The Best Daycare Centers in Hanscom AFB, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hanscom AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hanscom AFB
Hanscom Air Force Base Child Development Center
Department of Defense Child Development Program
As the primary childcare facility on base, the Hanscom AFB CDC offers comprehensive early childhood education programs specifically designed for military families. The center features a structured curriculum aligned with Air Force standards, focusing on developmental milestones through play-based learning. Staff maintain high qualifications with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. Special programs include parent deployment support, nutritional meal services, and flexible care options for military families with varying schedules. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including controlled base access and regular security drills.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Bedford
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Located just minutes from Hanscom AFB, Bright Horizons at Bedford offers a premium early education experience with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum. The center features purpose-built classrooms with natural lighting, modern learning materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous training in emergent curriculum approaches. The facility emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth through project-based activities. Additional benefits include healthy meals prepared on-site, real-time parent communication through the MyBrightDay app, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate military family needs.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Workshop of Lexington
The Children's Workshop
Serving families from Hanscom AFB and surrounding communities, The Children's Workshop of Lexington provides a nurturing environment with their proprietary Emergent Curriculum that adapts to children's interests. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and comprehensive safety measures including secured entry systems and regular health inspections. Educational programming includes language immersion opportunities, music and movement classes, and hands-on science exploration. The facility offers spacious indoor learning centers and natural outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular progress updates, family events, and open communication with teaching staff.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hanscom AFB, MA
What are the primary childcare options available to military families stationed at Hanscom AFB?
Military families at Hanscom AFB have several key options. The most direct is the **Hanscom AFB Child Development Center (CDC)**, which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. For school-age children (Kindergarten through 12 years), the **School Age Care (SAC) program** provides before/after-school care and summer camps. Additionally, the **Family Child Care (FCC) program** offers home-based care from licensed providers living in on-base housing. Off-base, there are numerous licensed centers and family childcare homes in surrounding towns like Bedford, Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln. Due to high demand, especially for infant care, registering for the CDC waitlist through MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as possible (even before a PCS move) is strongly recommended.
How does the cost of childcare at the Hanscom AFB CDC compare to off-base options in the local area?
Childcare at the Hanscom CDC is priced on a **sliding fee scale based on Total Family Income (TFI)**, making it significantly more affordable for most military families compared to the local market. Your cost is calculated after housing and subsistence allowances are factored out. In contrast, off-base childcare in the high-cost Boston metro area is exceptionally expensive. In 2024, full-time infant care in towns like Lexington or Bedford can easily range from $2,200 to $3,000+ per month. The CDC's income-based fees typically result in substantial savings, though there may be a longer waitlist. The FCC homes on base also use the same fee structure, providing a more home-like environment at the subsidized rate.
What is the typical waitlist time for the Hanscom AFB Child Development Center, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlist times vary greatly by age group and time of year. **Infant and toddler spots (6 weeks - 3 years) are in the highest demand, with waitlists often ranging from 6 to 12 months or more.** Waitlists for preschool and school-age care are generally shorter. The single most important action is to **register on MilitaryChildCare.com immediately** upon receiving orders to Hanscom. You can register before you arrive. Be sure to select all options you're willing to accept (CDC, FCC, etc.) and keep your profile updated. Regularly checking the portal and responding promptly to any offered slots is crucial. Also, consider applying to multiple FCC homes on base, as each provider manages their own waitlist independently.
Are there any state-specific licensing or quality standards I should look for when considering an off-base daycare near Hanscom?
Yes. All licensed childcare programs in Massachusetts must adhere to regulations set by the **Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)**. When researching off-base providers, always verify their EEC license is current. You can look up a program's licensing history and any serious violations on the EEC website. Massachusetts also has a **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**. Look for programs with a QRIS rating (Level 1-4), with Level 4 being the highest. This indicates they exceed basic licensing standards in areas like curriculum, staff qualifications, and learning environment. Many high-quality centers in the area are accredited by national organizations like NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), which is another strong indicator of quality.
What resources are available at Hanscom AFB to help me navigate childcare challenges, including finding backup care or a provider for non-standard hours?
Your first point of contact should be the **Hanscom Air Force Base Family Child Care (FCC) Office** and the **Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)**. The FCC office can assist with referrals to licensed FCC providers who may offer flexible or weekend hours. The A&FRC maintains a list of community resources and may offer referrals. For backup care, explore the **Military OneSource childcare network**, which provides access to a national network of approved providers for subsidized backup care when your regular care falls through. Additionally, the **Child Care Aware of America** program offers fee assistance for off-base care if no on-base option is available, though eligibility and funding levels apply. Always coordinate these options through your A&FRC counselor.