Relocating to a new duty station comes with many challenges, and for military families with young children, finding the right daycare is a top priority. Fort Liberty, located in the greater Fayetteville, NC, area, offers a variety of childcare options, including on-post facilities, off-post centers, and private daycare providers. However, with high demand, waitlists, and unique military schedules to consider, navigating your choices can feel overwhelming.
This guide will walk you through the different daycare options available in the Fort Liberty area, financial assistance programs for military families, and key factors to consider when choosing the right childcare provider
1. Types of Daycare Options Near Fort Liberty
On-Post Childcare: Child Development Centers (CDC) and Family Child Care (FCC) Homes
Fort Liberty offers on-post childcare through Child Development Centers (CDC) and Family Child Care (FCC) homes, which are both managed by the Department of Defense.
- Child Development Centers (CDC) provide structured, curriculum-based care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. These centers are staffed by trained professionals and follow strict safety and accreditation standards.
- Family Child Care (FCC) homes are small, home-based daycare options operated by certified providers living on post. These options may be more flexible and offer a smaller group setting, which some children may find comforting.
Pros of On-Post Daycare:
✔️ Convenient for military families living on base
✔️ Prioritization of military children
✔️ Strict safety and accreditation standards
Cons of On-Post Daycare:
❌ Long waitlists, especially for infants
❌ Limited availability for flexible or extended hours
Off-Post Childcare Centers & Private Daycares
If on-post childcare is full or not the right fit, off-post daycare centers in Fayetteville, Spring Lake, and Hope Mills offer additional options. Private daycares and early learning centers vary in cost, curriculum, and availability. Some centers specialize in Montessori education, bilingual learning, or faith-based programs.
When choosing an off-post daycare, consider:
- Licensing and Accreditation – Check for state licensing and any national accreditations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- Hours of Operation – Military schedules can be unpredictable; look for flexible hours if needed.
- Proximity to Base & Housing – Traffic near Fort Liberty can be challenging; finding a daycare close to home or work can save time.
Alternative Childcare Options: Nanny Shares & Military Co-Op Care
For families seeking more flexible or cost-effective childcare, alternative options such as nanny shares and military family co-ops can be a great solution.
- Nanny Shares – Two or more families hire a nanny and split costs, providing more personalized care at a lower price.
- Military Co-Op Childcare – Some military spouses form childcare co-ops where parents take turns watching each other’s children, reducing childcare costs.
2. Financial Assistance & Military Childcare Resources
Childcare can be expensive, but military families have access to several financial assistance programs to help offset costs.
Military Child Care Fee Assistance Programs
- Child Care Aware of America (CCA) – Offers subsidies for military families using off-post childcare. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program helps families find high-quality, approved civilian childcare with financial assistance.
- Army Fee Assistance Program – Helps Army families pay for off-post childcare when on-post care is unavailable.
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Allows service members to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses.
How to Apply for Childcare Assistance
- Visit MilitaryChildCare.com to apply for on-post childcare and waitlists.
- Check eligibility for fee assistance through Child Care Aware of America at www.childcareaware.org.
- Ask daycare centers about military discounts, as many off-post providers offer reduced rates for service members.
3. Evaluating & Choosing the Right Daycare
Once you’ve identified a few potential daycare options, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate them. Here are key factors to consider:
Licensing & Accreditation
- Always verify that the daycare is state-licensed and, if possible, accredited by national organizations such as NAEYC, the National Accreditation Commission (NAC), or the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).
Reviews & Recommendations
- Ask other military families about their experiences with daycare centers near Fort Liberty. Online reviews, Facebook military spouse groups, and neighborhood forums can be valuable resources.
Tour the Facility & Ask Questions
Schedule a tour and prepare a list of questions:
✔️ What is the caregiver-to-child ratio?
✔️ What security measures are in place?
✔️ How do they handle emergencies?
✔️ What is the daily schedule like?
✔️ Do they offer meals/snacks, or do parents provide food?
Waitlists & Availability
- Many daycare centers near Fort Liberty have long waitlists, especially for infant care. It’s best to start looking as early as possible—some families even join waitlists before they arrive at their new duty station.
Balancing Military Work Schedules with Daycare Hours
- Extended Hours & Drop-In Care – If your schedule includes early morning PT, night shifts, or deployments, look for centers that offer extended care or flexible scheduling.
- Back-Up Care Plans – Consider a secondary childcare option in case your primary provider is unavailable, such as trusted babysitters or backup care services.
Start Early & Stay Flexible
Finding the right daycare near Fort Liberty requires planning, patience, and research. Whether you choose on-post childcare, an off-post daycare center, or an alternative option like a nanny share, starting your search early is crucial due to high demand. Utilize military-specific resources such as MilitaryChildCare.com and Child Care Aware of America to explore financial assistance and locate approved providers.
By considering factors like licensing, caregiver-to-child ratios, flexibility, and military discounts, you can find a daycare that meets your family’s needs and provides a safe, nurturing environment for your child.
We Can Help!
At The Barge Group, we understand the challenges of relocating to Fort Liberty and want to help make your transition as smooth as possible. If you’re moving to the area and need recommendations for childcare at fort liberty, housing, or local resources, feel free to contact us today!