Child Care

The Key West Child Development Center provides child care for children ages six weeks of age through five years. Contact the Child Development Center for more details, 305-293-4498.

The Key West Child Development Center is located in building V-4187 on Arthur Sawyer and provides child care for children ages six weeks of age through five years. All counselors have experience in Childhood Education and are CPR and are First Aid certified.

Our program is based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children's guidelines on Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs and Creative Curriculum. We strive to meet the needs of and promote the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children, while responding to the needs of the family. Activities that your child will be given the opportunity to participate in include: creative art, music, fine and gross motor development, sand and water play, songs and finger plays, story time, promotion of a positive self-image, readiness skills for math, reading and writing, dramatic play and many activities that promote positive social skills.

Hours of Operation - 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding all federal holidays.

Programs Offered

Full time weekly and hourly (drop-in) care is offered. Full-time includes up to ten hours of care each weekday. Priority for full-time care is given to single and dual-military families. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided each day by the CDC. Drop-in care is available on a limited space available basis.

Preschool Programs

Currently NAS Key West does not offer a pre-kindergarden program through the child and youth programs. Pre-kindergarden programs are available at the various local elementry school. For more information contact the Monroe County School District at 305-293-1400.

Costs

Weekly fees are based on the total annual family income, as regulated by the Department of Defense. Weekly patrons must provide the CDC with financial information and the most recent leave and earnings statements (LES) and/or paycheck stubs to determine weekly fees. Hourly fee is $4 per hour.

Registration

Completion of enrollment card by sponsor and written proof of all required immunizations. Family income verification is required for full-time care. Infants must have documentation of a well-baby check-up to qualify for care. For information, eligibility or registration for any of these programs or events, contact the Child Development Center front desk at 305-293-4498.

Waiting List

Waiting times vary base on the age of the child and time of the year. The average waiting time for active duty personnel is approximately 1-2 months.

Respite Care

Respite care is provided for children of personnel who are referred by the Fleet and Family Support Center Family Advocacy Program.

This program offers child care provided by private individuals in their on-base government housing units or off-base residences. Each provider must be certified by the Commanding Officer, NAS Key West. Off-base providers must also be licensed by Florida Department of Children and Families. The maximum capacity of any home depends on the ages of the children. Full-time weekly, hourly (drop in), evenings, 24-hour, special needs and school age care is available in the CDH program. Please contact the CDC for a listing of home providers.