Newcomers - Childcare

Free childcare for newcomers
     A maximum of 20 hours of free childcare per child is available through the Air Force Aid Society to parents of all ranks who are making a permanent change of station move to or from Edwards. The childcare is available within 60 days of arrival or departure and is provided by Family Childcare Program providers. Parents may apply for childcare by bringing a copy of their orders and a valid ID to the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 550 S. Bailey Ave. Call the center at (661) 277-0723 or DSN 527-0723.

Child Development Center
1208 W. FitzGerald Blvd.
(661) 275-TOTS or DSN 525-TOTS
     The CDC, located in the housing area, provides developmental care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old for both military members and Department of Defense and NASA civilians. The CDC is open Monday through Friday and is closed for all federal holidays. Hourly care and part-day enrichment programs are available. The Center participates in the Give Parents a Break program with hourly care offered. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are served on a daily basis. All meals are in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines.
     Planned activities include dramatic play, blocks, art, music, reading and writing centers, indoor and outdoor gross motor play, science and language. As part of the creative curriculum, all children are exposed to a variety of developmental activities to promote their social, physical and cognitive growth.

Family Childcare Program
311 14th St.
(661) 275-4FCC or DSN 525-4322
     The Edwards Family Childcare Program offers an alternative option for quality childcare in a home environment. Licensed providers are trained in child development theory and techniques, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, food handling and other related areas. Fire Department, Safety, Public Health and family childcare officials conduct inspections on all homes prior to recommending licensure. Throughout the licensure period, unannounced monthly inspections are conducted to ensure the health, safety and well being of the children in care.
     A referral list of licensed providers is available through squadron first sergeants, the Family Child Care office, Child Development Center, most Services facilities and the Airman & Family Readiness Center. The referral list is also available on the 95th Services Division Web site at www.edwardsservices.com.
     All persons providing childcare in their home for more than 10 hours per week must be licensed. Applications and information on becoming a childcare provider, or personal assistance in finding quality in-home childcare, is available at the FCC office. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30-10:30 am and by appointment, if needed.

Teen Center
1000 Kincheloe Ave.
(661) 275-TEEN or DSN 525-TEEN
     The Teen Center, designed to allow teens a place of their own, provides after-school and weekend activities for teens ages 13 to 18, in grades seven through 12. The center is an affiliated member of the Boys and Girls Club of America and offers many B&GCA programs, as well as Air Force and Edwards-unique programs.
  • The Keystone Club, a B&GCA program sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation, provides teens ages 14 to 18 leadership opportunities within the base community. Activities include fund raising, volunteerism, team building, participation in national conventions and discussion of issues most important to base youth. 
  • The Congressional Awards Program allows teens and young adults the opportunity to be rewarded for reaching personal goals set throughout the year in four different areas of achievement. The program strives to develop and enhance positive personal qualities such as responsibility, citizenship and the ability to plan and organize. Participants receive certificates and medals of recognition for reaching their goals. 
  • The Youth of the Year Program, a B&GCA initiative sponsored by Reader's Digest, recognizes teens ages 14 to 18 for overall excellence. Each teen selected will represent their individual club in state and national competitions. Award winners may receive up to $15,000 in scholarships for postsecondary education. 
  • The Youth Employment Skills, or YES program, sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society, provides high school teens, specifically family members of parents serving in the active duty military, the opportunity to earn a postsecondary school grant of up to $1,000 by volunteering at base agencies. 
  • Teens on the Move, a sponsorship program run in coordination with the Airman & Family Readiness Center, helps teens moving from one base to another move smoothly, and quickly adjust to life in the Edwards community. Incoming teens may be matched to Edwards teen sponsors to receive information on base life from a peer's perspective before arriving. The center features game tables, music, lounge and homework areas, Internet accessibility and video games. The center arranges programs such as a teen club, glow-in-the dark bowling and monthly movie education days.
Youth Program
Youth Activities Main Center, 24 Lathrop Drive
(661) 275-KIDS or DSN 525-5437
Youth Annex, 1208 W. FitzGerald Blvd.
(661) 275-PLAY or DSN 525-7529
     Youth Programs is the focal point for all youth activities at Edwards. A wide range of supervised programs is available to youth ages 5 to 18. Youths 13 and older may find additional programs available through the Teen Center.
     Youth Programs offer an array of youth, pre-teen and teen activities including dances, holiday and family events, picnics and trips. Professional instruction is available through the center for ballet, tap dance, gymnastics and karate. The center relies on both youth and parents to take an active role in shaping the programs.
  • The School Age Program provides before and after school childcare and is facilitated by both the Youth Activities main center and annex. The annex provides programming for students in kindergarten through second grade, while the main center provides programming for students in third through sixth grade. Activities include art, music, dramatic play, outdoor play, science, math and reading. Transportation to and from the base schools is provided. Summer camp programs are also available. Students must have completed kindergarten to register for camp programs.
  • The General Youth Program provides after-school activities for children ages 9 to 12. On non-school days and during the summer, activities are provided Monday through Friday, noon-6 p.m., and Saturday 7-10 p.m. 
  • The center also facilitates the Youth Sports and Fitness Program for children ages 5 to 18. The program offers a wide range of sports activities throughout the year and provides children a chance to compete and gain instruction and confidence in such sports as flag football, basketball, baseball, softball and soccer.