The Best Daycare Centers in Malmstrom AFB, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Malmstrom AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Malmstrom AFB
Malmstrom AFB Child Development Center
United States Air Force
The Malmstrom AFB Child Development Center is a Department of Defense certified facility providing high-quality childcare specifically for military families. The center offers comprehensive early childhood education programs with developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Air Force standards. Features include USDA-approved meal programs, secure facility access, trained early childhood professionals, and age-appropriate learning environments. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and focuses on social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and school readiness. Special emphasis is placed on supporting military families through deployment cycles and transitions.
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Little Giants Childcare and Learning Center
Independent
Little Giants Childcare and Learning Center serves military families from Malmstrom AFB and the greater Great Falls community. The center features a comprehensive early learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. They emphasize individualized learning plans and regular parent communication through digital platforms. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong kindergarten readiness program.
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KinderCare Learning Center at 57th Street
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare Learning Center location serves Malmstrom AFB families with a nationally recognized curriculum that balances academic preparation and social development. The center features the Early Foundations curriculum, which includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics concepts, and science exploration. Safety protocols include secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The experienced teaching team includes educators with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate military family needs and provides nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Malmstrom AFB, MT
What childcare options are available specifically for military families stationed at Malmstrom AFB?
Military families at Malmstrom AFB have several dedicated options. The primary resource is the Malmstrom AFB Child Development Center (CDC), which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is accredited and follows a structured curriculum. For school-age children (grades K-5), the Malmstrom AFB Youth Center provides before-and-after-school care, summer camps, and enrichment programs. Additionally, the Air Force Aid Society offers a Child Care for PCS and Volunteers (CCPV) program for short-term care needs during PCS moves or volunteer duties. Off-base, you can find licensed family child care homes (FCC) operated by military spouses, which are monitored by the Family Child Care (FCC) office on base. It's recommended to contact the Malmstrom Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) for the most current list of approved providers and to get on waitlists early, as spots are highly sought after.
How long are the waitlists for childcare at Malmstrom AFB, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for the Malmstrom AFB Child Development Center (CDC) and popular Family Child Care (FCC) homes can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infants and toddlers. To manage this, you should place your child on the CDC waitlist as soon as you receive your orders to Malmstrom. You can do this through the MilitaryChildCare.com website, the Department of Defense's centralized portal for all military childcare. It's also wise to contact the FCC coordinator on base to get on multiple home provider lists. Be proactive and follow up regularly. In the interim, explore off-base licensed centers in Great Falls, though they also may have waitlists. Inform your sponsor or supervisor of your childcare situation, as command support can sometimes help expedite placement for mission-essential personnel.
What are the typical costs for childcare in the Malmstrom AFB/Great Falls area, and how does military fee assistance work?
Childcare costs are based on your Total Family Income (TFI) tier for on-base care at the CDC or FCC homes, making it more affordable than standard market rates. Fees are set nationally and reviewed annually. For off-base care in Great Falls, MT, average costs for a licensed center range from approximately $800 to $1,200+ per month for full-time infant/toddler care. To help with these costs, the military offers the Child Care Fee Assistance (CCFA) program through ChildCareAware of America. This program can subsidize a portion of your costs at participating community-based, state-licensed childcare providers. You must apply through MilitaryChildCare.com and be on the base waitlist to be eligible. The A&FRC can provide guidance on the application process and current subsidy rates.
What are Montana's licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Montana, all childcare providers caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, training, and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history through the DPHHS "Provider Search" tool online. For on-base Family Child Care (FCC) homes, they undergo an additional, often more stringent, certification process through the Air Force. Always ask any potential provider, on or off-base, for their license number and verify it. The Malmstrom A&FRC or CDC can also provide resources on what to look for in a licensed provider.
Are there any unique childcare challenges or resources for parents working shift work or irregular hours at Malmstrom AFB?
Yes, shift work, 24/7 operations, and exercises can pose significant childcare challenges. The Malmstrom AFB CDC offers limited "hourly care" options, but availability is not guaranteed for overnight or late-night shifts. Your best resource is the network of certified Family Child Care (FCC) homes, as many providers offer more flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight care to accommodate military schedules. When searching on MilitaryChildCare.com or through the FCC office, clearly communicate your schedule needs. For true emergency or last-minute care due to unexpected duty requirements, the Air Force Aid Society's "Give Parents a Break" program may offer occasional respite care. Planning ahead and building a relationship with a flexible FCC provider is often the most reliable strategy for non-standard hours.
Nearby Cities
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