Florida Air Academy is investing in its future in a novel way, according to Todd DeRegnacourt, admissions director. The private military school recently opened a day care/preschool center for infants and preschool age children on campus.

According to DeRegnacourt, the center was the idea of James Dwight, the school’s president, “and plans are in place for a long-term goal of pre K through grade 12.” Until the preschool opened, the academy served male and female day and boarding students in grades 6 to 12.

Former FAA parent, Brenda Forrester, was appointed director of the center.

Four weeks after opening, the infant room reached its eight-baby capacity.

According to Principal Antiny White, whose 8-month old son Jackson, spends most of his day in the nursery, about one-third of the babies belong to staff members who are delighted to have the resource available so that they can visit their children throughout the day.

Many daycare centers don’t accept children who are not potty trained, so a strong response to infant care was expected.

FAA decided to double the capacity for infant care rather than maintain a waiting list for next year. A second room will be established and staffed in order to accommodate eight additional infants. According to White, there is plenty of room available for expansion of the center.

School officials hope parents like what they see and keep FAA in mind for their children’s future schooling.

Fees for child care are $160 per week for infants, $140 per week for toddlers and $120 per week for preschoolers. The fee includes a hot meal (when the cafeteria is in use for upper school classes) and two snacks per day.

“We have hired really unique people who care about the children,” said academy representatives. “We are also considering the addition of other programs such as swimming lessons during summer months in our pool.”

The children’s development will be carefully monitored and staff members will implement appropriate preschool education, not just baby sitting. A modified Montessori curriculum is being used for the older children.