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.
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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.
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