Child Care

The USAF Academy Child Development Center, Bldg. 6250, is located in upper Pine Valley, 719-333-6779. The Part-day Enrichment pre-school is located across from the Community Center, Bldg. 5150, 719-333-6863. The CDC offers child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Programs include hourly care, part day enrichment program and full day care. There may be decreased capacity at this time; please call for more information.

Family Child Care homes may be available; call 719-333-4993.

The Academy Child Development Program is certified through the Department of Defense Child Development Programs and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We are continually striving to provide the highest quality of childcare for children and their families. Parents are encouraged to become an active role in the program by attending special events, Parent Advisory Committee meeting, and daily interactions with the staff. Parents are a vital link to the success of our program and the children's experiences in the Child Development Program. We invite parents to visit with the staff and spend time with their children at the center.

Eligibility

All children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years whose parents or legal guardians are either active duty military, DOD civilian personnel, APF or NAF, reservists on active duty, and DOD primary contractors are eligible to enroll in the Child Development Program. There is decreased capacity at this time; please call for more information. 

Enrollment Criteria

All children must have current immunizations to be enrolled in the CDC. For an immunizations schedule, please contact the CDC, 719-333-6779.

Centers on Installation

There are two Child Development Centers on the Air Force Academy:

The Academy's main center, The Donna Head Child Development Center, Bldg 6250, is the larger of the two and offers full-day and hourly childcare for children 6 weeks through 5 years. The center has 12 classrooms and provides care to 120 children. The Donna Head Child Development Center is located in Upper Pine Valley Housing. Telephone: 719-333-6779 or 333-6863. The Child Development Annex, Bldg 5150, offers full-day and hourly childcare for children 3 years through 5 years. The Annex has 5 full-day classrooms and provides care for up to 56 children. The Annex is located across from the Community Center, next to the Shoppette. Telephone: 719-333-4166 or 333-4733.

*There is decreased capacity at this time; please call for more information. 

Programs Offered

Full day care is offered at both CDC facilities. Parents must call 333-6779 to make reservations at either Child Development Center.

Costs

The cost for the CDC full day programs are determined by total family income. There is a discount for more than one child.

Waiting List

Unfortunately, there are occasions when the demand for child care exceeds the capacity of our facilities. A waiting list is the best way for us to keep track of those families who request care in our program. The staff of the Child Development Program looks forward to assisting you in your search for child care in the event immediate placement in the Child Development Program is not possible. Each Child Development Center maintains a current list of all licensed and affiliated Family Child Care providers. Program staff can assist you with reviewing the list, and the Family Child Care Coordinator can provide you with individual assistance. Please call the Coordinator at 719-333-4993.

Priority Care

All applications for the waiting list will be placed in priority order on the applicable waiting list. When determining priority, full-time students are considered employed parents when proof of full-time enrollment of classes (minimum 12 semester hours during the school year and 6 semester hours during the summer session) is provided. The priority order is established by the 10 ABW/CC. Priority, by date of application, is given in the following order for the Child Development Program:

• Current employees of the Child Development Program or Youth Program
• Single military or DOD civilian (including NAF employees) and dual military or DOD civilian parents assigned to or living on the Air Force Academy.
• Active duty military assigned to or living on the Air Force Academy with civilian employed spouse and DOD civilian with civilian employed spouse.
• Single military or DOD civilian and dual military or DOD civilian assigned to an installation other than the Air Force Academy.
• Active duty military or DOD civilian with civilian employed spouse assigned to an installation other than Air Force Academy Military or DOD civilian with non-working spouse.
• All other eligible applicants. DOD primary contractors applying for care must provide proof of eligibility for care such as proof of employment on the Air Force Academy. Proof of eligibility is required annually.

School Age Program

Before and After School Program, Holiday Camps, and Summer Camp Program are available for your children. All programs are on a space available basis. Fees are based on parent's (s') income(s).

Family Child Care Program 

At this time there are some FCC homes. If you are interested in becoming a provider, contact the FCC office at 719-333-4993.

Child Care for PCS Program

The Child Care for PCS Program is available; though there are a limited number of FCC homes. Please call Military & Family Readiness Center, 719-333-3444 for more information.