The Best Daycare Centers in Hurlburt Field, FL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hurlburt Field. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hurlburt Field
Hurlburt Field Child Development Center
Department of Defense Child Development Program
As the primary military childcare facility serving Hurlburt Field, this CDC offers comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on military family support. The center features NAEYC-accredited programs with developmentally appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum and HighScope. Staff maintain Child Development Associate credentials and receive ongoing training in trauma-informed care for military children. The secure facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and nutritional meal programs meeting USDA standards. Specializes in supporting deployments and PCS transitions with consistent routines and emotional support programs.
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The Learning Center of Fort Walton Beach
The Learning Center Management
Highly-rated private childcare center serving the Hurlburt Field community with a research-based educational approach. Features the Frog Street Press curriculum for literacy development and STEM-focused learning activities. All lead teachers hold Early Childhood Education degrees or CDA credentials with ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, camera monitoring, and comprehensive safety protocols. Offers enriched programs including music education, Spanish language exposure, and movement classes. Maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and provides detailed developmental progress reports with parent-teacher conferences.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of Fort Walton Beach
The Sunshine House Corporate
National early education provider with strong local presence serving military families from Hurlburt Field. Implements the exclusive Sunshine House Smart Steps curriculum aligned with Florida Early Learning Standards. Features technology-enhanced classrooms with interactive whiteboards and digital portfolio systems for parent communication. Security includes biometric entry systems and live streaming capabilities for authorized parents. Staff maintain CPR/First Aid certification and participate in ongoing child development training. Offers enrichment programs including yoga, gardening, and character education. Provides transportation to local elementary schools and accommodates military family scheduling needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hurlburt Field, FL
Are there any childcare programs specifically for military families stationed at Hurlburt Field?
Yes, Hurlburt Field offers dedicated childcare support for military families. The primary resource is the Hurlburt Field Child Development Center (CDC), located on base. This center provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Priority is given to active-duty military members, followed by DoD civilians and contractors. The CDC is accredited and follows strict DoD standards. Additionally, the Air Force Aid Society offers need-based childcare scholarships for qualifying families. For school-age children, the School Age Care (SAC) program operates before and after school and during summer and school holidays. It's crucial to register with the CDC as soon as possible, as waitlists can be long.
What is the typical cost of daycare in the Hurlburt Field area, and how does on-base care compare?
In the surrounding Fort Walton Beach/Destin area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $150 to $220 per week. On-base care at the Hurlburt Field CDC uses a tiered fee system based on your Total Family Income (TFI), which often makes it significantly more affordable than off-base options. Weekly fees on base are calculated using a DoD-set sliding scale, meaning families with lower incomes pay less. This structured pricing provides predictable costs and is generally more budget-friendly than the variable rates of private centers in the local community.
How long are the waitlists for childcare at Hurlburt Field, and what can I do while waiting?
Waitlists for the on-base Child Development Center (CDC) and Family Child Care (FCC) homes can be substantial, often several months long, especially for infants and toddlers. Your position on the waitlist is determined by your priority category (e.g., active-duty, dual-military) and the date of your application. While waiting, you should explore multiple options. Register for the CDC waitlist immediately via MilitaryChildCare.com. Also, use the same website to search for licensed Family Child Care (FCC) providers who operate in on-base housing; these are often a great alternative. For interim care, consider checking with local Florida-licensed centers in Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, or Mary Esther, and inquire about their availability and waitlist policies.
What are my options for childcare if I work irregular or extended hours at Hurlburt Field?
Hurlburt Field recognizes the demanding schedules of military personnel. The on-base CDC offers limited extended care options, but the most flexible resource is the network of licensed Family Child Care (FCC) providers. These in-home providers, often spouses of military members living on base, can offer care during early mornings, evenings, weekends, and even overnight to accommodate shift work, exercises, or deployments. You can find and contact FCC providers through the MilitaryChildCare.com portal. Off-base, some 24-hour childcare centers exist in the greater Fort Walton Beach area, though they are rare. Clearly communicating your schedule needs with any potential provider, both on and off base, is essential.
What Florida state licensing and safety regulations should I verify for off-base daycares near Hurlburt Field?
Any legitimate off-base childcare center or large family daycare home in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). You should verify the provider's current license status, inspection reports, and any disciplinary history online through the DCF licensing website. Key regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), background checks for all employees, and mandatory training in CPR, First Aid, and safe sleep practices for infants. Additionally, in Okaloosa County, all facilities must have emergency plans for hurricanes, which are common in the region. Don't hesitate to ask a center for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report during a tour.
Nearby Cities
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