Childcare
Family Child Care
2373 White Circle
Bldg. 2373
Joint Base Charleston, SC 29404
Phone 843-963-2546
Phone (DSN) 312-673-4366
Mon - Fri 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat and Sun - closed
Holidays - closed
Child Development Center (CDC)
*There are two Child Care centers on JB Charleston, one at the Air Base and one at the Weapons Station. The goal of the CDC is to provide children with developmentally appropriate childcare. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, Monday-Friday with limited drop-in care provided. Both Child Development Centers are DoD Certified and Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It is essential that you contact the Child Development Center as listed for the most current information about specific programs. Please see the installation's website for additional information.
*Eligibility - All active duty military personnel, reservists on active duty or in training (with orders), DOD civilians, and contractor employees working at JB Charleston are eligible. Priority care may be given to Dual Active Duty families, Single parents, and members on Individual Augmentee (IA) assignment.
*You can contact the center and get a list of the child care providers available currently available.
*Registration - Personnel relocating to JB Charleston (AB) who have a need for child care can place their child on the waiting list by submitting a Form DD2606. Upon receipt of your orders, contact your local CDC for the application. Forward copy of orders and application to the JB Charleston CDC (AB) and your child will go on the waiting list effective the date information is received. Contact the Resources and Referral Office upon arrival. Parents may also fill out a request for care in person upon arrival.
*Fees - All Fees are in accordance with the Department of Defense guidelines and are based on Total Family Income (TFI). A sliding scale is used for fees. There are nine fee categories. CDC fees cover quality child care, meals and snacks which include (breakfast, lunch, afternoon and evening snack).
*Programs Offered
1.Hourly Care - Hourly care is offered for children 6 weeks through 5 years, on a space available basis.
2.Full-time Care - Full-day care is available Monday through Friday for full time working parents or where one parent is a full-time student. Care is generally for 8 to 10 hours per day and is available for children 6 weeks through 5 years.
3.Children with Special Needs - The Centers accept children with special needs such as but not limited to allergies, asthma, speech delays, physical limitations or non-English speaking children. The Center works with parents, medical personnel, and early intervention staff to develop a plan of care to meet the child's individualize needs.
*If your child has been identified with having a special need, supporting documentation must be provided along with the request for care. Our program are committed to ensure accommodations for care are made with a facility that best meets your child's needs.
4.Respite Care - Respite care for families in crisis is available through the hourly care program. The CDC and Family Child Care programs do not currently offer respite care.
*Family Child Care
*Family Child Care Providers are available as an alternative to the CDC. Providers are able to care for children age 2 weeks - 12 years who are dependents of active duty military, active reservists, retirees and DOD civilians assigned to JB Charleston. Each provider goes through an extensive training process to become a provider, and is certified in CPR, First Aid, and Food Handling. Each provider is a private business. They set their own fees and charges, as well as hours of operation. For more information visit the website or call the FCC Coordinator, at 843-963-2546, DSN 673-2546. The FCC office can provide you with a current list of Family Child Care Providers.
*The Child Care for PCS program, funded by the Air Force Aid Society, offers 20 hours of free child care to Air Force families with PCS orders. Child Care is provided through the Family Child Care Providers Program and must be used within 60 days of departure/arrival. This program is open to all ranks. Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 843-963-4406 or stop by the Center in Bldg. 500 to get a voucher.
*New Parent Support Program
*The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) offers information, support and guidance to military families who are expecting a child and/or have children ages birth to three years of age. Services are provided free of charge to eligible families. For more information, contact the NPSP at 843-963-6799, DSN 312-673-6799. At the WS, NPSP is located in Bldg 786 on 1005 Jefferson Ave; contact the office at 843-794-7435, DSN 312-794-7435.
*Extended duty child care (EDC)
* Extended duty child care (EDC) is care provided on a temporary basis for short/no notice shift changes. This care is beyond the normal 50 hour work week-an example would be during base exercises. It is also available for primary UTA weekends for single parents or when dual parents are both working. EDC must be scheduled through the FCC Coordinator and is available based on space availability in the FCC provider's homes. A statement from the military member's supervisor is required as documentation for the required extra hours. There is no cost for this program. Please contact the FCC Coordinator at 843-963-2546 for more information.
Homes Near Base
