Welcome to Ames Child Care Center

AMES Child Care Center (Facility # 434408035/(6)) was founded in 1986 as a collaborative effort between a group of dedicated parents employed at the NASA Ames Research Center and the center’s administration. Recognizing the need for a high-quality child care facility within the research center’s community, these parents and administrators worked together to establish a non-profit organization focused on providing exceptional care and early education for the children of NASA employees, civil servants, contractors, and military employees working at Ames Research Center and Moffett Federal Air Field. 

In its early years, the AMES Child Care Center operated out of a temporary facility, serving a small number of children with a dedicated team of early childhood professionals. As the center’s reputation grew and demand for its services increased, the organization secured funding from both NASA and private donors to construct a state-of-the-art child care facility on the Ames Research Center campus. This new facility, completed in 2002, allowed the center to expand its capacity and offer a comprehensive range of programs for children aged six weeks to five years.

Over the years, the AMES Child Care Center has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the families it serves. The center has implemented innovative, research-based curricula that emphasize STEM learning, in line with its unique connection to the NASA Ames Research Center. In addition, the center has prioritized diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for children and families from various backgrounds and abilities.

Today, ACCC is a highly respected child development center within the NASA Ames community. It remains committed to its mission of providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children to grow, learn, and thrive, while continuing to celebrate its unique partnership with the NASA Ames Research Center.

In 2005, the ACCC opened to the general public. The operation of the ACCC is governed by a parent-elected Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the operations, budgets, and fundraising activities of the ACCC. Parents assist the staff with center upkeep, fundraising, special outings, or enrichment activities such as cooking or crafts. ACCC is a parent participation school.