The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Myer, VA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Myer. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Myer
KinderCare at Arlington
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Arlington provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, and science programs. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and regular safety drills. Their Learning Adventures program offers enrichment in music, cooking, and STEM. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds and dedicated learning centers. Serving military families from nearby Fort Myer with flexible scheduling and nutritious meal programs.
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Cadence Academy Preschool of Arlington
Cadence Education
Cadence Academy offers a balanced curriculum focusing on academic readiness and social-emotional development. Their proprietary curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, and hands-on science activities. The center features low student-teacher ratios, CPR-certified staff, and secure facilities with camera monitoring. Special programs include Spanish language exposure, music enrichment, and character education. The center maintains strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences, with many staff having over 5 years of experience.
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The Goddard School of Arlington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School implements F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center features STEAM-based curriculum with dedicated learning stations, outdoor classrooms, and technology integration. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, with ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, air purification, and nutritionally balanced meals. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular developmental assessments, with particular experience serving military families from Fort Myer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Myer, VA
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in Fort Myer, VA, and are there any financial assistance programs available for military families?
In Fort Myer and the surrounding Arlington area, daycare costs are among the highest in Virginia due to the urban location and high cost of living. For infants, you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,500+ per month for a licensed center. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,200 per month. Home-based daycare may be slightly less expensive. Crucially for military families stationed at Fort Myer, you should immediately contact the **Child Development Center (CDC)** on post. The CDC offers subsidized, high-quality care with fees based on your Total Family Income (TFI), making it significantly more affordable. Additionally, you may be eligible for fee assistance through the **Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)** program, which can help offset costs at participating off-installation childcare providers if the on-post CDC has a waitlist.
How long are the waitlists for the on-post Child Development Center (CDC) at Fort Myer, and what is the best strategy to secure a spot?
Waitlists for the Fort Myer CDC are often lengthy, especially for infants, and can range from 6 to 12 months or more. The most critical strategy is to **register as early as possible**, even during pregnancy. You must register through the **MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC)** website, the Department of Defense's centralized system. When registering, select the Fort Myer CDC as your first choice but also list multiple other options, including the CDC at nearby installations like the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir, and select "community-based" care to be considered for MCCYN assistance. Update your profile frequently and respond immediately to any placement offers. It's also highly recommended to tour the facility and get on the waitlist for multiple approved off-post providers as a backup plan.
What are the key differences between using the on-post Child Development Center and a licensed home daycare in the local Fort Myer/Arlington community?
The primary differences involve structure, cost, and environment. The **Fort Myer CDC** is a large, regulated center following strict DoD standards, with structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and often longer hours tailored to military schedules. Cost is income-based. A **licensed home daycare** in Arlington or a nearby neighborhood is a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, often with more flexible hours and potentially a smaller child-to-provider ratio. They are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and may offer a more personalized setting. The CDC provides guaranteed backup care during training deployments, while a home provider may not. Your choice may depend on waitlist availability, your child's temperament, and your need for flexibility versus a structured program.
Are there childcare options available for irregular or extended hours, such as for shift workers or during unit training exercises at Fort Myer?
Yes, but planning is essential. The Fort Myer CDC itself may offer limited extended care options, but availability is tight. Your best resource is the **Fort Myer Parent Central Services**. They can provide information on the CDC's hours and any "hourly care" programs. For truly irregular or overnight hours (common with shift work), you will likely need to explore community options. Some licensed home providers in the area offer flexible hours. Additionally, consider using a reputable babysitting service or network, such as those vetted through military spouse groups on post. For last-minute care during sudden training exercises, the **ACS (Army Community Service)** may have resources or referrals for emergency/backup childcare providers in the National Capital Region.
What Virginia state licensing requirements and safety standards should I verify when choosing an off-post daycare in the Fort Myer area?
Any legitimate childcare provider in Virginia must be licensed by the **Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)**. You should always verify their license status online through the VDOE website. Key standards to ask about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, annual health and safety training, and compliance with fire and health department inspections. Specifically in the dense urban environment of Arlington, also inquire about outdoor play space security, drop-off/pick-up safety protocols, and their emergency evacuation plans. You have the right to review the provider's most recent inspection report, which will note any violations. Choosing a VDOE-licensed provider ensures a baseline of safety and oversight.