The Best Daycare Centers in Pope Army Airfield, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Pope Army Airfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Pope Army Airfield
Pope Child Development Center
Department of Defense Child Development Program
The Pope Child Development Center is a Department of Defense certified facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs specifically designed for military families. The center features a research-based curriculum focused on developmental milestones, with highly qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. The secure facility includes age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. What sets this center apart is its understanding of military family needs, with flexible scheduling to accommodate shift work and deployment cycles, plus strong emphasis on social-emotional development in transient military communities.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Cross Creek
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves military families from Pope Army Airfield and Fort Bragg with a comprehensive early childhood curriculum that includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and STEM activities. The center features secure access controls, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and structured learning environments. Their program emphasizes kindergarten readiness with dedicated learning centers for literacy, dramatic play, and creative arts. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and they offer transportation to local elementary schools for after-school programs.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Fayetteville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Fayetteville offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and surveillance monitoring. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM concepts through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes dedicated music and art studios, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. What distinguishes Primrose is their partnership with parents through regular communication and developmental milestone tracking, making them a popular choice for military families seeking high-quality early education near Pope Army Airfield.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Pope Army Airfield, NC
Are there any on-base childcare options available for military families stationed at Pope Army Airfield?
Yes, Pope Army Airfield is served by the Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) Child & Youth Services (CYS), which is the primary provider for military families in the area. The closest on-base option is typically the Child Development Center (CDC) or School-Age Care (SAC) programs on Fort Liberty. Due to high demand, registration is centralized through the Fort Liberty CYS website and waitlists are common. Priority is given based on a family's status (e.g., active duty, dual-military, working single parent). It is highly recommended to register for the waitlist as soon as you have orders to the area, even before you arrive.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in the Fayetteville/Pope Army Airfield area, and are there financial assistance programs?
In the Fayetteville metro area, which includes Pope Army Airfield, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $700 to $1,000 per month. Military families may be eligible for fee assistance through the Department of Defense's Child Care Fee Assistance Program, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs when using approved off-base providers. Additionally, North Carolina offers a state subsidy program for eligible families, but waitlists can be long. Always inquire directly with providers and your military family support center for the most current assistance information.
How can I find and vet licensed in-home daycare providers near Pope Army Airfield?
The State of North Carolina, through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), licenses all childcare facilities, including family childcare homes. You can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website to find licensed providers in the 28308 (Pope AAF) and surrounding zip codes, filtering by type, including "Family Child Care Home." When vetting, always verify the license is current, review any posted inspection reports for violations, and schedule an in-person visit. Ask about their experience with military families, emergency procedures, and their plan for potential base lockdowns or exercises that could affect parent pick-up.
What are the typical waitlist times for childcare centers near Pope, and what can I do while waiting?
Waitlist times in the Pope/Fort Liberty area can vary dramatically, from a few weeks to over a year, especially for infant care. On-base CDCs often have the longest waitlists. While on a waitlist, consider these options: 1) Place your child on multiple waitlists (both on and off-base). 2) Explore temporary solutions like part-time family childcare homes, nanny shares with other military families, or utilizing hourly care at the Fort Liberty CYS Parent Central Services if available. 3) Connect with local Facebook groups (e.g., "Fort Liberty/Pope Spouses") where parents often post about openings in home daycares or nanny availability.
Are there childcare options that cater to the irregular hours common for military personnel, such as shift work or 24-hour ops?
Finding care for non-standard hours is a common challenge. While most traditional centers operate 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, some options exist. The Fort Liberty CYS occasionally offers "Midnight Care" programs during major training exercises, but availability is limited. Your best bet is to seek out licensed family childcare homes, as some providers may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate military schedules. Be upfront about your needs during interviews. Additionally, consider building a network with other families in your unit for shared babysitting or exploring registered and vetted babysitters through the Fort Liberty CYS babysitter referral list, which can help cover odd-hour gaps.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Pope Army Airfield: