Military & DoD Childcare Guide 2026: MilitaryChildCare.com
Complete guide to military childcare in 2026. CDC, FCC, fee assistance, MilitaryChildCare.com, and childcare options for military families.
Military families have access to quality, affordable childcare through Department of Defense programs. Understanding your options helps you navigate waitlists and access the care you need.
Table of Contents
Military Childcare Options
DoD Program Types
| Type | Description | |------|-------------| | CDC | Child Development Centers on base | | FCC | Family Child Care (home-based on base) | | SAC | School-Age Care programs | | Community-based | Off-base with fee assistance |
Child Development Centers (CDCs)
Features include:
- Located on installations
- Accredited programs
- Trained staff
- Subsidized fees
- Full-day care
MilitaryChildCare.com
How It Works
| Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1 | Create account | | 2 | Add children and needs | | 3 | Request care at installations | | 4 | Join waitlist | | 5 | Receive placement offer |
Priority System
| Priority | Category | |----------|----------| | 1 | Combat-related wounded warriors | | 2 | Single/dual military or exceptional needs | | 3 | Other active duty | | 4 | DoD civilians | | 5 | Other eligible |
Fees and Assistance
Fee Structure
| Income Level | Approximate Weekly | |--------------|---------------------| | Lower | $55-100 | | Middle | $100-150 | | Higher | $150-200+ |
Based on total family income
Fee Assistance Programs
| Program | Who Qualifies | |---------|---------------| | Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood | Active duty using civilian care | | Operation Military Child Care | Respite and deployment support | | State programs | May supplement |
Getting Care
Reducing Wait Times
| Strategy | How It Helps | |----------|--------------| | Register early | Before baby arrives | | Multiple locations | Request several options | | FCC option | Often shorter waits | | Off-base with assistance | Community programs | | Check frequently | Openings happen |
Questions to Ask
- What is the current waitlist?
- How does fee assistance work?
- What are the hours?
- What is the staff-to-child ratio?
- How do you handle deployment?
Special Circumstances
Deployment Support
| Need | Available Support | |------|-------------------| | Extended hours | Some programs offer | | Priority placement | During deployment | | Respite care | Break for caregivers | | Fee reduction | Some circumstances |
PCS Moves
When relocating:
- Register at new installation early
- Request transfer
- Check civilian options with assistance
- Contact gaining installation FCC
Resources
Last updated: December 2025