The Best Daycare Centers in Little Rock Air Force Base, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Little Rock Air Force Base. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Little Rock Air Force Base
Little Rock Air Force Base Child Development Center
United States Air Force
This military-operated center provides high-quality childcare specifically designed for military families with comprehensive developmental programs. Features NAEYC-accredited curriculum with age-appropriate learning activities, USDA-approved meals and snacks, and highly qualified staff with Child Development Associate credentials. The center emphasizes military family support with flexible hours accommodating shift work and deployment schedules. Facilities include secure access, modern classrooms, and extensive outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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La Petite Academy of Jacksonville
La Petite Academy
This nationally accredited center serves many military families from Little Rock AFB with a comprehensive educational approach. Features the Grow Early Learning Experience curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Staff includes degreed teachers with specialized training in early childhood education. The facility offers secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Special programs include phonics-based reading readiness and STEM activities for preschool-aged children.
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Kiddie Academy of Cabot
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
This highly-rated educational childcare center serves the Little Rock AFB community with its Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and modern security systems including electronic check-in. The academy emphasizes health and fitness with nutritional meal programs and structured physical activities. Additional features include Spanish language exposure, music enrichment, and comprehensive kindergarten readiness programs with ongoing progress assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Little Rock Air Force Base, AR
What are the primary childcare options available to military families stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas?
Military families at Little Rock AFB have several key options. The most prominent is the Child Development Center (CDC) located directly on base, which is accredited and offers full-time, part-time, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. For school-age children, the School Age Care (SAC) program provides before/after-school care and summer camps. Additionally, the Family Child Care (FCC) program offers licensed in-home daycare provided by certified military spouses in base housing or the local community. Off-base, there are numerous licensed childcare centers and homes in Jacksonville, Cabot, and Sherwood. Utilizing the MilitaryChildCare.com website is the centralized way to request care for all Department of Defense-operated programs.
How long are the waitlists for the on-base Child Development Center (CDC) at Little Rock AFB, and what can I do while waiting?
Waitlist times for the Little Rock AFB CDC can vary significantly based on the child's age, desired schedule, and time of year, often ranging from several weeks to several months. Infant care typically has the longest wait. It is crucial to register on MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as you have orders or know your arrival date. While on the waitlist, explore the Family Child Care (FCC) network on base, which may have more immediate openings. Also, contact the base's Child and Youth Services (CYS) office; they maintain a list of community providers and can offer guidance. Many families use a combination of FCC and local off-base centers as a bridge solution.
What are the typical costs for childcare in the Little Rock AFB area, and what financial assistance is available for military families?
Costs are structured on a sliding fee scale based on Total Family Income (TFI) for all on-base CYS programs (CDC, SAC, FCC), making care significantly more affordable than standard off-base rates. Your fee category is determined during registration. For off-base care in Jacksonville or Cabot, full-time infant care can average $150-$200 per week, while preschool-age care may be $120-$170 per week. Military families may be eligible for fee assistance through the Department of Defense’s Child Care Fee Assistance Program, which can help subsidize the cost of using community-based, nationally accredited providers if on-base care is unavailable.
Are there any state-specific licensing or safety regulations for Arkansas childcare providers that I should be aware of when looking off-base?
Yes, all licensed childcare centers and homes in Arkansas must comply with regulations set by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:10 for 3-year-olds), background checks, annual training, and health/safety inspections. You can verify a provider's license status and review any compliance history on the DHS website. When touring off-base facilities, ask about their state license, their Arkansas Quality Rating (a voluntary star system), and their protocols for severe weather, given Arkansas's propensity for tornadoes.
What resources does Little Rock AFB offer to help parents find and evaluate quality childcare, both on and off the installation?
Little Rock AFB offers robust support through its Child and Youth Services (CYS) office. Key resources include: 1) The **MilitaryChildCare.com** portal for managing requests for on-base programs. 2) A **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR)** specialist who can provide personalized lists of licensed off-base providers in Jacksonville, Cabot, and Sherwood. 3) Access to the **DoD Inspection Reports** for all on-base programs, which are available for review. 4) Guidance on using the **Arkansas Better Beginnings Quality Rating** system to assess off-base programs. Parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the CYS office for a full orientation upon arrival at the base.
Nearby Cities
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