The Best Daycare Centers in Laughlin AFB, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Laughlin AFB. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Laughlin AFB
Laughlin AFB Child Development Center
Department of Defense Child and Youth Programs
As the primary military childcare facility on base, the Laughlin AFB CDC offers comprehensive early childhood education programs specifically designed for military families. The center operates with stringent Department of Defense safety standards and employs highly qualified staff with background checks and specialized training in military family support. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured educational activities. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Special emphasis is placed on supporting children during parental deployments and transitions, making it particularly valuable for military families stationed at Laughlin AFB.
Daycare Services:
Little Eagles Learning Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Little Eagles Learning Center has built a strong reputation for serving military families with its comprehensive early childhood programs. The center employs state-certified teachers and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention. Their curriculum incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities alongside traditional learning methods. The facility features modern security systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and structured daily schedules that balance educational activities with creative play. Parents particularly praise the center's communication practices and flexibility in accommodating military family needs, including extended hours for shift workers.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Tree Preschool & Childcare
Independent
The Learning Tree Preschool & Childcare in Del Rio serves many Laughlin AFB families with its well-regarded educational programs and family-centered approach. The center focuses on holistic child development through a balanced curriculum that includes literacy development, social skills building, and physical activity. Their qualified teaching staff includes early childhood education specialists who create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments. The facility maintains excellent safety protocols with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive cleanliness standards. The center is noted for its inclusive atmosphere and strong parent-teacher partnerships, with many military families appreciating their understanding of the unique challenges faced by service members' children.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Laughlin AFB, TX
What are the primary childcare options available for military families stationed at Laughlin AFB, Texas?
For families at Laughlin AFB, the primary options are the on-base Child Development Center (CDC) and the Family Child Care (FCC) program. The CDC is a licensed, accredited facility offering full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The FCC program consists of certified in-home providers living in base housing, offering a more home-like environment with potentially more flexible hours. Due to the remote location of Laughlin AFB near Del Rio, off-base options in the surrounding community are limited, making these military-operated programs the most accessible and reliable choices. Both programs prioritize military families, with registration and fees based on Total Family Income.
How does the waitlist process work for the Child Development Center (CDC) at Laughlin AFB, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, the CDC at Laughlin AFB typically operates with a waitlist. You should register your child through the MilitaryChildCare.com website as soon as you have official orders to the base, even before you arrive. Your place on the list is determined by your priority category (e.g., active-duty dual-military, active-duty single, DoD civilian), your requested start date, and the date you applied. To improve your chances, be as flexible as possible with your start date and consider requesting part-time care if full-time isn't immediately available. Also, explore the Family Child Care (FCC) program as a concurrent backup option, as their waitlists can be shorter.
What are the typical costs for childcare at Laughlin AFB, and how is the fee structure determined?
Childcare fees for the CDC and FCC programs at Laughlin AFB are set by the Department of Defense and are based on your Total Family Income (TFI), not the age of your child or the type of care. Your TFI is calculated from your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) and, if applicable, your spouse's income. Families are placed into one of several fee categories, with weekly costs ranging from a minimum (currently around $94) to a maximum (currently around $173) for full-time care. This income-based sliding scale ensures childcare remains affordable. You can find the current fee chart on the Air Force Services website or by contacting the CDC directly. Fees are typically deducted via allotment from your pay.
Are there any state-licensed childcare facilities off-base in the Del Rio area that accept military subsidies, and how do I find them?
Yes, there are a limited number of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) licensed childcare homes and centers in Del Rio. Some of these providers are approved to accept the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services (CCS) subsidy, which eligible military families may qualify for if the on-base programs are full. To find and vet these providers, you should use the Texas DFPS "Search for Child Care" website, which allows you to filter by location, age, and view inspection reports. It is crucial to contact providers directly to confirm current availability, waitlist status, and their acceptance of CCS. Your Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) at Laughlin can also provide local resource lists and guidance on subsidy eligibility.
What unique programs or support does childcare at Laughlin AFB offer for children with special needs or for parents with irregular shift schedules?
The Laughlin AFB CDC and FCC programs offer inclusive care and can develop individualized plans for children with special needs in collaboration with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). They have staff trained in inclusive practices and can connect families with early intervention resources. For parents with irregular schedules, such as those in flight training or on shift work, the CDC offers "Hourly Care" on a space-available basis, which can be reserved up to two weeks in advance. The FCC providers, operating out of their homes, often provide greater flexibility for early mornings, evenings, or weekends that may not be covered by the CDC's standard operating hours. It's essential to communicate your specific schedule needs during the initial registration and intake process.
Childcare Insights for Laughlin AFB
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for military families, and for those stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base, the search for low-income daycare options can feel particularly daunting in a smaller community. The good news is that while immediate, on-base solutions like the Child Development Center (CDC) are a top priority, there are pathways and resources available in the Del Rio area that can help make quality care more accessible. Your first and most crucial step should always be to get on the waitlist for the Laughlin CDC. This facility offers programs with fees based on your total family income, making it one of the most affordable and high-quality options available to you. Waitlists can be long, so don't hesitate—register as soon as possible, even during pregnancy or before a permanent change of station.
Beyond the gate, the city of Del Rio itself has supportive structures in place. Texas offers several state-assisted programs for qualifying families. The key program to investigate is Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services (CCS). This program provides financial assistance for childcare to low-income families who are working, attending school, or in job training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online or contact the local Workforce Solutions office serving Val Verde County; they can guide you through the application process and provide a list of local daycare providers in Del Rio that accept CCS subsidies. This voucher system can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs at participating centers and registered home-based providers.
When searching for "low income daycare near me" around Laughlin AFB, it’s also wise to connect directly with your on-base support network. Speak with your unit’s Family Readiness Center or the Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) at Laughlin. Their counselors are invaluable resources who maintain updated lists of local childcare options and may know of upcoming openings or home-based providers, including other military spouses who offer care. They can also inform you about the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program, which is a fee-assistance program for off-base care if the CDC is full. Additionally, don't overlook local faith-based organizations and community centers in Del Rio. Some churches and nonprofits may operate preschools or mother’s day out programs at reduced rates, which can provide a partial solution while you secure full-time care.
Remember, your military community is your strongest asset. Talk to other parents in your squadron or neighborhood—personal recommendations are gold. They can share firsthand experiences about affordability, wait times, and the quality of care at specific locations in Del Rio. While the landscape may require patience and diligent research, consistent effort in exploring these combined avenues—the CDC, state subsidies, base resources, and community word-of-mouth—will ultimately lead you to a safe and nurturing environment for your child. Your service comes with unique challenges, but you are not alone in navigating them right here in Val Verde County.