Childcare
Child Care Community - Resource and Referral
1707 J St
Bldg 168
Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205
Phone 701-747-3041 / 701-747-3042
Phone (DSN) 312-362-3041
Fax 701-747-4941
Fax (DSN) 312-362-4941
School Age Program:
Mon - Fri 6:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Summer Day Camp hours:
Mon - Fri 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Child Development Center (CDC)
The Grand Forks AFB Child Development Center (CDC) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and certified by the Department of Defense, providing care for children between the ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. The practices of Air Force Child Development Programs are based on current knowledge of child development and early childhood education. We are responsible for supporting the development of the whole child, meaning all areas of development are considered interrelated and equally important. Our program acknowledges that children learn through active, hands-on involvement with their environment, peers, and caring adults. We respect each child's unique interest, experiences, abilities and needs, thus allowing us to be responsive to and appropriate for each child. Children are valued as individuals, as well as part of a group. Likewise, our program respects and supports the ideals, cultures, and values of families in their task of nurturing children. We advocate for children, families, and the early childhood professionals within our programs.
*Care is provided for children with special needs, however the Special Needs Board will review all documentation to ensure accommodation of the child's need can be met. We are enrolled in the United States Department of Agriculture Food program serving nutritious daily meals.
*Registration - A child must be registered in the center before care is provided. The registration packet includes AF Form 1181, USDA Food Program application, Health Assessment Form, Immunization Record, and Parent's Agreement. The Health Assessment Form should list any food or medication allergies and be signed by the child's physician.
*Weekly lesson plans, as well as appropriate daily developmental activities, that follow the center's philosophy and goals, are based on knowledge of child development and assessment of the children's individual needs and interests. The children are also given individual attention and opportunities to express their creativity through art, music and dramatic play. Parent conferences are scheduled every year.
*The caregiver/child ratio is as follows:
1.6 weeks - 12 months, 1:4
2.13 months - 24 months, 1:5
3.25 months - 36 months, 1:7
4.3 - 5 years, 1:12
*Programs Offered - The Child Development Center provides care for children between the ages of 6 weeks through 5 years of age. A Part-Day Enrichment Program is also offered for children who have reached their 3rd birthday by August 31st and fully/successfully potty trained before admission.
*Weekly care is offered to all active duty military and DOD civilians working on the base. Weekly fees are based on the family total income. Hourly care is offered on a first come first serve basis. Reservations may be made up to two weeks in advance. A request for care may be submitted using DD Form 2606.
*Availability - The CDC offers large motor environments, infant, toddler and preschool classrooms. There is currently a waiting list for all age groups with newborns having the largest demand.
*Priority Care -- Single parents and military members have priority.
*Costs -- The CDC operates on a sliding scale fee which is calculated according to total family income.
*Family Child Care
*Base residents providing child care in their homes for more than 10 hours a week on a regular basis must be licensed.
*The licensing process involves 24 hours of orientation which includes CPR, First Aid, Child Development, Curriculum Planning, Health and Safety, Food Handlers certification and setting up the business. Background and reference checks are mandatory. All homes will be inspected by Public Health, Safety and Fire as well as the FCC Coordinator before a license is issued. Health records on all family members are maintained. Liability insurance is required. The FCC Resource Center supplies the providers with most of their needed materials and equipment. The MSG commander signs the license and it is good for one year. Each provider can take care of up to 6 children with no more than 2 under the age of 2. Monthly inspections of each home are conducted by the FCC Coordinator. All providers are required to complete 15 FCC modules within the first 18 months of licensing.
*FCC providers are self-employed and not government employees. They set their own rates, hours and write their own policies and contracts. The policies must meet AF guidelines. The providers do bi-monthly self-assessments which are monitored by the FCC Coordinator.
*Respite Care
*Respite care provides temporary relief for families and caregivers by giving them time to engage in daily activities, thus decreasing their feelings of isolation; providing the family with rest and relaxation; improving the family's ability to cope with daily responsibilities; maintaining a family's stability during a crisis situation; helping preserve the family unit; and making it possible for individuals with disabilities to establish individual identities and enrich their growth and development. Financial assistance for Respite Care may be available in form of Air Force Aid Society grants, or through TRICARE and the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO). For more information on Respite Care services and financial assistance, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 701-747-3241.
Homes Near Base
