Child Care

The Family Child Care Program provides developmental care in FCC licensed homes in military family housing. Children between the ages newborn to 12 years are eligible. For more information about family child care or on becoming a FCC provider, call 662-434-3041 or DSN 312-742-3041. NOTE: Currently there are no licensed family child care provider homes at Columbus AFB.

The Columbus AFB Child Development Center offers programs including full day, part-day preschool and hourly child care for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age (until they enter Kindergarten). When demand exceeds space available, a waiting list is maintained. You may be added to the waiting list by completing DD Form 2606 and either emailing or faxing it to the CDC, 662-434-2681. Call the CDC, 662-434-2479, for more information. Family Child Care homes are not available at this time.

The Columbus AFB Child Development Center is housed in a state of the art facility located just in front of the housing area. Top quality programs for the children and families are offered. The CDC is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. There are closed circuit TV cameras in all rooms. Programs include full day, part-day preschool, part-day two year old program, Pre-K and hourly child care. The center participates in the USDA Food Program. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are included in the fee.

Eligibility/Availability

The Columbus AFB CDC accepts 6 weeks of age through 5 years (until they enter Kindergarten). Children of active duty, DoD/NAF civilian employees, contract personnel and retirees may use the CDC. Children are enrolled in full-time slots and drop-in care is available only on a space available basis. Hourly rates are applied for drop-in care.

When demand exceeds space available, a waiting list is maintained. You may be added to the waiting list by completing an application on MILITARYCHILDCARE.com.

Priority placement on waiting list is as follows:

• single military parents with custody and dual military couples
• all other active duty and civilian employees with working spouses
• all other active duty

A reservation system is utilized for hourly care and reservations may be made up to two weeks in advance depending on the age group.

Registration

A current immunization record and parents most recent Leave and Earning Statement and /or pay statement are required to enter the program.

Costs

Families are placed in a category based on total family income. Families will be asked to provide their most recent Leave and Earning statement and/or pay stub. In accordance with federal guidelines, BAH or in-kind equivalent are added together with earnings to determine the fee category. Fees range from $60 to $180 per week.

The hourly rate for child care is $8 per hour, per child with a one hour minimum charge.

Hours of Operation

Columbus AFB Child Development Center is opened from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

The School Age Child Care Program is one of two programs in Mississippi to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), provides quality, year-round child-care for youth in grades K-6.  The After School Program includes a wide variety of Educational and Recreational experiences.  The children are offered activities in five core areas such as The Arts, Sports, Fitness, Recreation, Health and Wellness, Character and Leadership, and Education and Career Development.  The program has a gymnasium, computer lab and an outdoor playground.  City Schools and Caledonia County Schools provide buses to the facility.  Summer Camp includes swimming, field trips and a variety of educational activities.  We make all attempts to keep these activities at low to no cost to parents. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided.  Weekly fees for each child will include meals and will be based on combined annual family income.  Staff are quality trained by top Air Force Training and Curriculum Specialist in the Air Force.  All staff are required to complete a series of 15 training-modules within an 18-month period, annually complete positive guidance and child abuse training, CPR and first aid training every two years, and a variety of other trainings dealing with special needs of children.  Fees are based on Total Family Income.  Immunizations and Flu records are required.

Summer Camp is a part of the School Age Program and is offered weekly throughout the summer for children K-6^th grades.  We do a variety of activities in our 5 core areas of planning, and we go on a variety of field trips to museums, zoos, and outdoor adventure locations.  We also go skating, swimming, and bowling regularly throughout the summer.  Summers are crammed full of adventure and fun!  Fees are based on Total Family Income.  Immunizations and Flu records are required.

Hours of Operation

The School Age Program is opened Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 2:30 to 6 p.m., closed on Federal holidays and AETC Family Days. The program provides full day care on days when school is not in session. The hours for full day are 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Give Parents a Break is held at the Child Development Center (CDC) one day per month for eligible families (contact Military and Family Readiness Center at 662-434-2790 for more information). The CDC is also opened one day per month for "Parents Day/Night Out" - hourly fees apply.