The Best Daycare Centers in Lackland A F B, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lackland A F B. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lackland A F B
Lackland Air Force Base Child Development Center
Department of the Air Force
The Lackland AFB Child Development Center is a NAEYC-accredited facility providing comprehensive childcare specifically designed for military families. The center offers developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Air Force standards, featuring structured learning activities, nutritional meal programs, and secure facility access. Staff maintain required child development credentials and receive ongoing training in military-specific care needs. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness while supporting the unique challenges of military family life, including deployment support and flexible scheduling for shift workers.
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Primrose School of Westover Hills
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Westover Hills provides a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Highly qualified teachers implement research-based curriculum focusing on character development, literacy, and STEM concepts. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated learning centers, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Located just 10 minutes from Lackland AFB, they actively serve military families with flexible scheduling and understanding of military lifestyle needs.
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The Goddard School of Northwest San Antonio
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Northwest San Antonio offers F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes academic, social, and emotional development through play-based learning. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios with degreed educators and ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language development, and social skills while providing nutritious snacks and flexible scheduling options. Conveniently located 15 minutes from Lackland AFB, they have extensive experience serving military families with understanding of deployment cycles and relocation transitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lackland A F B, TX
Are there on-base childcare options at Lackland AFB, and how do I get on the waitlist?
Yes, Lackland AFB offers several on-base childcare options through the Child Development Center (CDC) and Family Child Care (FCC) homes. The CDC provides full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The FCC program consists of licensed providers offering care in their on-base homes, often with more flexible hours. Due to high demand, waitlists are common. To enroll, you must first create an account and submit a request for care through the MilitaryChildCare.com website, the Department of Defense's centralized platform. Your priority on the waitlist is determined by your status (e.g., active duty, DoD civilian). It is highly recommended to register as early as possible, even during pregnancy, due to potentially long wait times.
What are the typical costs for childcare in the Lackland AFB area, and is there financial assistance available for military families?
Childcare costs on Lackland AFB are based on your Total Family Income (TFI) tier, making them more affordable than many off-base options in San Antonio. Your weekly co-pay is calculated after your family's financial screening. For off-base licensed centers in the surrounding area, full-time infant care can range from $800 to $1,200+ per month, with rates generally decreasing for older children. Military families may be eligible for fee assistance through the Child Care Aware of America program if they cannot secure a spot in a DoD facility. This program helps pay for care at participating community childcare providers. Always check with the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) at Lackland for potential emergency financial assistance grants.
What should I look for when choosing an off-base daycare in the communities surrounding Lackland AFB (like Medical Center or West San Antonio)?
When exploring off-base options, prioritize Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) licensed facilities. You can check a provider's licensing history, including any violations, on the DFPS website. Look for centers with experience serving military families, as they may understand the challenges of deployments and shifting schedules. Consider proximity to base gates for your commute. Key factors include staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, safety protocols, and whether they participate in the Texas Rising Star quality rating system. Visiting the center, asking about staff turnover, and understanding their sick policy are crucial steps. Many parents find recommendations through local Facebook groups like "Lackland AFB Spouses" invaluable.
Are there part-time or drop-in childcare options available for parents with irregular schedules or for occasional use?
Yes, there are options for non-standard care. On base, the CDC offers a "Hourly Care" program, which is subject to availability and must be reserved in advance—perfect for appointments, volunteering, or other short-term needs. The Family Child Care (FCC) homes on base may also offer more flexible part-time arrangements. Off-base, some local daycare centers and preschools in San Antonio offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week). Additionally, you can explore registered drop-in childcare centers in the greater San Antonio area, though they are less common near the base itself. For certified babysitters, the Lackland AFB Family Advocacy Program or the Airman & Family Readiness Center may maintain referral lists.
How does childcare licensing and regulation work in Texas, and what resources are available on Lackland AFB to help me navigate my options?
All childcare centers and homes in Texas (except certain small, registered family homes) must be licensed and regularly inspected by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). You can research any provider's inspection reports, minimum standards violations, and background check compliance online through the DFPS Child Care Search. On Lackland AFB, your primary resource is the **Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)**. They offer childcare referrals, can explain the MilitaryChildCare.com process, and provide guidance on local options and subsidies. The **Child Development Center (CDC)** manager can also answer specific policy questions. Utilizing these free, on-base services is the best first step for any military family seeking childcare.