Childcare
Children & Families First
1406 Forrest Ave, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19904
Phone 1-800-734-2388 / 302-672-0510
Fax 302-672-0511
Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat and Sun - closed
Holidays - closed
- Child Development Center
- The Dover AFB Child Development Center is certified through the Department of Defense Child Development Services and accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Certification and accreditation are earned by high-quality child care centers that provide a safe environment as well as a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Dover AFB has a Child Development Center, Youth Center and Family Child Care Program. The licensed homes are located in the housing area and follow the same guidance as the Child Development Center and Youth Center for eligibility and enrollment. Parents are welcome to call or visit the centers for additional information and to obtain the registration paperwork necessary for enrolling their child.
- Eligibility
- In accordance with AFI 34-248, eligible patrons of child development programs include active duty military personnel, DoD civilians, reservists on active duty or during inactive duty personnel training, active duty Coast Guard assigned to or living on the base, and DoD contractors. The priority enrollment policy is as follows: children of single parents or dual active duty military parents assigned to or living on Dover AFB, to include active duty Coast Guard; children of active duty military with employed spouses and DoD civilians assigned to or living on Dover AFB. Both parents must be employed, be a full-time student (enrolled at least 12 semester hours) or actively seeking employment; children of reservists on active duty or during inactive duty personnel training and DoD contractors assigned to Dover AFB; children of active duty military with employed spouses and DoD civilians not assigned to Dover AFB.
- Costs
- Child care fees are determined at the time of registration and are based on total family income. Parents must complete a DD Form 2652, Application for Department of Defense Child Care Fees. The Child Development Center program management will determine the weekly fees for each family according to guidelines from the Air Force. There is a formula used to compute the fees and charges for each family and this is reviewed annually.
- Programs Offered
- Hourly care is provided on a reservation basis only and offered if there are slots available. Patrons must call ahead to reserve space and make arrangements to register their child. A monthly "Give Parents a Break" session is also offered to family members and a Deployed Family Members session has just recently begun.
- Child Care for PCS Program -- The Child Care for PCS program offers 20 hours of free child care to families with PCS orders. Child Care is provided by Family Child Care Providers and must be used within 60 days of departure/arrival. This program is open to all ranks.
- Priority Care
- First priority to dual active duty military (mil-mil) families and active duty single parent.
- Waiting List
- The waiting time is different for each age group. Please call the Child Development Center for current information. Please call the Child Development center at (302) 677-3717.
- Capacity
- Full day care is provided for 200+ children at the Child Development Center and 150+ children at the Youth Center.
- Family Child Care (FCC)
- Family Child Care (FCC) homes provide a wonderful alternative to center care. Large groups are not ideal for all children and the family child care program is another option. Each home is limited to six or less children and offers more one-on-one care. Currently, there are six family home care providers. For more information, please call 302-677-3712.
- The Family Day Care Coordinator is responsible for certifying/licensing Family Day Care Providers and inspecting the homes to make sure they are in compliance with rules and regulations regarding childcare.
- School Age Care (SAP)
- School Age Care or Before and After School Care is available at the Youth Center. The School Age program is open to children ages 6-12 (must have completed kindergarten) and is accredited through the National After School Association (NAA). The Youth Center is a short walk from the elementary/middle school.
Homes Near Base
