The Child Development Center (CDC) supports the total development of each individual child whether the child is here for a few hours or enrolled in a full day program, CDC staff plan and implements a variety of activities which engage a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.

The CDC is open to eligible military and DoD sponsors as well as DoD contractors. Costs are based on total family income for the Full Day, Part Day and Kindergarten programs. Registration with Fort Leavenworth Child and Youth Services is required to use any of our programs.

Contact:

Child Development Center
120 Dickman Ave.
Fort Leavenworth, KS-66027
Phone: (913) 684-9351

Waiting List:
Waiting lists exist for full and part day programs. It is recommended that patrons apply for the waiting list as soon as possible. Patrons can go on waiting lists as soon as they know they are coming to Fort Leavenworth or prior to birth. Families moving to Fort Leavenworth can be placed on a waiting list prior to arrival. Click here for more information or call the Parent Central Office at (913) 684-5138.

Programs:

FULL DAY CARE:
The CDC operates a full day program for children 6 weeks through age 5. Hours of operation are from 0530-1800 Monday-Friday. Multiage classrooms provide children opportunities to develop relationships with the teachers and their peers and create a foundation for life-long learning.

PART DAY PRESCHOOL:
This program is designed to meet development needs of children ages 3-5 years and help them build a strong foundation for future learning. Currently, we offer 3 sessions. Our two day class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 0830-1130, our three day class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 0830-1330 and our 5 day class meets Mon-Fri from 0900-1400. These sessions are offered September through May. We offer weekly summer sessions which start in June and are enrolled in a separate contract agreement.

HOURLY CARE:
This program offers short term child care for children 6 weeks through age 5. The Hourly Care program is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 0800-1800 on Monday and Wednesday. Reservations are required and can be made beginning on the 10th of the month for the following month in person, by calling (913) 684-9351 or online. Same day appointments are available on a space available basis. The hourly care rate is $4.00 an hour. Reservations are made on half hour increments.

PRE-COMMAND COURSE (PCC):
If you are coming to Fort Leavenworth for PCC, please call (913) 684-9351 for advance child care reservations. Registration with Fort Leavenworth Child and Youth Services is required.

CDC CURRICULUM:
Fort Leavenworth uses The Creative Curriculum throughout the Child Development Center’s programs. The main components to this program include developmentally appropriate learning centers, group time, projects and ongoing assessment. The classroom teachers are involved with children in the Creative Curriculum, and observe the children for signs of developmental milestones which are recorded on the Creative Curriculum developmental continuum. The Creative Curriculum developmental continuum allows the teachers to get to know each child, to use what they learn to plan for each child and the group, to track children’s progress, and to improve the program and share information with families. The Child Progress and Planning Report is completed and shared with parents during conferences. This report shares information with families about their child’s progress and involves families in planning for their child.

Within each classroom, learning centers are set up with activities to promote a child’s discovery and learning; and offer a print rich environment to encourage pre-reading skills. The teachers interact with children during center time to promote learning and also work individually with children throughout the day. Group time allows the primary group to meet, participate in a variety of learning activities, and participate in discussions that are relevant to the child’s experiences. The curriculum includes a variety of language based activities such as reading stories, talking as well as writing stories, and using art to express their ideas about a topic. Early math skills are reinforced by offering many opportunities in the classroom to use math concepts. The same curriculum is used in both full day and part day preschool classrooms. If you have any questions please call (913) 684-9351 or come by the center for a tour.