Child Development Center

Operating Hours:

Monday - Friday 0500 -1730

CYSS Services recognizes the stress that longer and multiple deployments puts on Army Families and that the support they need includes liaison with schools to ensure positive relationships with the schools attended by Army youth!

Ages 6 weeks – Kindergarten) Army Child Development Centers (CDCs) are on-post child care centers that offer full-day, part-day and hourly care for children in rich and stimulating environments where children can develop motor, cognitive, social and emotional skills through a balance of exploration and planned curriculum. Learning activities are designed to support the natural development of children and include individual, small group and large group experiences.

The Redstone Arsenal Child Development Center (CDC) is open to children of active duty military, DOD civilians and contractors, Reservists, and full time National Guard.

The Philosophy of the CDC is one based on "hands on" active learning. It is our belief that the work of children is play, and it is through play that children learn. Play is the vehicle through which children naturally learn to understand and succeed in the real world. We offer a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children. Our program uses the Creative Curriculum which focus on children learning Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts and Technology through a prepared environment. To support our commitment to quality programming, the CDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and certified annually by the Department of Defense.

All staff undergoes numerous background checks and participates in ongoing training. Training areas include first aid, CPR, safety and health considerations for young children, and child growth and development. Many staff members hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) from the National Council for Early Childhood and some with a college degree or working on a degree.

Monthly tuition fees are based on a sliding scale of six income categories. Income categories are based on Total Family Income and are standardized throughout the Department of Defense.

The Child Development Center offers full daycare for children whose parents are either working full-time or attending school full-time. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum and low caregiver to child ratios ensure a supportive, comfortable and accepting atmosphere for every child.

Learning activities support the natural development of the child and include individual, small group and large group activities. Our full service kitchen provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. The daily schedule gives children the opportunities to choose their own activities and to be part of adult-directed activities as well. The age appropriate playgrounds that surround the building make outdoor play a year-round activity.

Hourly care is provided at the Child Development Center from 0730 -1600. It is designed for families who need child care on an occasional basis for any reason. Reservations are required and may be made one month in advance, however usage is limited to 20 hours per week per child.

Accreditation/Certification

Accreditation: Army Child Development Centers are eligible for National Accreditation through an external evaluation (outside "set of eyes") process that surpasses expectations and provides high quality care for children.

Certification: DoD Certification, the equivalent of state licensing, is based on an Army internal evaluation process to ensure Garrison Child Development Centers meet required DoD quality standards. All caregivers must meet rigid training, health and safety standards, and are subject to unannounced inspections

• Preliminary Registration Forms (partially fillable)
• DA Form 4719-R - Registration Card - please fill out in advance by clicking here (fillable)
• DA Form 5222-R - Sponsor Consent - please fill out in advance by clicking here (fillable)
• DA Form 7625-1 - Screening Tool - please fill out in advance by clicking here (fillable)
• DD Form 2652 - Childcare Fees- please fill out in advance by clicking here (fillable)

Helpful Links:

Current CYSS Fees