The Best Daycare Centers in Point Mugu Nawc, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Point Mugu Nawc. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Point Mugu Nawc
The Goddard School of Oxnard
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Oxnard offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish.
Daycare Services:
Montessori School of Oxnard
Montessori Educational Centers
Montessori School of Oxnard provides authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained teachers and carefully prepared environments. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and individualized development across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school features mixed-age classrooms, natural materials, and beautiful outdoor spaces with gardens. Safety protocols include secure campus access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and strict health and cleanliness standards. They maintain small class sizes with certified Montessori guides and assistants, offering both full-day and part-time programs with extended care options.
Daycare Services:
Child Development Center - Naval Base Ventura County
Department of Defense Child Development Program
The Naval Base Ventura County Child Development Center provides high-quality childcare primarily for military families but also accepts community families when space permits. The center operates with stringent Department of Defense standards including comprehensive security screening, emergency preparedness protocols, and nationally accredited curriculum. Their program uses Creative Curriculum with developmentally appropriate activities focusing on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Features include USDA-approved meals, inclusive programming for children with special needs, parent involvement opportunities, and highly qualified staff with ongoing training requirements. The center offers priority registration for military families and flexible care options.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Point Mugu Nawc, CA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available near Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) Point Mugu, and which might be best for military families with irregular schedules?
In the Point Mugu NAWC area, you'll primarily find licensed family childcare homes (FCCHs) and childcare centers. Given the military community, FCC providers, often military spouses operating out of on-base or nearby housing, are a popular choice. They frequently offer more flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekend care, which can accommodate shift work, duty days, and training exercises common at the base. The Child Development Center (CDC) at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), which encompasses Point Mugu, is another excellent, subsidized option for military families, though it often has a waitlist. Local civilian centers in Oxnard or Camarillo offer structured programs but may have less flexibility. For military families, starting your search with the MilitaryChildCare.com portal for the NBVC CDC and affiliated FCC homes is highly recommended.
How long are typical waitlists for childcare at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists for the Child Development Center (CDC) at NBVC Point Mugu can vary but often range from 2 to 6 months, sometimes longer for infant care. Demand is high due to the concentrated military population. To improve your chances: 1) **Register on MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as possible**, even during pregnancy. 2) **Apply for multiple options**: list the CDC and several licensed Family Child Care (FCC) homes in your application. FCC homes often have shorter or more variable wait times. 3) **Check your status regularly** and update your needed start date. 4) **Contact the NBVC Child and Youth Programs (CYP) office** directly at (805) 989-8683 to discuss your situation. Being flexible with your start date and considering a combination of care (e.g., an FCC home until a CDC spot opens) can be practical strategies.
Are there any state or base-specific subsidies or financial assistance programs for childcare available to families living and working in the Point Mugu area?
Yes, there are several key programs. For military families, the most significant is the **Department of Defense Fee Assistance** program, which sets your cost based on your Total Family Income (TFI) tier at the on-base CDC or for affiliated FCC homes, making care substantially more affordable. For California residents, the state's **Alternative Payment Program (APP)**, administered locally by agencies like the Child Development Resources of Ventura County, Inc. (CDRVC), provides vouchers for eligible families to use at participating licensed providers. Additionally, California offers the **California State Preschool Program (CSPP)** for income-eligible 3-4 year olds, which may be available at local school districts. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funding is limited.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare provider in the Point Mugu/Camarillo/Oxnard region, specifically regarding safety and licensing?
First, verify the provider's license is active and in good standing by checking the **California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Care Facility Search** website. Look for a posted license. During your tour, ask about: 1) **Emergency Plans**: In this region, ensure they have clear plans for earthquakes, wildfires (including air quality protocols), and tsunamis. 2) **Staff-to-Child Ratios**: Confirm they meet or exceed California's strict ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). 3) **Security**: Observe access controls—doors should be locked to outsiders, and there should be a sign-in/sign-out procedure. 4) **Cleanliness and Safety**: Check for covered electrical outlets, secured furniture, safe sleep practices for infants (cribs with no soft bedding), and general cleanliness. 5) **Staff Qualifications**: Ask about ongoing training in pediatric CPR/first aid and preventative health practices.
For parents working at NAWC Point Mugu, what are the options for backup or emergency childcare when my regular provider is closed or my child is mildly ill?
This is a critical concern for mission-essential personnel. Your best resources are: 1) **NBVC CYP's "Parents' Night Out" or "Hourly Care"**: The base CYP occasionally offers limited hourly care services; inquire directly about availability. 2) **FCC Provider Network**: Many licensed family childcare homes affiliated with the base offer more flexible drop-in or backup care; build a relationship with a couple of providers. 3) **Local Backup Care Services**: National services like **Bright Horizons Backup Care** may be available if your employer (including some DoD contractors) participates. 4) **Sick Child Care**: This is very limited in California due to licensing restrictions. Most standard daycares cannot accept children with contagious illnesses. You may need to rely on a network of family, friends, or a trusted nanny for sick days. Planning for this contingency with your supervisor is essential for military and civilian base employees.