Child Care

NAWS China Lake has in place a number of Child and Youth Programs that provide quality child development and recreational services for children 6 weeks to 18 years of age of Active Duty, DoD, and Contractor families.

Child Development Center (CDC): Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of Active Duty, DoD, and Contractor families. CDC is DoD certified and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a membership organization that advocates on behalf of young children, sets and monitors standards for high-quality early childhood education programs and accredits programs that meet these standards.

School Age Care (SAC) / Movin' On Up (MOU): Children in grades K-3 of Active Duty, DoD, and Contractor families. SAC/MOU provides before and after school care and features a Homework Club that meets daily as well as a number of other clubs that meet weekly.

Castle X Youth Center: Children in fourth grade through children 12 years of age of Active Duty, DoD, and Contractor families. Meeting daily is the Homework Club, as well as a number of other clubs that meet weekly. In addition, Castle X offers the Leaders in Training Program during the summer months and allows children to work at the various MWR facilities and earn points towards free activities like bowling, swimming, etc.

1318 Teen Center: Children ages 13-18 of Active Duty, DoD, and Contractor families. This program is provided free of charge (registration required). In addition to various clubs that meet regularly, open recreational activities are available including (but not limited to) dodgeball, triple play or wild card, volleyball, basketball, and bowling. Transportation to the 1318 Teen Center is provided by the Sierra Sands School District.

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 their 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 undergoes DoD certification annually. Child and Youth Programs provide Child Development and recreational services for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The School Age Care Center, accredited by the Council on Accreditation, provides before and after school care and Day Camp experiences for children in grades K-3. Castle X Center provides services to children in grade 4 thru children 12 years of age. 1318 Teen Center provides activities and special events for teens ages 13-18.

Eligibility

Eligible patrons include dependents of Active Duty, DoD, and Contractor families.

In order to enroll for the CDC or SAC programs, you must go online to www.militarychildcare.com, then create an account in the top left-hand corner. Wait lists are reviewed regularly. Military have first priority placement, followed by DoD, and Contractor, respectively.

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.

Programs Offered

The Child Development Center serves children 6 weeks to 5 years of age of Active Duty, DoD, and Contractor families, providing full-time and part-time care. 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.

School Age Care offers a complete before and after school care program and transportation is provided to and from each Sierra Sands School District school at no extra charge. The children receive two snacks per 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.