The Best Daycare Centers in Cherry Point, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cherry Point. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cherry Point
MCAS Cherry Point Child Development Center
United States Marine Corps Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)
This military-affiliated center provides exceptional childcare with a strong emphasis on early childhood development and school readiness. Utilizes the Creative Curriculum® that balances structured learning with play-based activities, focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills. Staff includes highly qualified teachers with CPR/first aid certification and background checks, maintaining low child-to-staff ratios for personalized attention. Features secure facilities with controlled access, nutritious USDA-approved meals, and outdoor play areas. Particularly adept at supporting military families with flexible scheduling and deployment support programs.
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KinderCare Learning Center - Havelock
KinderCare Education
Offers a comprehensive early education program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes phonics, math concepts, and social-emotional development. Implements KinderCare's Early Foundations® program with age-appropriate learning centers and hands-on activities. Staff includes state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood education. Facilities feature secure keypad entry, indoor and outdoor play spaces, and healthy meal programs. Strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with emphasis on milestone tracking and individualized learning plans.
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The Goddard School of Havelock
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Features the F.L.E.X.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that blends child-directed exploration with teacher-guided instruction, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. Employs degreed teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Maintains excellent safety standards with secured entrances, daily health checks, and emergency preparedness drills. Offers enriched learning environments with modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology integration. Known for strong parent partnerships through regular communication and developmental progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cherry Point, NC
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available near Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, and how do they differ?
In the Cherry Point area, parents, especially military families, typically have three main licensed options. First, there are **Child Development Centers (CDCs)** on MCAS Cherry Point itself, which are Department of Defense-operated facilities offering full-time, part-time, and hourly care with a structured curriculum. They prioritize military families. Second, there are **Family Child Care (FCC) homes** on and off base, which are licensed, home-based providers often run by military spouses; these offer a more flexible, home-like environment. Third, there are private **childcare centers and preschools** in nearby communities like Havelock and New Bern. The key differences are cost (CDC/FCC rates are income-based for military), availability (on-base options often have waitlists), and environment. All are regulated by either the DoD or the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE).
How long are the typical waitlists for on-base childcare at MCAS Cherry Point, and what can I do while waiting?
Waitlists for the CDC and FCC programs at MCAS Cherry Point can vary significantly by age group and time of year, but it's common for infant and toddler spots to have waits of several months, especially during peak Permanent Change of Station (PCS) seasons (summer). To manage this, **register on the MilitaryChildCare.com website as soon as you have orders or know your arrival date**. This centralized system places you on the waitlist for all DoD-operated programs. While waiting, explore off-base options in Havelock or consider a combination of a local licensed home provider and the **Child Development Home (CDH) network**, which are vetted off-base homes. Also, inquire about drop-in or hourly care availability at the CDC for interim needs.
What are the average costs for childcare in the Cherry Point area, and are there financial assistance programs for military or local families?
Costs in the Cherry Point area are tiered. For eligible military families using the on-base **CDC or FCC**, fees are calculated on a **sliding scale based on your Total Family Income (TFI)**, making it significantly more affordable than most private options. For off-base private centers in Havelock or New Bern, full-time infant care can range from **$800 to $1,200+ per month**, with preschool-age care slightly less. Financial assistance is available. Military families can explore fee assistance through the **Child Care Aware of America** program if using community-based care. North Carolina residents, including civilian families, may qualify for the **NC Child Care Subsidy** (also known as the voucher program) through the Craven County Department of Social Services, which helps low-income working families.
How does North Carolina state licensing ensure the quality and safety of childcare providers in Cherry Point?
All licensed childcare facilities in North Carolina, including those in Cherry Point, Havelock, and New Bern, must comply with strict regulations set by the **NC DCDEE**. Key requirements include: background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants), annual health and safety inspections, and mandated training in areas like Safe Sleep (for infants), CPR/First Aid, and Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse. You can look up any licensed provider's **Star Rated License** on the DCDEE website. This rating (1 to 5 stars) is based on program standards and staff education levels. On-base DoD facilities adhere to similarly rigorous, but separate, military standards. Always verify a provider's license status.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare options available for shift workers or parents with variable schedules at Cherry Point?
Yes, there are options tailored for variable schedules common in military and shift work. The **CDC at MCAS Cherry Point offers hourly care** based on availability, which is ideal for appointments, errands, or short-term needs. Some on-base **FCC providers** may also offer flexible or drop-in arrangements. Off-base, options are more limited, but some private centers in Havelock may offer part-time preschool programs for older toddlers. For true emergency or backup care (e.g., when your regular provider is unavailable), military families can contact the **MCAS Cherry Point Family Care Office** for resources and referrals. Planning ahead is crucial; always communicate your schedule needs directly with potential providers to see if they can accommodate you.
Childcare Insights for Cherry Point
Finding reliable childcare is one of the most important and sometimes daunting tasks for any parent. If you’re stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, recently moved to the Havelock area, or are a long-time resident of Craven County, you know that securing quality care for your little ones is paramount. The search for "childcare near me" in Cherry Point, North Carolina, comes with its own unique considerations, from navigating waitlists that can fluctuate with military rotations to finding providers who understand the specific rhythms of life in a proud military community.
Your search will likely begin with the excellent resources provided by the Air Station itself. The Child Development Center (CDC) on base is often a top choice for many military families, offering accredited programs with subsidized fees based on total family income. However, due to high demand, getting a spot can require planning and patience. It’s highly recommended to get on the waitlist as early as possible, even before your official move or need date. Don't be discouraged if there's a wait; this is common and exploring off-base options provides a wonderful backup plan and sometimes a perfect fit for your child's personality.
Venturing into the surrounding towns of Havelock, New Bern, and Newport opens up a variety of licensed childcare centers and home-based family childcare providers. These local businesses are often deeply embedded in the community and offer flexible hours that can accommodate shift work or unexpected demands. When researching these options, take the time to visit in person. Look for signs of a warm, engaging, and safe environment. Ask about their curriculum or daily structure, their policies on communication (especially important if a parent is deployed), and their experience with military families. Many providers in this area are exceptionally understanding of the challenges that come with military life.
Utilizing state resources is a crucial step. The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education maintains an online database where you can search for all licensed facilities in Craven County. This tool allows you to verify a provider’s license status and review any past inspections, giving you peace of mind about health and safety standards. Additionally, connecting with other local parents can be invaluable. Online community groups, such as those on social media for MCAS Cherry Point or Havelock, are fantastic places to ask for personal recommendations and honest reviews. Word-of-mouth referrals in a tight-knit community like ours often lead to discovering a hidden gem.
Remember, the right childcare is out there. It’s about finding a place where your child feels secure, engaged, and happy, and where you feel confident and supported. By starting your search early, leveraging both military and state resources, and tapping into the local parent network, you can find a childcare solution in the Cherry Point area that brings stability and joy to your family’s daily routine. This community is built on support, and that extends to helping each other care for our most precious members.