The Best Daycare Centers in Andrews Air Force Base, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Andrews Air Force Base. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Andrews Air Force Base
Bright Horizons at Joint Base Andrews
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Joint Base Andrews is a Department of Defense-certified center specifically designed to serve military families. The center features a comprehensive Emergent Curriculum that builds on children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and follows rigorous safety protocols including controlled access and emergency preparedness. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The center is particularly recognized for supporting military families through flexible scheduling and understanding of deployment transitions.
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The Goddard School of Clinton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Joint Base Andrews, The Goddard School of Clinton offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, modern security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and purpose-built classrooms with advanced learning materials. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and offers enrichment programs like yoga, music, and foreign language. They maintain an open-door policy for military families and provide detailed daily communication about children's activities and progress.
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Celebree School of Upper Marlboro
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Upper Marlboro serves many military families from Joint Base Andrews with their comprehensive Seven Domains of Learning curriculum that focuses on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The center features highly qualified teachers with background checks and ongoing training in early childhood education best practices. Their secure facility includes coded entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and strict pick-up authorization protocols. The school offers age-appropriate learning environments with interactive technology, literacy-rich classrooms, and outdoor learning spaces. They provide healthy meals and snacks through their nutrition program and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences. The center is particularly noted for their individualized learning approach and flexibility for military family schedules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Andrews Air Force Base, MD
Are there childcare options specifically for military families at or near Andrews Air Force Base, MD?
Yes, Andrews Air Force Base offers dedicated childcare resources for military families. The primary on-base option is the Child Development Center (CDC), which 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. Additionally, the base supports the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program, which can help subsidize care at participating off-base licensed childcare homes and centers in the surrounding Prince George's County area. It's highly recommended to contact the Andrews AFB Family Child Care (FCC) office to explore both on-base and subsidized off-base options, as waitlists for the CDC can be significant.
What is the typical cost of daycare in the Andrews Air Force Base area, and are there financial assistance programs?
Costs vary significantly between on-base and off-base providers. At the Andrews AFB Child Development Center (CDC), fees are based on a sliding scale according to Total Family Income (TFI), making it more affordable for junior enlisted personnel. Off-base in surrounding communities like Camp Springs, Clinton, or Waldorf, full-time center-based care for an infant can range from $1,400 to $2,200+ per month. For military families, the most critical financial assistance is the Department of Defense Child Care Fee Assistance program. If the on-base CDC has a waitlist, you may qualify for the MCCYN subsidy to use at a local licensed provider, reducing your out-of-pocket cost. Always confirm a provider's participation in military fee assistance programs before enrolling.
How long are the waitlists for childcare at Andrews AFB, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists for the on-base Child Development Center (CDC) and even for popular FCC (Family Child Care) homes on base are often lengthy, sometimes several months to over a year, especially for infant care. Your best strategy is to get on the waitlist as soon as you have orders to Andrews or know your pregnancy due date. You can register online via the MilitaryChildCare.com website, which is the centralized system for all DoD childcare. To improve your chances, be flexible with your requested start date and consider all options: the CDC, base FCC homes, and the MCCYN program for off-base care. Also, check in regularly with the CDC and FCC office for updates.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Maryland, and how do they apply to on-base care?
All off-base childcare centers and homes in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (MSDE OCC), which sets standards for staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, health and safety practices, and facility requirements. On-base facilities at Andrews AFB, including the CDC and FCC homes, are not licensed by the state but are certified by the Department of Defense under a unified set of standards that are generally more stringent than Maryland's. These DoD standards undergo regular, rigorous inspections. Parents can request to see the latest inspection report for any DoD-certified facility. This dual system ensures high-quality care, whether you choose an on-base or a state-licensed off-base provider.
What backup or emergency childcare options are available for Andrews AFB personnel with unpredictable schedules or during base exercises?
Andrews AFB recognizes the need for flexible childcare. The CDC offers a "Reservation Care" program for up to 30 hours per month for last-minute needs, though advanced booking is recommended. The base also has a "Childcare for PCS" program that offers limited hours during permanent change of station moves. For true emergencies or 24-hour shift work, your best resource is the network of Family Child Care (FCC) homes on base, as individual providers may offer more flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Additionally, the Military OneSource website can help you find and vet local backup care options. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs directly with the FCC coordinator or potential providers during your search.
Childcare Insights for Andrews Air Force Base
Finding trusted infant child care is one of the most significant decisions a parent makes, and when you’re part of the community at Andrews Air Force Base, that search comes with its own unique considerations. You’re likely typing "infant child care near me" into your search engine with a mix of hope and urgency, seeking a safe, nurturing, and reliable environment for your little one. The good news is that the areas surrounding Andrews AFB in Maryland offer several excellent options, but knowing where to start and what to look for can make all the difference.
First, it’s important to explore the resources readily available to military families. The Child Development Center (CDC) on Andrews AFB itself is often the first and most convenient port of call. These centers are held to high federal standards and understand the specific rhythms and challenges of military life, including unpredictable schedules and deployment cycles. Securing a spot can be competitive, so it’s advisable to get on the waitlist as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to contact the Family Advocacy Program or Military OneSource for guidance; they can provide referrals and support throughout your search.
Venturing into the surrounding communities of Camp Springs, Clinton, and Upper Marlboro expands your options significantly. Many licensed family child care homes and centers in these areas have extensive experience serving military families from the base. When researching these providers, look for those that mention experience with military children or that participate in programs like the Maryland EXCELS rating system, which helps you gauge the quality of care. A short drive can often lead to discovering a wonderful, home-like setting with smaller group sizes that might be perfect for your infant’s first social environment.
As you evaluate any child care option, whether on-base or off, certain questions become even more critical. Ask about their policies for secure access and how they handle authorized pick-ups, especially given the high-security context of our base. Inquire about their communication practices; daily logs and easy access to teachers can provide immense peace of mind when your duty day runs long. Consider the provider’s flexibility—a true asset in a community where shift work and sudden training exercises are a reality. Visiting in person is non-negotiable; trust your instincts about the cleanliness, safety, and the warmth of the caregivers you meet.
Remember, your local network is a powerful tool. Connect with other parents in your squadron or base housing community. Personal recommendations for infant care in the Andrews AFB area are invaluable, often leading you to hidden gems you won’t find through a simple online search. This journey requires patience, but by leveraging both your military resources and the local Maryland community, you can find a childcare solution where your infant will not only be cared for but will truly thrive, giving you one less thing to worry about as you serve.
Nearby Cities
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