The Best Daycare Centers in Fairchild Air Force Base, WA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fairchild Air Force Base. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fairchild Air Force Base
Fairchild Air Force Base Child Development Center
Department of the Air Force
As the primary on-base childcare facility, the Fairchild AFB CDC offers comprehensive developmental programs specifically designed for military families. The center follows the Creative Curriculum system with age-appropriate learning activities and maintains Department of Defense certification standards. Features include secure facility access, USDA-approved meal programs, and staff trained in military-specific family support. The center provides exceptional continuity for military children with parent deployment support programs and flexible scheduling to accommodate unpredictable military duty requirements.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Spokane
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This nationally accredited center serves many Fairchild AFB families with its comprehensive early education programs. Bright Horizons implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizing literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms designed for optimal learning. Staff maintain early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling and understands military family needs, making it a popular choice for base personnel.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Village at Spokane
Non-profit Organization
The Children's Village provides high-quality inclusive childcare with specialized programs for children with diverse abilities. The center uses a play-based learning approach combined with structured educational activities aligned with Washington Early Learning Guidelines. Features include therapeutic playgrounds, sensory rooms, and highly trained staff with expertise in inclusive education. The center has strong partnerships with local school districts and community resources, offering comprehensive support services that benefit military families from Fairchild AFB seeking quality care with developmental expertise.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fairchild Air Force Base, WA
What are the primary childcare options available to military families stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base?
Families at Fairchild AFB have several key options. The most direct is the on-base Child Development Center (CDC), which offers full-time, part-time, and hourly care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is accredited and follows Department of Defense standards. For school-age children (grades K-5), the School Age Care (SAC) program provides before/after-school care and summer camps. Additionally, the Family Child Care (FCC) program consists of licensed home-based providers living in base housing, offering a more intimate setting. Off-base, there are numerous licensed centers and homes in the surrounding Spokane area, but availability can be tight, so exploring all options early is crucial.
How do I get on the waitlist for the Fairchild AFB Child Development Center, and what is the typical wait time?
To join the waitlist, you must be registered in the MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) system, the centralized DoD portal for all military childcare. You create a profile, submit required documents (like orders and immunization records), and select the Fairchild CDC as a preferred facility. Wait times are dynamic and depend on your child's age, desired schedule, and priority category (e.g., active-duty dual-military families have highest priority). Currently, wait times can range from a few weeks to several months, especially for infants and toddlers. It is strongly recommended to register on MCC as soon as you receive orders to Fairchild. You can also join waitlists for multiple FCC homes through the same system.
How does the cost of childcare at Fairchild AFB compare to off-base options in Spokane?
On-base childcare costs are set on a sliding fee scale based on your Total Family Income (TFI), making it typically more affordable than many off-base options. Your cost is calculated annually after you submit your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). Off-base in Spokane, the average cost for a full-time infant center can range from $1,200 to $1,600+ per month, while preschool may be $900-$1,300. A significant benefit for off-base care is the possibility of receiving fee assistance through the DoD's Child Care Fee Assistance Program (CCFAP) if you use a state-licensed provider and the on-base CDC has no availability. Your Child and Youth Programs (CYP) office can help you navigate CCFAP applications.
Are there any childcare resources or programs specific to the unique demands of military life at Fairchild, like during exercises or deployments?
Yes, Fairchild's Child and Youth Programs are designed to support the military mission. The CDC and SAC programs offer a "Respite Care" program, providing up to 16 hours of free childcare per month for families experiencing short-term, mission-related challenges like deployments, TDY, or reintegration. Additionally, the "Give Parents a Break" program, often run in partnership with organizations like the Air Force Aid Society, offers periodic free childcare events. For unexpected or extended care needs, your assigned Family Child Care coordinator can help identify flexible FCC providers. It's essential to communicate your family's situation (e.g., upcoming deployment) with your childcare provider and the CYP office to access these support services.
What are the Washington state licensing requirements for off-base providers, and how can I verify a provider's license and complaint history?
All licensed childcare providers in Washington, whether centers or family homes, must meet state standards set by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). These cover staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, safety inspections, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance history or complaints, you must use the DCYF "Child Care Check" website or mobile app. This public search tool is essential for vetting any off-base provider. The Fairchild Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) can also provide guidance on what to look for in a licensed provider and how to use these state resources effectively. Always ensure any off-base provider you consider is DCYF-licensed to guarantee basic health and safety standards are met.
Childcare Insights for Fairchild Air Force Base
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a military family can make, and for those stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, the search for the "best daycares near me" comes with its own unique set of considerations. The good news is that the Spokane area surrounding the base offers several excellent options, but knowing where to start and what to prioritize can make all the difference. Your search will likely blend the need for reliability and quality with the understanding of the military lifestyle's demands, such as unpredictable hours and the potential for deployment.
A natural first step for any service member is to connect with the on-base resources. The Child Development Center (CDC) at Fairchild AFB is often a top choice for many families due to its inherent understanding of military life, prioritized enrollment for Department of Defense personnel, and adherence to strict federal standards. The convenience of having childcare right on the installation cannot be overstated, especially during long duty days. However, waitlists can be a reality, so it’s wise to get on the list as soon as possible, even before your official move if you can. The Family Child Care (FCC) program on base is another invaluable resource, offering home-based care from certified providers who live in base housing, providing a more intimate setting that can be incredibly comforting for young children.
Venturing into the surrounding Spokane and Airway Heights communities opens up more possibilities. Many families find wonderful partnerships with local daycare centers and in-home providers that have experience serving military families from Fairchild. When researching these options, look for those with structured programs, clear communication policies, and proven reliability. In the Airway Heights and West Spokane areas, several highly-rated centers are accustomed to the rhythms of base life. Don’t hesitate to ask direct questions about their flexibility with early drop-offs or late pickups that might coincide with shift changes, and inquire if they offer any sibling discounts. Personal recommendations from within your squadron or base housing community are pure gold; your fellow military parents will have the most relevant and current insights.
Remember, the "best" daycare is the one that feels right for your child and works seamlessly for your family’s routine. Schedule tours, trust your instincts during visits, and observe how caregivers interact with the children. Check each provider’s licensing status through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families website, which provides inspection records and compliance history. Balancing proximity to Fairchild AFB with a nurturing, educational environment is the key. With a bit of dedicated research and by leveraging the strong support network within the base community, you can find a childcare solution in the Spokane area that offers you peace of mind and your child a safe, happy place to learn and grow.
Nearby Cities
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