Child Development Center

Bldg 1000, 1030 School Ave., Patrick AFB, FL 32925 (321) 494-7028

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, closed on Federal holidays

We now have immediate openings for 2 - 4 year olds!

Lunch and Learn Parent Workshop

Feb 15, noon - 1 pm

GENERAL INFORMATION

The CDC provides centered-based care to children 6 weeks to 5 years of age of active duty military personnel, DoD civilians (APF or NAF), reservists on active duty orders or during inactive duty training, and DoD contractors.

We are committed to providing the best developmental experiences for all children. The curriculum is designed to meet the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of children by using developmentally age-appropriate activities. We are nationally accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Our staff is carefully selected on the basis of educational background, experience, and ability to meet the individual needs of the children in our program. They strive to ensure the best possible care is available to your child. Additionally, all of our staff is certified in Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR.

PRIORITY ENROLLMENT

In the event of a waiting list, active duty and civilian employed parents are given higher priority than other groups. A policy has been established to terminate the enrollment of children in families where the spouse is no longer employed or a full- time student. Parents have 60 days from the enrollment date to begin working or going to school to maintain their child's enrollment. A two-week written notice will be given to the parent whose child's slot is needed for a higher priority family. DD Form 2652 (Application for Fees) will be used to document eligibility for priority use.

TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED

FULL-DAY CARE/WEEKLY CARE

Meets the needs of parents working or in school on a full-time basis. Parents using for full-time care have a contract with the CDC so they are ensured a child care slot as long as they remain in full-time work or school status. The CDC participates in the USDA Food Program and children are served a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day.

HOURLY CARE

Meets the needs of parents requiring short-term child care services on an intermittent basis when slots are available. Parents can make reservations two weeks in advance up until the same day. If space is not available when you call, you will be placed on a waiting list and our staff will notify you if space becomes available. Reservations are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. The fee is $3 an hour per child and includes meals/snacks.

FREE Florida State Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program

(VPK) (4 - 5 years old)

To be eligible for the VPK program your child must be 4 years of age on or before September 1 of the program year and reside in Florida to participate in the VPK program. The FREE Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten program is designed to help your child to develop the skills they need to become good readers and successful students. It includes high literacy standards, strict accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors. To enroll your child in Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Program you may apply at https://spe.schoolreadiness.org/pe/

Enrollment/Registration Requirements

Complete AF Form 1181, Air Force Youth Flight Program Patron Registration
Complete DD Form 2652, Application for DoD Child Care Fees
Complete AF Form 357, Family Care Plan (single and dual military families only)
Complete the USDA Food Program form.
Submit copy of most current LES and/or pay stub. Fees and charges are based on total family income and are adjusted annually in accordance with the Military Child Care Act of 1989/1996.
Sign a CDC contract

Parents of children who cannot be accommodated in the CDC at the time care is requested must complete DD Form 2606, DoD Child Development Program Request for Care Record. Placement on the waiting list is determined by status according to the Priority Placement Policy.

CDC Age Groups:

Infant care (6 weeks – 12 months)

Our goal is to provide high-quality, individualized, responsive and stimulating experiences. By providing a child-friendly environment, loving and responsive infant teachers and individualized experiences we are promoting your child's development and learning. Parents will receive daily reports regarding their infant's day and an individualized portfolio will be maintained tracking each infant's development.

Pre-toddler care (12 months - 24 months)

Our goal is to provide a high-quality learning environment that builds on the child's experiences and strengths. The program has been designed to develop a sense of awareness in the areas of color, sound, textures, and feelings. The curriculum prepares the children towards their first step of independence before going into the Toddler program. Parents will receive daily reports regarding their child's day and an individualized portfolio will be maintained tracking his/her development.

Toddler care (2 – 3 years)

Your child will enjoy safe and protective surroundings to explore and develop new abilities. Self help skills such as toilet training; dressing, eating, and hand washing are important parts of this program. Art, music, finger-painting, sand and water play, exercise, and imaginative play are also a part of this program. Your child's participation in these activities increases vocabulary and language skills and develops fine and gross motor skills.

Pre-school care (3 – 5 years)

Your child will experience the joy of self-expression through music, art, movement, and more. Cognitive skills are learned through intentional play and hands on learning. Emphasis is placed on learning to share with friends, developing self help skills, understanding and controlling emotions, and respect for others.

Give Parents a Break Program

(Second Friday of every month from 6 - 11 pm)

The "Give Parents a Break Program" provides child care for parents who are subject to unique stresses due to the nature of military life—deployments, remote tours of duty, etc. In the effort to help these families the CDC has partnered with the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) who pays for the cost of child care for parents referred by base agencies such as the Family Support Center, Chapel, Family Advocacy Office, Hospital, First Sergeants, and Commanders. The AFAS will pay the cost of having the base Child Development Center (CDC) open once a month for families referred to the program. Reservations may be made up to three days prior.

Parents Night Out

Runs concurrently on the same days and times as "Give Parent's A Break". The cost is $15 for the evening on a space available basis. Reservations are required.

Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs are accepted in all Airman and Family Services Programs. However, in order to ensure the best care is available for all children, each child's unique needs are handled on a case by case basis. Once a child has been identified has having special needs, our base medical advisor reviews the records to define a special care plan. This plan is used to provide individualized care in conjunction with the child's Individualized Education Plan. Occasionally a group setting may not always be in the best interest of the child and alternate child care such as Family Child Care or Classes through the school board may be more appropriate.