Child & Youth Programs (China Lake)

Child Development Center (CDC)
CDC's provide quality child development programs for children ages 6 weeks to five years.  All CDCs are DoD certified and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 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
School-Age Care (SAC) programs provide quality "out of school" activities for children who have started Kindergarten to 12 years of age.  The programs are designed to enhance rather than duplicate the school day and are affiliated with The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and offer 4-H programs. Scheduled developmentally appropriate activities in core program areas and technology are planned based on knowledge of youth development and needs and interests of the children enrolled. Navy SAC programs are DoD certified and nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).

Youth and Teen Programs
Youth and Teen Programs offer developmental recreational programs for youth through the age of 18. These programs are DoD certified and affiliated with BGCA and 4-H. Both organizations have long been recognized for offering programs and services to youth that can instill a sense of leadership and offer opportunities for educational and career exploration and development.

Military and DoD civilian families can search for child and youth care options by going to www.militarychildcare.com. Parents/guardians can find comprehensive information on childcare programs worldwide, conduct a customized search for the care you need, and submit a request for care at any time and from any location. You can also log on to www.militarychildcare.com to review the status of your requests, change information related to your requests, and make cancellations.

The Navy Family Childcare Program offers in-home care in addition or as an alternative to the Child Development Center (CDC). We have certified and trained home daycare providers who take care of children ranging from infants to school age. Our caregivers go through the same training as the caregivers at the CDC. Full-time care is available. Drop-in care is also available if you need a caregiver to watch your child so you can attend a military function or go to a doctor’s appointment.

Interested in the Home Childcare Program? The benefits of starting your own program include:

• Setting your own hours
• Excellent training
• Excellent opportunities
• Making a difference in the lives of children

For more information, contact the Child Development Homes Program.