Published June 23, 2022
You're moving to JBER, time to find your new Village.
You’ve just heard the news that your new base assignment is JBER, AK. Congratulations!
Now, there's the checklist immediately created in your mind that is a mile long. If you have small children, finding childcare is one of the top items on your list. Below we have created a list of ideas and resources for you to refer to to help you find quality child care that will be best for your family.
First ask yourself, would you like on or off base care?
Location of the Child Development Centers (CDC) are a huge incentive for choosing them. Currently, availability is one of the main factors that will influence which CDC your child can go to. Many local parents will put their child on waitlists for multiple CDCs on base to increase their odds of getting a slot. Once your child is selected it is much easier to move them to another CDC that could be more convenient for you. You will need to make your own arrangements for childcare while you are on the waitlist for a CDC.
After going through the proper channels and filling out the information on https://militarychildcare.com. You can also opt to choose preferred providers that watch children in their own home on and off base, with some even located in Palmer and Wasilla. These providers go through extensive requirements in order to be listed as qualified preferred providers. It is worth noting that the ratio of children to adults is different from the requirements of a childcare facility. If you would like more information on how to choose, and what to look for in choosing a childcare provider here is a helpful link provided by thread.
https://www.threadalaska.org/thread/families/choosing-quality-care/
If you are looking for childcare off base, depending on the age of your child/ren there are numerous options. We all can do a quick google search of “daycares near me,” but finding one you can trust and that you want to give your hard-earned money to is another story. Thread is a local childcare resource and referral network for the state of Alaska. Using their website you can input the specific factors you are looking for such as location and it will provide you with a list of licensed providers within your criteria. They are also very responsive if you would prefer to contact them by phone or email. If you contact by phone at 800-278-3728, they can set you up with a direct referral and help you find a childcare provider with an opening. If you are looking for financial assistance, thread partners with Thrivalaska and can help you determine your eligibility.
What if one parent stays at home and you are just looking for a little break?
We got you. For children 6 and under, a coffee shop called Fresh Cup Playhouse recently opened in South Anchorage that has a gated play area so your kids can run around and you can get some work done or just catch up with social media. It costs around $5/child, and in addition to coffee they have a small menu of lunch items and snacks. Many parents like using the childcare facility located inside a local gym chain called Alaska Club. There are multiple locations within Anchorage, Eagle River and the Palmer/Wasilla area. They provide different tiered packages, either paying $4/hr/child or an upgraded plan that includes up to 2 hours of childcare daily for 2 children. Another option is to look for local “moms” groups - there are some that meet on a monthly basis and provide childcare while the moms meet together for socializing.
We all know it takes a village and when you are moving to a new village, it can be overwhelming. We hope these tips give you a starting place for what to look for when finding quality child care for your little ones!
Information Links:
https://www.threadalaska.org/thread/families/childcare-search/online-search-tool/
https://www.threadalaska.org/thread/families/choosing-quality-care/
https://www.threadalaska.org/thread/families/financial-assistance-with-childcare/
https://dhss.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/ccare/contacts.aspx
