The Best Daycare Centers in Cannon AFB, NM
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cannon AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cannon AFB
Cannon Air Force Base Child Development Center
United States Air Force
The Cannon AFB CDC is a Department of Defense certified facility offering comprehensive childcare services primarily for military families. The center features a structured developmental curriculum aligned with early learning standards, highly trained staff with background checks and ongoing professional development, and secure facilities with controlled access. Programs include age-appropriate learning activities, nutritious meal service, and specialized care for infants through preschool-aged children. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers flexible care options including full-day, part-day, and hourly care to accommodate military family needs.
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Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Clovis serves Cannon AFB families with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The school employs degreed teachers who implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, character education, and school readiness skills while maintaining small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios. Many military families from Cannon AFB utilize this center for its high-quality educational approach and convenient location.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a locally-owned childcare center serving Cannon AFB and Clovis communities with comprehensive early childhood programs. The academy features a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal service. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The center is popular among military families for its flexible scheduling, inclusive environment, and strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, educational atmosphere that supports children's holistic development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cannon AFB, NM
What are the primary childcare options available for military families stationed at Cannon AFB, and how do I access them?
Military families at Cannon AFB have several key options. The most direct is the **Cannon AFB Child Development Center (CDC)**, which offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Priority is given based on a family's status (e.g., active duty, DoD civilian). You must register in the **MilitaryChildCare.com** system, which is the centralized portal for all DoD childcare programs, to get on the waitlist. Off-base, options in Clovis and Portales include licensed home-based providers and private centers. Due to high demand, especially for infants and toddlers, applying to the CDC waitlist as soon as you have orders is crucial. The Airman & Family Readiness Center on base can provide local referrals.
How long are the waitlists for childcare at Cannon AFB, and what can I do while waiting?
Waitlists, particularly for the CDC's infant and toddler rooms, can be substantial, often ranging from **3 to 9 months** or more, depending on the age group and time of year (PCS seasons see spikes). While on the waitlist, explore these alternatives: 1) **Family Child Care (FCC)** homes on the installation—licensed military spouses who provide care in their base housing; these are also listed on MilitaryChildCare.com. 2) The **Child Care Aware of America** program may provide fee assistance for using off-base, state-licensed providers in Clovis. 3) Network with other families for potential nanny-shares. Contact the CDC directly for your estimated position and update your availability preferences in the system regularly.
What are the typical costs for daycare in the Cannon AFB area, and is there financial assistance for military families?
Costs vary by provider type. The **Cannon AFB CDC** uses a sliding fee scale based on Total Family Income (TFI), making it one of the most affordable options. Weekly full-time fees for active duty families typically range from approximately **$100 to $250**. Off-base centers in Clovis can cost **$150 to $300+ per week**. **Family Child Care (FCC)** homes set their own rates, often competitive with the CDC. Financial assistance is available through the **DoD Child Care Fee Assistance** program if you use a community (off-base) provider approved by Child Care Aware. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. The Airman & Family Readiness Center can help you apply.
What are New Mexico's licensing and safety requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a provider's status?
All licensed childcare providers in New Mexico (centers and homes) must comply with regulations set by the **New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD)**. Key requirements include background checks for staff, specific child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), health and safety training, and facility inspections. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history through the **CYFD Online Provider Search** tool. For on-base CDC and FCC homes, they meet or exceed these standards under additional DoD and Air Force instructions. Always ask to see a provider's current license and ask about their safety protocols.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare options available near Cannon AFB?
Yes, but options are limited. On base, the **CDC offers "Hourly Care"** subject to availability, which can be used for appointments, errands, or emergencies. It's highly recommended to reserve spots in advance. The **FCC homes** on base may also offer flexible or drop-in care based on their capacity. Off-base in Clovis, some private centers may offer part-time preschool programs for older toddlers, but true drop-in care is rare. For certified emergency/back-up care (e.g., when your regular care falls through), military families can explore the **Child Care Aware Back-Up Care** program, which may provide subsidized access to approved local providers or in-home care. Planning ahead is essential due to the rural nature of the area.
Childcare Insights for Cannon AFB
Finding quality and affordable childcare is one of the most significant concerns for military families, and for those stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, navigating the local landscape in Clovis and Portales, New Mexico, brings its own unique set of considerations. When you search for "daycare cost near me," you're likely looking for a balance of reliability, a nurturing environment, and a fee structure that fits within a family budget. In the communities surrounding Cannon AFB, daycare costs can vary, but understanding the local factors can help you plan effectively.
Generally, in the Clovis area, you'll find that daycare costs are often more affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas, which can be a relief for families. However, prices still depend heavily on the type of care. Large, licensed childcare centers typically have set weekly or monthly rates, which for an infant might range significantly, while care for toddlers and preschoolers is often slightly less expensive. In-home daycare providers, which are popular for offering a more intimate setting, may have competitive rates and sometimes more flexible hours, which is crucial for families dealing with variable military schedules. It's important to note that availability, especially for infants, can be limited, so starting your search early is one of the most practical tips you can follow.
A key resource you should immediately explore is the Child Care Aware of America website, which works in partnership with Military Child Care. This system can help you find licensed options and understand potential fee assistance through the Department of Defense’s childcare subsidy program, which is designed to make care more affordable for service members. Don't hesitate to reach out to Cannon AFB's own Family Support Center or Child and Youth Services flight. They have localized knowledge and can often provide lists of approved providers in Clovis and Portales, and they may have information about on-base options or waitlist procedures that aren't widely advertised.
When evaluating costs near Cannon, look beyond the weekly tuition. Ask providers about what is included. Are meals and snacks provided? Is there an additional charge for early drop-off or late pick-up that might align with a long commute or training schedule? Some facilities might have registration or supply fees that are paid annually. Building a relationship with other military families on base can also be invaluable; they can offer honest reviews and might know of providers who have openings or who particularly understand the demands of military life in eastern New Mexico.
Ultimately, finding the right daycare near Cannon AFB is about pairing the practicalities of cost with the peace of mind that your child is in good hands. Take the time to visit facilities, meet the caregivers, and trust your instincts. The tight-knit communities here often rally around military families, and with diligent research and the use of available military resources, you can find a childcare solution that provides both stability for your child and financial predictability for your family.