Child Care

Child and Youth Programs provide Child Development and recreational services for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. The Child Development Center provides full and part day care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old.  The School Age Center provides before and after school care and Day Camp experiences for children Kindergarten through age 12 years. Call the Child Development Center, 228-871-2323.

Hours of Operation -- The CDC is open 5:30 am until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Programs Offered -- Programs at the Gulfport CDC include: Full Day, Hourly Care and Special Needs Care. Proper information required about special needs and approval required for After/Before school programs on installation.

Costs -- All fees are according to total family income and a current Leave and Earning statement (LES) and payroll data must be provided. All fees are due on the !st and 15th of each month these are paid online. 

Fees include lunch and programming. There is a 15% discount for more than one child. Also, there is a fee of $8 per hour per child for drop-ins (as space is available). Hourly care is strictly based on space available and parents can call up to a week in advance to seek space.

Late fees are assessed at $1 per minute per child up to $15. After 30 minutes, Military Police will be contacted.

Priority Care -- Children of single parents and dual military have first priority for child care.

Respite Care --  Respite care for special needs children is available but parents should contact the EFMP liason at FFSC to be sure child is enrolled in EFMP.  

Enrollment Criteria

Children must meet all eligibility requirements and have proof of military dependency. Registration for programs can be made  online. Parents are expected to update their child monthly to remain active on the waiting list. All referrals for child care spaces are made from the waiting list.

The education and welfare of school age children is a quality of life issue that concerns all commands and families. Navy families experience challenges with reciprocity and quality of education as they move from location to location. Most CBC Gulfport Navy dependents attend public schools off the installation and they may encounter transition academic problems; thus to assist parents and commanders in interacting with local schools and in responding to education transition issues, a School Liaison is available.

School Liaisons (SLs) support transitioning families in obtaining educational information and assistance from local school districts. The role and active involvement of the Installation Commander is critical to the success of the SL program. Some of the roles include:

• Functions as a communicator and facilitator that assist parents and commanders in interacting with local schools and in responding to education transition issues for all school ages.
• Advocates regarding educational issues to optimize the educational experience of elementary, middle and high school students.
• Maintains information on the availability and access of educational services available in their areas.
• Collaborates with the various Navy and family support programs to ensure that our families receive responsive support with a minimum of referrals and paperwork.

For more information call the School Liaison at 228-871-2117.