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 Kindergarten. The School Age Center provides before and after school care and Day Camp experiences for children. Currently the waiting time for infants is 8-12+ months and children 2+ years the wait time is 5-8+ months. Call 866-628-9232. Visit website for more information.

Schools: Naval Station Norfolk is served by 5 public school districts. Placement is based on the location of your residence. A number of private schools are also available.

• Norfolk Public Schools
• Virginia Beach Public Schools
• Chesapeake Public Schools
• PPs.K12.VA.US
• Suffolk Public Schools

The NS Norfolk Child Development Center (CDC) has a full-time child care program for children 6 weeks through five years of age, including a Preschool and Pre Kindergarten. The CDC is certified by the Department of Defense and is regulated by the Navy as well as accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The waiting time for enrollment depends on the age of the child. You can reach the CDC at 1-866-628-9232, Option 2.

Hours of Operation

The CDC is open Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.

Programs Offered

The CDC offers full-time weekly care. Drop-in care is provided on a space available basis. A parent wanting drop-in care needs to call early in the morning on the day care is wanted.

The Preschool/Pre kindergarten program set up for 3-year-olds and 4-5-year-olds, offers an environment that fully engages children and pulls them into the exploration and learning process by individualizing the curriculum. 

Costs

Fees are due on 1st and 15th of each month and are determined by a sliding fee scale. A discount is offered for the eldest child when two or more children are enrolled for care. An hourly rate is charged for each child except in specific circumstances. Late charges may apply for late pickups after 6:00 p.m. Parent fees for the CDC, SAC and Subsidized CDH are based on the total family income (TFI). The TFI is defined as (all earned income including wages, salaries, tips, long-term disability benefits, voluntary salary deferrals, quarter allowances and subsistence received by any adult, married or not sharing expenses toward the benefit of the child/children in the residence. Please call the Naval Station Norfolk Childcare Resource and Referral program at 1-866-628-9232 for more information.

Registration

Applications for child care are available at the center or you may contact the Mid-Atlantic Region Child and Youth Program office at 866-628-9232 or 757-322-2684.

Eligibility and Priority of Care

There are two levels of Priority of care:

• Level 1: Active duty members - single parents, dual military couples and active duty with a civilian spouse. When applying for care the civilian spouse must be employed full time or be a full-time student.
• Level 2: DoD employees and contractors working on base.

Waiting List

Currently, the waiting time for infants is 8-12+ months and children 2+ years the wait time is 5-8 months. For more information on the waiting list call 757-322-2684 or 866-628-9232.

Child Development Homes

At any given time there are 25 - 35 Child Development Homes (CDH) in military housing that are regulated and monitored by the military. Residents of military housing who want to do child care in their own homes on a regular or full-time basis must pass a criminal background check; have fire, safety, and health inspections; complete mandatory training; and be monitored regularly. For more information contact the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Child Development Homes Program 757-462-8930 or 866-628-9232.

School Age Care 

On-base Youth Centers provide a variety of before and after school programs as well as summer, spring and winter camps. The cost of care depends on total family income and the care program selected.

Child Development Group Home

There are two group homes located in Norfolk that provide 24/7 care for watch standers and shift workers. The group home incorporates the features of both a home and child care center. For more information contact the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Child and Youth Programs at 866-628-9232.

Child Waiting Center 

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) provides free child care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old when active duty and/or family members have medical appointments at NMCP. You will need the child's current immunization record. For reservations, forms, and more information, call 757-953-6873.

Respite Care 

Occasional care for special needs children may be offered by some family care providers. For more information contact the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region Child and Youth Programs at 866-628-9232.