensuring a standard of care. Utilizing these free, expert resources can give you confidence in your childcare decision and help you navigate the specific landscape of DM AFB and Tucson.