Childcare
MWR Child Development Center
1 Administration Circle
Bldg 02688
mail stop 1313
China Lake, CA 93555
Phone 760-939-3171 / 760-939-2909
Phone (DSN) 312-437-3171/312-437-2909
Fax 760-939-3387
Fax (DSN) 312-437-3387
Mon - Fri 6:00 am - 5:30 pm
Closed Flex Fris
Child Development Center (CDC)
The China Lake Child Development Center (CDC) has the distinction of being the first Nationally Accredited Center in the Department of Defense. The CDC offers programs that supplement the home by providing experiences to help the child in his/her total growth and development: intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. While the program is developmental, the goal is to make the CDC atmosphere a home away from home.
Child Development Services has received DoD certification in October 2008. Child and Youth Programs provide Child Development and recreational services for children 6 weeks to 18 years of age. The Child Development Center, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, provides full and part day care for children 6 weeks to Kindergarten. The School Age Center, accredited by the National Afterschool Association, provides before and after school care and Day Camp experiences for children Kindergarten thru Fifth grade. Castle X, the teen center, provides activities and special events for teen's sixth grade to age 18. The Child Development Home program provides care for children in homes by providers certified by the Navy CYP and Captain of the base. Each home can provide care for all ages. All programs are vendorized and provide care for children with special needs.
Eligibility
Eligible patrons include dependents of military, Department of Defense employees and NAWS contractors.
In order to enroll for the CDC or SAC programs, you may put in a waiting list in either building (bldg. 2688 for CDC and bldg. 880 for SAC) or you could go online to www.mwr.navy.mil, then go to the Child and Youth Programs link on the left and then go to the link with the single child on the left. Wait lists are downloaded daily. Military have first priority placement, then DoD and then contractor.
Fees
Fees are set according to Total Family Income by DoD instruction. Fees typically change annually. Fees are figured according to all family leave and earning statements. If LES's are not provided, the highest fee will be charged. Military and DoD families who elect to use CDH program will pay the same subsidized fees for children under 3 that they would pay at the CDC.
Hourly care is only available on space available basis, but is easier to accommodate in the CDH program. Hourly care for military that use CDH care for doctor appointments can be paid for by the CDH subsidy program, thereby costing nothing to the military.
Programs Offered
The Child Development Center provides full-time and part-time care for military and DOD family members from six weeks of age up through kindergarten.
The programs include breakfast, hot lunch, and two snacks. These are nutritionally balanced meals and are provided to children in full-time and part-time care. The children and staff take walking excursions and field trips on a regular basis.
Child Development Homes Program/Family Child Care (FCC)
The Child Development Homes Program offers child care in a home environment. The program includes approximately 10 homes with 60 available spaces (includes provider's children). The goals of this Navy-wide program are as follows:
- To increase the availability of quality, affordable childcare for military families.
- To establish standards of child care for the protection and well being of children while away from their homes.
- To encourage and assist Child Development Homes Providers to operate a quality, nurturing program for children.
- To provide an opportunity for spouses of military and DOD personnel to operate a business in their homes within Navy guidelines.
- To allow parents to perform their duties of work without undue concern about the care their children are receiving.
Each provider sets their own fees and hours within broad guidelines. For more information, contact our Family Child Care Director at 760-939-6683.
School Age Program (SAP)
School Age Care offers a complete before and after school care program, as well as drop-in and hourly care. Transportation is provided to each school for an extra charge. The children get two snacks a day and participate in projects such as art, games, reading and field trips. Fees are determined by total family income and vary depending upon required services. Summer camps are offered when school is not in session.
Kinderooz
Kinderooz (Kindergarten Program) offers complete before and after school care for children who are attending Kindergarten. The program focuses on helping children adjust to school life by offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for children in their first year of school. The children get two snacks a day and participate in games, reading and field trips. Fees are determined by total family income. Transportation is provided to each school for an extra charge. The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department's Youth Center offers before and after school care for school aged children. For more information, call them at 760-939-2909.
Homes Near Base
