Military Family Childcare Resources 2026

Military families face unique childcare challenges including deployments, frequent relocations, and non-traditional schedules. Understanding available resources helps you find care that works for military life.

Military families

Military-Specific Options

Child Development Centers (CDCs)

On-base care:

DOD-run childcare
High quality standards
Income-based fees
Priority for military
Often waitlisted

Family Child Care (FCC)

Military home-based:

On-base or nearby
Licensed by military
Smaller groups
Flexible hours often
Personal care

School-Age Care

For older children:

Before/after school
School breaks
Summer programs
Youth programs
On-base options

Fee Assistance Programs

Military Childcare Fee Assistance

For off-base care:

Reduces costs
For accredited providers
Income-based
Application required
Significant help

How It Works

Process:

Find eligible provider
Apply for assistance
Get approved
Provider bills military
You pay reduced rate

Eligibility

Generally available to:

Active duty
Guard/Reserve
Working spouses
Income-based tiers
Check current rules

Waitlist Strategies

Getting on Lists

What to do:

Get on CDC waitlist early
Multiple installations if possible
FCC options too
Keep information updated
Follow up regularly

While You Wait

Options:

Off-base with fee assistance
FCC providers
Community programs
Nanny or babysitter
Combination care

Deployment Challenges

When Deployed

Care challenges:

Non-deployed parent working
Extended family far away
Need for support
Schedule disruption
Emotional needs

Resources Available

Support includes:

Family Readiness Groups
Military OneSource
Respite care
Family support programs
Community resources

Planning Ahead

Before deployment:

Care arrangements solid
Backup plans in place
Emergency contacts current
Power of attorney
Communication plan

Frequent Moves

PCS Challenges

Moving brings:

New childcare search
Waitlist restart
Transition for children
Finding community
Starting over

Making Moves Easier

Strategies:

Research before arrival
Get on waitlists early
Contact gaining installation
Connect with families there
Start process immediately

Helping Children Transition

Support by:

Talking about the move
Positive framing
Gradual transition if possible
Maintaining routines
Being patient

Non-Traditional Schedules

Military Schedule Challenges

Realities:

Shift work
Early mornings
Late nights
Weekend duty
Unpredictable schedules

Finding Flexible Care

Look for:

Extended hours CDCs
24-hour FCC providers
Before/after school care
Flexible babysitters
Multiple care arrangements

Resources and Support

Military OneSource

Offers:

Childcare information
Referral services
Counseling support
Emergency assistance
Many resources

Installation Resources

Available:

Child and Youth Programs
Family Support Services
Chaplain services
Community resources
Information and referral

Online Resources

Websites:

MilitaryChildCare.com
Military OneSource
Installation websites
Branch-specific resources
Community groups

Key Takeaways

Military-specific options:

CDCs on base
FCC providers
Fee assistance for off-base
Youth programs
Support services

Financial help:

Fee assistance programs
Income-based fees
Subsidized care
Worth applying

Manage challenges:

Deployment planning
PCS preparation
Schedule flexibility
Support systems

Use resources:

Military OneSource
Installation services
Fee assistance
Community support
Connect with other families

Plan ahead:

Get on waitlists early
Have backup plans
Research before moves
Build support network
Be proactive

Military families have unique childcare challenges but also unique resources. Take advantage of military-specific programs and support.

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