The Best Daycare Centers in Naval Air Station/ Jrb, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Naval Air Station/ Jrb. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Naval Air Station/ Jrb
NAS Fort Worth JRB Child Development Center
U.S. Department of Defense
The NAS Fort Worth JRB Child Development Center is a Department of Defense certified facility specifically designed to serve military families. The center offers comprehensive early childhood education programs with a developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning. All staff meet or exceed DoD certification requirements with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. What sets this center apart is its specialized understanding of military family needs, including flexible scheduling for shift workers and deployment support services. The center maintains high staff-to-child ratios and follows stringent safety protocols aligned with military installation standards.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Fort Worth Southwest
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Fort Worth Southwest is a nationally accredited early education center located approximately 5 miles from NAS JRB. The school implements the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, which blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their approach includes hands-on learning in literacy, STEM, music, and arts. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and dedicated music and art studios. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training. The school is particularly noted for its strong parent communication system, nutritious chef-prepared meals, and excellent preparation for kindergarten readiness.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Fort Worth (West)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fort Worth (West) is a premier early childhood education center serving families in the NAS JRB area with a play-based learning approach. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program promotes social, emotional, and academic development through structured play and hands-on activities. The school features modern security systems including keypad entry, live-streaming classrooms, and fenced playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in continuous professional development. The school stands out for its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) enrichment programs, yoga and mindfulness activities, and comprehensive kindergarten readiness assessment system.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Naval Air Station/ Jrb, TX
Are there on-base childcare options available for military families at NAS JRB Fort Worth, and how do I apply?
Yes, NAS JRB Fort Worth offers the Child Development Center (CDC), which is a Department of Defense-certified facility providing full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Priority is given based on a family's military status (e.g., active duty, DoD civilian). To apply, you must register in the MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) system, which is the centralized waitlist for all DoD childcare programs. It is highly recommended to register as early as possible, even before a PCS move, as waitlists can be long. The CDC is subject to rigorous federal standards and often has highly trained staff, but availability is limited, so exploring off-base options concurrently is wise.
What are typical costs for off-base daycare in the communities surrounding NAS JRB (like Fort Worth, Westworth Village, or Saginaw), and is financial assistance available?
Off-base daycare costs in the Fort Worth area vary significantly. For infant care, you can expect an average of $1,000 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. These rates are for licensed centers; home-based daycares may be slightly less expensive. Military families may be eligible for fee assistance through the Child Care Aware of America program, which can subsidize a portion of off-base care costs if on-base options are unavailable. Your Family Support Center on NAS JRB can provide details and help you apply. Always verify a provider's Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) license and ask about all included fees.
How can I verify the safety and licensing of a home daycare or childcare center near the base?
The State of Texas licenses all childcare facilities through the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). You can and should check any provider's compliance history online through the DFPS "Child Care Search" website. This tool shows the facility's license status, any reported standards violations, and the results of their latest inspections. For providers on or affiliated with NAS JRB, you can also inquire at the Family Advocacy Program or the CDC for vetted referral lists. Always visit in person, ask about caregiver-to-child ratios (Texas minimums are 1:4 for infants, 1:11 for 2-year-olds, 1:15 for 3-year-olds), staff background checks, and emergency procedures specific to the area.
Given the potential for long waitlists at the base CDC, what are some reliable alternative childcare options for NAS JRB personnel?
Beyond the CDC, military families have several alternatives. First, explore the FCC (Family Child Care) network on base, which consists of licensed military spouses operating home daycares in base housing, offering a more home-like environment and often more flexible hours. Off-base, many families use centers in nearby Saginaw, Lake Worth, and north Fort Worth. Some popular national chains and local centers have experience with military families' unique schedules. Additionally, the NAS JRB Youth Center offers programs for school-age children (ages 5-12). For temporary or drop-in care, the CDC's hourly care program (subject to availability) or registered babysitters through the base's spouse networks can be a solution.
What resources are available on NAS JRB to help me navigate childcare challenges during deployments, extended duty hours, or unexpected schedule changes?
NAS JRB's Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is your primary resource for childcare support during challenging times. They offer guidance on navigating the MCC waitlist, applying for financial aid, and finding emergency backup care options. The FFSC may also maintain a list of approved babysitters. For deployment support, speak with your command's Ombudsman or the FFSC about possible priority status for childcare. Some off-base centers in the community offer "military discount" rates or flexible contracts understanding of TDY and deployment schedules—always ask when touring. Proactive communication with your childcare provider about potential schedule fluctuations is crucial.
Childcare Insights for Naval Air Station/ Jrb
Finding quality childcare is one of the most important tasks for a military family, and if you're stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (NAS JRB), you know that balancing duty schedules with your little one's needs requires a reliable solution. The search for "daycares with openings near me" in the Fort Worth area, particularly with the unique rhythms of base life, can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the communities surrounding the base offer several excellent options, and with a strategic approach, you can find a nurturing environment that feels just right for your family.
Your first and most valuable resource is the Family Child Care (FCC) program right on NAS JRB. These are licensed childcare homes operated by military spouses, often located in base housing. They provide a home-like setting with the added benefit of inherent understanding of military life—deployments, odd hours, and the supportive community you're part of. Checking for current openings with the FCC coordinator should be a top priority, as spots are highly valued for their convenience and shared culture. For center-based care, expanding your search to the nearby communities of Saginaw, Haslet, and North Fort Worth will yield more possibilities. Many centers in these areas are accustomed to serving military families from the base and may even offer priority enrollment or adjusted hours.
When you begin calling facilities, timing is key. Inquire about their enrollment cycles and if they maintain a waitlist. Be prepared to act quickly if an opening arises, but also trust your instincts during tours. Look for signs of a structured yet joyful environment: engaged children, clear safety protocols, and open communication from the staff. Ask specific questions about their experience with military families. Do they offer flexible drop-off or pick-up times for shift work? How do they communicate with parents during the day? A center that uses a secure app for photos and updates can be a wonderful way to feel connected while you're on duty.
Remember to utilize your military support networks. Fellow parents in your unit or spouse clubs can provide honest, firsthand recommendations for daycares in Saginaw or Haslet that have served them well. Additionally, your installation's Family Support Center can often provide a list of local licensed providers and may offer childcare fee assistance programs to help offset costs. As you navigate your options in the NAS JRB area, consider the daily commute in relation to your home and the base gate traffic; a slightly longer drive to a center that offers absolute peace of mind is often worth it.
Securing childcare near Naval Air Station JRB is more than just finding an opening; it's about finding a partner in your child's early development and a supportive extension of your family. By starting your search on-base, leveraging your community, and asking the right questions, you can find a safe, engaging, and understanding place for your child to learn and grow while you serve.