The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Benning, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Benning. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Benning
The Goddard School of Columbus
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and implemented by qualified teachers with degrees in education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and provide regular parent communication through daily reports and an app. Particularly popular with military families for their structured approach and flexibility with military schedules.
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Primrose School of Columbus at Bradley Park
Primrose Schools
Primrose School provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their proprietary curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, commercial-grade air purification systems, and age-specific learning environments. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school is known for its strong parent partnerships and regular progress updates. Many military families choose Primrose for their consistent quality and comprehensive approach to early childhood development.
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Kiddie Academy of Columbus
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy's Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on preparing children for school and life through project-based learning and character education. Their program emphasizes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The academy maintains high safety standards with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Classrooms are designed as learning centers with hands-on materials, and the facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas. Teachers receive ongoing training in early childhood education best practices. The academy is particularly noted for its flexible scheduling options and understanding of military family needs, with many families from Fort Benning enrolled.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Benning, GA
Are there childcare options on Fort Benning specifically for military families, and how do I access them?
Yes, Fort Benning offers several exclusive options for military families through Child and Youth Services (CYS). This includes the Child Development Centers (CDCs) located on post, which provide full-day, part-day, and hourly care. Your priority for a spot is determined by your military status (e.g., active duty, working spouse). To access these services, you must register with CYS through the Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) website or in person at the CYS Parent Central Services office. Due to high demand, especially for infant care, it is crucial to get on the waitlist as early as possible, even before you receive official orders to move.
What is the typical cost of daycare in the Fort Benning area, both on and off post?
Costs vary significantly. On Fort Benning, CYS programs use a tiered fee schedule based on your Total Family Income (TFI), making care more affordable for junior enlisted families. Weekly fees for full-time care in a CDC can range from approximately $60 to $180+. In the surrounding Columbus/off-post community, you can expect to pay market rates, which for a licensed center typically range from $150 to $250+ per week. Home-based family childcare (both on and off post) may offer more flexible pricing. Always inquire about what is included in the fee (meals, curriculum, etc.).
How can I find and vet licensed in-home daycare providers near Fort Benning?
Georgia requires all family childcare homes serving more than six children to be licensed. You can search for licensed providers through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) "Find Child Care" website. For on-post options, Fort Benning's CYS also certifies and monitors a network of Family Child Care (FCC) providers who operate in government housing; these can be found through Parent Central Services. When vetting any provider, ask for their license/certification number, check their compliance history with DECAL, visit the home, ask about emergency procedures, and request references from current parents.
My schedule is unpredictable due to training exercises. Are there flexible or drop-in childcare options available?
Fort Benning's CYS understands the unique demands of military life. The CDCs offer "Hourly Care" programs subject to availability, which can be reserved in advance for appointments, errands, or short-term needs. Additionally, the Parent Central Services office can help connect you with certified FCC providers who may offer more flexible hours, including evenings or weekends. Some off-post centers in Columbus may also offer drop-in care, but it is less common. For true emergencies, CYS may provide short-term "respite care" options—inquire directly about eligibility and availability.
What are the key differences between Georgia's state licensing for daycares and the standards used by Fort Benning's Child Development Centers?
Both maintain high standards, but Fort Benning CDCs operate under the stringent Department of Defense (DoD) certification, which often exceeds Georgia state licensing requirements. Key differences include: DoD mandates lower child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants vs. Georgia's 1:6), requires all lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher, and enforces comprehensive facility safety and curriculum standards that are inspected annually. Georgia DECAL licensing is robust, but DoD certification is consistently ranked among the highest benchmarks for early childhood education in the nation. Both systems require background checks, but the military process is typically more extensive.