The Best Daycare Centers in Goodfellow AFB, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Goodfellow AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Goodfellow AFB
Goodfellow Air Force Base Child Development Center
Department of the Air Force
The official CDC at Goodfellow AFB provides high-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare specifically designed for military families. The center follows the Creative Curriculum and focuses on whole-child development through structured learning centers, age-appropriate activities, and social-emotional learning. All staff meet or exceed Department of Defense certification requirements, including background checks and ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Specializes in supporting military families with flexible scheduling and deployment support services.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Southwest
KinderCare Education
This highly-rated KinderCare location serves Goodfellow AFB families with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center implements research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading programs, STEM activities, and social development. Features low student-teacher ratios, degreed early childhood educators, and secure facility with keypad entry. Offers nutritious meals and snacks, indoor and outdoor play areas, and regular parent communication through mobile app. Specializes in school readiness with kindergarten preparation programs and extended hours to accommodate military family schedules.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Center of San Angelo
Independent Nonprofit
An established nonprofit childcare center known for exceptional educational quality and nurturing environment. The center uses a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. Features highly qualified teaching staff with early childhood certifications, modern security systems including surveillance and controlled access, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The facility includes age-separated playgrounds, dedicated art and music areas, and provides healthy meals. Particularly strong in parent partnerships and individualized learning plans, with many military families from Goodfellow AFB enrolled.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Goodfellow AFB, TX
What childcare options are available specifically for military families stationed at Goodfellow AFB?
Goodfellow AFB offers several dedicated options for military families. The primary on-base resource is the Child Development Center (CDC), which provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is accredited and follows strict Department of Defense standards. For school-age children, the School Age Care (SAC) program offers before and after-school care, as well as full-day care during school holidays and summer. Additionally, the Family Child Care (FCC) program provides licensed in-home daycare offered by certified providers living in base housing or the local community. These programs prioritize active-duty families, and fees are based on total family income. It's highly recommended to register with the CDC waitlist as soon as possible, even before a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, due to high demand.
How do I navigate the waitlists for childcare at Goodfellow AFB, and what are typical wait times?
Waitlists for on-base childcare at Goodfellow are managed through the MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) website, a centralized DoD portal. You must create an account and submit requests for the CDC, SAC, or FCC programs. Wait times can vary significantly based on the child's age, desired start date, and program. For infants and toddlers at the CDC, waits can be several months long due to high demand and lower staff-to-child ratios. Wait times for preschool and school-age care may be shorter. Your best strategy is to register on MCC as early as possible—you can request care up to 60 days before your arrival. While on the waitlist, explore off-base options in San Angelo as a backup. The CDC staff can provide updates on your position, but proactive follow-up is encouraged.
What are the typical costs for daycare in the Goodfellow AFB and San Angelo area, and is there financial assistance?
Costs in the Goodfellow area vary by provider type. On-base at the CDC and SAC, fees are set on a sliding scale based on your Total Family Income (TFI), making it one of the most affordable and predictable options for eligible families. Off-base in San Angelo, you can expect a wide range. For center-based care, full-time infant care can average $800-$1,100 per month, while preschool may be $600-$900 per month. Home-based daycare may be slightly less. Financial assistance is available. Military families may be eligible for the DoD Child Care Fee Assistance program if using an off-base, state-licensed provider when on-base care is unavailable. Additionally, Texas offers subsidized care through the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services program for qualifying families based on income and need.
What should I look for when choosing an off-base daycare provider in San Angelo?
When exploring off-base options in San Angelo, start by verifying the provider's license with Texas Health and Human Services (HHS). You can check inspection history, violations, and compliance online. Look for providers with experience serving military families who understand the unique demands of duty schedules and deployments. Key factors to assess include: the staff-to-child ratio (Texas minimums are 1:4 for infants, 1:11 for 3-year-olds, 1:15 for 4-year-olds), caregiver qualifications and turnover, the safety and cleanliness of the facility, the educational curriculum, and their policies on sick children and communication. Visit multiple centers, ask for references from other parents, and inquire about their flexibility for early drop-off or late pickup, which can be crucial for military shift work.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare solutions available for unpredictable military schedules at Goodfellow?
Yes, there are options designed for the irregular hours common in military life. On-base, the CDC offers "Hourly Care" subject to availability, which can be reserved for appointments, errands, or short-term needs. The Family Child Care (FCC) homes may also offer more flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on the individual provider. For true emergency or short-notice care—such as during a sudden deployment exercise or family emergency—Goodfellow's Airman & Family Readiness Center can provide guidance and may help connect you with resources. Additionally, some off-base centers in San Angelo offer drop-in care, but you must pre-register and provide documentation. It's essential to plan ahead, communicate your potential needs with providers, and have a backup plan in place.