The Best Daycare Centers in March Air Reserve Base, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in March Air Reserve Base. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in March Air Reserve Base
Child Development Center - March Air Reserve Base
Department of Defense
The official Department of Defense Child Development Center at March ARB provides exceptional care specifically designed for military families. This NAEYC-accredited facility offers comprehensive early childhood education programs with a research-based curriculum focused on developmental milestones. Features highly qualified staff with specialized training in military family dynamics, secure facility access with rigorous safety protocols, nutritious USDA-approved meals, and extensive indoor/outdoor learning environments. Particularly strong in supporting children during parental deployments and transitions, with flexible scheduling to accommodate military duty requirements.
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Bright Horizons at Riverside
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This highly-regarded Bright Horizons center serves March ARB families with a comprehensive World at Their Fingers curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication apps for parents. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with natural elements, and dedicated art/music spaces. Offers backup care for military families and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios exceeding state requirements.
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The Learning Experience - Moreno Valley
The Learning Experience
This award-winning childcare center serves March ARB area with a proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that includes early literacy, foreign language exposure, and philanthropy concepts. Features highly trained educators with ongoing professional development, secure facility with surveillance systems, and USDA-approved meal program. The center emphasizes character development alongside academic readiness, with specialized programs in music, movement, and technology. Parents consistently praise the structured learning environment, comprehensive communication system, and excellent preparation for kindergarten transition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in March Air Reserve Base, CA
Are there any childcare options specifically for military families stationed at March Air Reserve Base?
Yes, there are several options tailored for military families. The most direct resource is the **March Air Reserve Base Child Development Center (CDC)**, which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Priority is given to active-duty service members. Additionally, you can utilize **MilitaryChildCare.com**, a Department of Defense website that centralizes the search and application process for all military-operated childcare, including the CDC and affiliated Family Child Care (FCC) homes on or near the base. These programs adhere to strict DoD standards and often have subsidized fees based on total family income.
What is the typical cost range for daycare in the March Air Reserve Base area, and are there financial assistance programs?
In the Riverside County area surrounding March ARB, costs vary significantly. Center-based care for an infant can range from $1,200 to $1,800+ per month, while preschool-age care is often $900 to $1,400. For military families using the on-base CDC, fees are calculated on a sliding scale based on total family income, making it more affordable. Financial assistance is available through California’s **Alternative Payment Programs** (like the one administered by the Riverside County Office of Education) for eligible families. Crucially, military families may also qualify for fee assistance through the DoD’s **Child Care Aware of America** program if they use a community-based, state-licensed provider, helping to offset the high cost of care in Southern California.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers near March ARB, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers, can be lengthy—often 6 to 12 months or more for popular centers in Moreno Valley, Riverside, and Perris. The on-base CDC also frequently has a waitlist. To improve your chances, **get on multiple lists as early as possible**, even before your child is born or during a pregnancy. Be proactive and follow up monthly. Also, strongly consider expanding your search to include licensed **Family Child Care (FCC) homes**. There are many FCC providers in the local military housing communities and surrounding areas; they often have smaller group sizes and shorter wait times. You can find licensed FCC homes through the California Department of Social Services licensing search website.
What are the key California state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare provider near the base?
All legal childcare providers in California must be licensed by the **California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division**. Key requirements to verify include: **Staff-to-child ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training including pediatric CPR/First Aid, and annual facility inspections. You can view a provider’s license status, capacity, and any past citations or violations for free on the CDSS **Child Care Licensing Lookup** website. This is a critical step, as it provides an objective record of compliance with state health, safety, and supervision standards.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options for parents with irregular or shift-work schedules at March ARB?
Yes, finding flexible care is a common need for military and civilian parents in the area. The on-base CDC offers **hourly care** subject to availability, which is ideal for appointments or short-term needs. Many local **Family Child Care (FCC) homes** offer more flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends, to accommodate shift work. Additionally, you can explore **drop-in childcare centers** in nearby retail areas like Moreno Valley or Riverside, though these are typically for children over 2 and for limited durations. For backup or emergency care, military families can check if the **Military & Family Readiness Center** at March ARB has resources or referrals for last-minute situations.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near March Air Reserve Base: