The Best Daycare Centers in Barksdale AFB, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barksdale AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barksdale AFB
Barksdale AFB Child Development Center
Department of the Air Force
The Barksdale AFB Child Development Center is a Department of Defense certified facility providing exceptional care specifically for military families. The center features a comprehensive curriculum focused on early childhood development, with age-appropriate learning activities and structured play. All staff undergo extensive background checks and receive specialized training in military family support. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments, multiple outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. What makes this center stand out is its deep understanding of military family needs, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate shift work and deployment cycles, along with strong parent communication systems.
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Kiddie Academy of Bossier City
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bossier City serves many Barksdale AFB families with its nationally recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with comprehensive safety protocols. The educational approach emphasizes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and the visible developmental progress children make.
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The Learning Center at First Baptist Bossier
First Baptist Church Bossier
The Learning Center at First Baptist Bossier provides high-quality early childhood education with a Christian foundation, serving many military families from Barksdale AFB. The center offers a balanced curriculum that incorporates academic readiness, creative arts, physical development, and character education. Certified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices in well-equipped classrooms. The facility features secure check-in systems, modern safety equipment, and spacious outdoor play areas. What distinguishes this center is its strong community atmosphere, experienced teaching staff with low turnover, and comprehensive parent involvement programs that create a supportive environment for children's growth and development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barksdale AFB, LA
What childcare options are available specifically for military families stationed at Barksdale AFB?
Barksdale AFB offers several dedicated options for military families. The primary on-base resource is the Child Development Center (CDC), which provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is accredited and follows strict Department of Defense standards. For school-age children, the School Age Care (SAC) program offers before/after-school care and summer camps. Additionally, the Family Child Care (FCC) program provides licensed in-home daycare options in base housing, offering a more home-like setting with flexible hours that can accommodate shift work common in military life. Your first step should be to register with the **MilitaryChildCare.com** portal, which is the centralized system for finding and applying for all DoD-subsidized childcare at Barksdale and managing your position on waitlists.
How long are the waitlists for childcare at Barksdale AFB, and what can I do while waiting?
Waitlists for the on-base Child Development Center (CDC) and Family Child Care (FCC) homes can vary significantly but often range from several weeks to several months, especially for infants and toddlers. Your placement priority on the MilitaryChildCare.com system is based on your duty status (e.g., single military parent, dual-military). While waiting, we strongly recommend exploring off-base options in the Bossier City and Shreveport areas. Many are familiar with military needs. Additionally, consider joining local parent Facebook groups like "Barksdale AFB Spouses" or "Shreveport-Bossier Moms" to find recommendations for licensed home providers or smaller centers. You can also contact the Barksdale AFB Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) for a community resource referral list.
What are the typical costs for daycare in the Barksdale AFB area, and is there financial assistance for military families?
Costs in the surrounding Shreveport-Bossier area vary. Off-base, full-time center-based care for an infant can average $700-$900 per month, while preschool-age care may be $550-$750 per month. In-home licensed providers may offer slightly lower rates. The significant benefit for eligible military families is the **DoD Fee Assistance** program. When using the on-base CDC or an approved off-base provider through the FCC program, your fee is based on your Total Family Income (TFI), not the provider's market rate. This creates a sliding scale that makes quality care much more affordable. You must be registered on MilitaryChildCare.com to access this subsidy. The A&FRC can also provide information on possible state assistance programs like the Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for qualifying families.
What should I look for when choosing an off-base daycare in Bossier City or Shreveport?
First, verify the provider is licensed by the **Louisiana Department of Education (Early Childhood Services)**. You can check licensing history and inspection reports online. Look for centers with experience serving military families, as they may be more understanding of deployments, TDYs, and irregular schedules. Ask about their curriculum, caregiver-to-child ratios (Louisiana's minimum ratios are 1:5 for infants, 1:8 for 2-year-olds, and 1:12 for 3-year-olds), staff qualifications, and turnover rate. Visit during operating hours to observe interactions. Practical considerations for Barksdale families include proximity to base gates (Gate 1 or Gate 3 traffic), hours of operation (many centers close by 6 PM), and their policy for late pick-up fees if you're delayed by duty.
Are there any part-time or drop-in childcare options available for Barksdale personnel?
Yes, there are a few key options for non-standard care needs. The on-base CDC offers a **Hourly Care** program, subject to availability, which is ideal for appointments, volunteering, or short-term needs. The FCC (Family Child Care) homes on base often provide more flexible scheduling, including part-time and drop-in care, which can be crucial for shift workers. Off-base, some larger childcare centers in the area may offer part-time preschool programs (e.g., 2-3 days a week) for children 3 and up. For occasional evening or weekend needs, you can inquire with the A&FRC about potential referrals for certified babysitters. Additionally, the **Parents’ Night Out** programs, occasionally hosted by the CDC, SAC, or local community centers, offer planned childcare during evenings.
Childcare Insights for Barksdale AFB
Finding quality and affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for military families, and if you’re stationed at Barksdale AFB, you’re likely typing “daycare cost near me” into your search bar with a mix of hope and apprehension. You’re not alone. The good news is that the Bossier City and Shreveport area surrounding the base offers a variety of options, but understanding the cost landscape is key to making the best decision for your family. As a community deeply connected to the military, there are resources here specifically designed to support you.
In the Barksdale area, daycare costs can vary widely based on the type of care you choose. For a standard licensed childcare center, you can expect weekly rates to generally range from approximately $150 to $220 for a toddler or preschooler. Infant care is typically more expensive, often starting closer to $180 and going up to $250 or more per week due to the required lower staff-to-child ratios. Home-based daycares, which can offer a more intimate setting, may sometimes be slightly less expensive, but it’s crucial to ensure they are properly licensed by the State of Louisiana. Prices can also differ between a facility in Bossier City versus one across the river in Shreveport, so it’s worth expanding your geographic search a little.
Your most valuable first step is to contact the Barksdale Air Force Base Child Development Center (CDC) directly. As a military-operated facility, their fees are based on your Total Family Income (TFI), making them significantly more affordable for most service members. The challenge, as you may know, is often availability. Getting on their waitlist should be an immediate priority, even if the wait seems long. Simultaneously, explore the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program. This is a fantastic resource that can help offset the cost of using community-based childcare providers in the Shreveport-Bossier area if the CDC is full. Through MCCYN, you may be eligible for fee assistance that bridges the gap between what you pay at the CDC and the higher local market rates.
When evaluating a daycare near Barksdale, don’t just compare the weekly rate. Ask about what’s included. Are meals and snacks provided? Is there a curriculum for older toddlers? What are their policies for school closures or your fluctuating military schedule? Visiting in person is essential. Pay attention to the cleanliness, the engagement of the staff, and the overall vibe. Talk to other parents at the base exchange or in your unit; personal recommendations are gold. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value when it comes to your child’s safety, development, and happiness. Budgeting for childcare is a major part of military life in Louisiana, but by leveraging your military-specific resources and doing thorough research, you can find a solution that provides peace of mind while you serve.
Nearby Cities
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