The Best Daycare Centers in CMAFB, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in CMAFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in CMAFB
Peterson Child Development Center
21st Force Support Squadron
As the primary childcare facility serving Peterson Space Force Base and CMAFB military families, this Department of Defense-certified center offers comprehensive early childhood education with a structured curriculum focused on developmental milestones. Features include USDA-approved meal programs, secure facility access, highly qualified staff with background checks, and age-appropriate learning environments. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness while understanding the unique needs of military families, including flexible scheduling for deployment situations and specialized programs for different age groups.
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Primrose School of North Colorado Springs
Primrose Schools
This accredited Primrose School location serves the broader Colorado Springs area including CMAFB families with its Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Features include low student-teacher ratios, degreed early childhood educators, secure entry systems, and technology-enabled parent communication. The school offers specialized programs in literacy, math, science, and character development, along with enrichment activities including music, art, and physical education. Their safety protocols include comprehensive background checks, regular safety drills, and strict health and cleanliness standards.
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The Goddard School of Colorado Springs (North)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This nationally accredited Goddard School location provides high-quality early childhood education to Colorado Springs families, including those from CMAFB. The F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on play-based learning with structured academic preparation. Features include secure facility access, live streaming for parents, degreed teachers, and purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials. The school emphasizes STEAM education, social skills development, and individualized learning plans with regular progress reports. Their comprehensive safety measures include keypad entry, regular safety audits, and strict health protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in CMAFB, CO
What childcare options are available specifically for military families stationed at CMAFB, and are there on-base facilities?
For families at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station (CMAFS), the primary on-base childcare option is the Child Development Center (CDC) at Peterson Space Force Base, which serves the broader Colorado Springs military community, including CMAFS personnel. Due to the unique, secure nature of CMAFS, there is no standalone CDC on the station itself. Military families have priority access at the Peterson SFB CDC. Additionally, you can utilize the Military Child Care (MCC) website to search for full-day, part-day, and hourly care options at certified Family Child Care (FCC) homes operated by licensed providers in military housing areas in surrounding communities like Security-Widefield and Fountain. It's crucial to register on the MCC waitlist as early as possible, as spots are in high demand.
How does Colorado's state licensing for daycares work, and what should I look for when choosing a provider in the Colorado Springs area?
Colorado's Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licenses all childcare facilities. You should always verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history on the CDEC website. Look for programs that are either a "Qualified" or "High-Quality" Shining Stars program, Colorado's quality rating system. In the Colorado Springs/CMAFB area, also check if the provider is certified to accept military fee assistance through the MCC program. Key indicators of quality include low staff-to-child ratios, structured learning curricula, and staff with credentials in Early Childhood Education. Many top-rated centers in the area are accredited by national bodies like NAEYC.
What are the typical costs for daycare near CMAFB, and what financial assistance programs are available for military and civilian families?
Costs in the Colorado Springs area vary widely. Center-based care for an infant can range from $1,400 to $1,800+ per month, while toddler care may be $1,200 to $1,600. For military families, the most significant assistance is the Department of Defense Child Care Fee Assistance program, which subsidizes cost based on total family income, making on-base CDC and approved off-base care much more affordable. Civilian spouses and DoD employees may also qualify. Colorado offers the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for low-income qualifying families, administered through El Paso County. Always inquire with individual providers about any available sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for quality childcare near CMAFB, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists, especially for the Peterson SFB CDC and highly-rated centers in Districts 20 and 12 near CMAFB, can be extensive, often 6 to 12 months for infants. Your first step should be to register on the Military Child Care (MCC) centralized waitlist. To improve your chances, be flexible with your start date, consider Family Child Care (FCC) homes which may have shorter waits, and expand your search radius to communities like Fountain, Security, and even southern Colorado Springs. Contact providers directly every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. For expecting parents, it is recommended to get on waitlists during the second trimester.
Are there any unique programs or resources for childcare that cater to the irregular schedules of military personnel at CMAFB?
Yes, understanding shift work and unpredictable hours is a key service for military families. The Peterson SFB CDC offers a "24/7 Care" program designed for families working night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Many certified Family Child Care (FCC) providers in the network also offer flexible and extended hours. For backup or emergency care, you can use "Child Care Aware of America" which may provide fee assistance for last-minute care with approved providers when your regular arrangement falls through. Additionally, the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) offers emergency financial assistance that can, in certain circumstances, help cover unexpected childcare costs. Always communicate your schedule needs clearly with any potential provider.