An official army family and MWR Site

Child Development Centers

Child Development Centers offer full day childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The Army provides care in a multi-age group setting. The concept of the multi-age classroom is to provide a family-style environment where the children can learn from and nurture each other. Children experience fewer transitions while in the multi-age childcare setting and therefore can bond more closely with their primary caregiver. Children also benefit widely from opportunities to interact with children who are older and younger, learning important principles of citizenship, relationships, respect, patience, and self-esteem.

Utilizing the creative curriculum, our approach balances both teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, with an emphasis on responding to children’s learning styles and building on their strengths and interests. We provide opportunities for learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, technology, and personal hygiene and health. Yet, we never lose sight of the importance of children’s social/emotional development. The most important goal of our early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners.

All Fort Riley Child Development Centers are eligible for national accreditation through an external evaluation process that surpasses expectations and provides high quality care for children.

First Division CDC

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Forsyth CDC

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Warren CDC

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Whitside CDC

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Part-Day Programs

Part-Day Preschool and Part-Day Pre-Kindergarten (Army Strong Beginnings) are available at multiple locations. Children who qualify for the pre-kindergarten program must meet the age requirements to attend kindergarten the following school year.

Part-Day Preschool

Please call Parent Central for details, 785-239-9885.

Part-Day Pre-Kindergarten

Forsyth East CDC

  • Pre-kindergarten morning session: Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m.
  • Pre-kindergarten afternoon session: Monday-Friday, 12-3 p.m.

School-Age Center

  • Pre-kindergarten morning session: Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m.
  • Pre-kindergarten afternoon session: Monday-Friday, 12-3 p.m.
Hourly Care Options

Hourly care options are offered through Whitside North CDC, Forsyth East, the School-Age Center, and Family Child Care providers.

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More Child & Youth Services

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Wiggles & Giggles

Jul 8 11:30 am - 12:15 pm
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Story Time

Jul 9 10:30 am
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Super Saturday Care

Jul 12 10 am - 3 pm
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Library Movie Night

Jul 12 6:30 pm
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Little Hands Creative Corner

Jul 17 11 am - 1 pm
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Twilight Swim

Swim under the stars!

Jul 19 1 pm - 10 pm
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Kids Painting Class

Jul 19 3 pm - 5 pm

Kids Painting Class

Jul 19 3 pm - 5 pm
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CYS Family Advisory Board

Jul 24 8 am - 9 am
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2025 Bubble Guppies

Jul 26 11 am - 12 pm
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Family Fun Archery Shoot

Aug 2 10 am - 2 pm
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Home Alone Course

Aug 4
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Back To School Block Party

Free Swim 1-8pm at Custer HIll Aquatic Park. Child Plays Free at SpareTime with paid adult.

Aug 8 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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Parents Night Out

Aug 9 6 pm - 11 pm
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CYS Family Advisory Board

Oct 28 12 pm - 1 pm

CYS Family Advisory Board

Oct 28 12 pm - 1 pm
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