Military Family Daycare Guide 2026: Childcare During Service
Complete guide to daycare for military families in 2026. On-base childcare, fee assistance programs, deployment considerations, PCS moves, and resources for military parents.
Military families face unique childcare challenges—from frequent moves that disrupt care arrangements to deployments that change everything about family logistics. Fortunately, the military understands these challenges and offers robust childcare support systems. Knowing your options and benefits helps you navigate childcare during your service.
This guide covers everything about daycare for military families in 2026: on-base childcare, fee assistance programs, deployment childcare planning, PCS transitions, and maximizing the resources available to military families.
Table of Contents
- Military Childcare Overview
- On-Base Childcare Options
- Fee Assistance Programs
- Deployment Childcare Planning
- PCS and Childcare Transitions
- Additional Resources
Military Childcare Overview
Understanding your options.
Military Childcare System
Programs available: | Type | Description | |------|-------------| | Child Development Centers (CDCs) | On-base daycare centers | | Family Child Care (FCC) | On-base home providers | | School-Age Care (SAC) | Before/after school programs | | Off-installation care | Community providers |
Priority System
Wait list priorities typically:
- Single service members with custody
- Dual military families
- Service member with civilian spouse working/school
- Other eligible families
Benefits of Military Childcare
Advantages:
- Income-based fees
- Quality standards enforced
- Consistent across installations
- Fee assistance available
- Special needs support
On-Base Childcare Options
Your primary resource.
Child Development Centers (CDCs)
What CDCs offer:
- Licensed, inspected facilities
- Trained caregivers
- Developmentally appropriate programs
- Age groups from 6 weeks to 5 years
- Full-day and part-day options
Applying for CDC Care
Process:
- Register with MilitaryChildCare.com
- Submit required documentation
- Indicate installation preferences
- Wait for placement offer
- Complete enrollment
Family Child Care (FCC)
Home-based option:
- Provider's home on installation
- Smaller group sizes
- May have more flexible hours
- Licensed and monitored
- Income-based fees like CDCs
Fee Assistance Programs
Reducing your childcare costs.
Military Child Care Fee Assistance
Programs available: | Program | For Whom | |---------|----------| | DoD fee assistance | Active duty in approved care | | Branch-specific programs | Varies by service | | Child Care Aware fee assistance | Off-base care |
Income-Based Fees
How fees are calculated:
- Based on total family income
- Sliding scale structure
- Lower income = lower fees
- Reviewed annually
Applying for Fee Assistance
Steps:
- Determine eligibility
- Gather income documentation
- Apply through appropriate program
- Submit to provider
- Fees adjusted accordingly
Deployment Childcare Planning
When service calls.
Before Deployment
Planning steps: | Task | Timing | |------|--------| | Update Family Care Plan | 30+ days before | | Notify daycare | ASAP when known | | Brief caregivers | Before departure | | Set up communication | Before leaving |
During Deployment
Maintaining stability:
- Keep routines consistent
- Communicate with daycare about situation
- Watch for behavioral changes
- Accept help from support network
- Use available respite care
Support Resources
Available during deployment:
- Extended CDC hours (some locations)
- Family readiness groups
- Military OneSource support
- Chapel programs
- Volunteer services
PCS and Childcare Transitions
Moving with kids in care.
Before PCS Move
Preparation:
- Register on MilitaryChildCare.com for new location
- Research availability at gaining installation
- Give current provider notice
- Request records and documentation
At New Installation
Getting established:
- Complete registration immediately
- Submit required documents
- Tour available facilities
- Accept placement when offered
- Communicate child's history
Temporary Care Solutions
While waiting for placement:
- Temporary FCC care
- Extended family help
- Fee assistance for off-base
- Short-term babysitters
Additional Resources
Key Contacts
Essential resources:
- Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647
- MilitaryChildCare.com: Registration system
- Installation Family Support Center
- Child Care Aware of America
- Service-specific family programs
Special Circumstances
Support for:
- Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
- Wounded warrior families
- Surviving spouses
- Guard/Reserve members
Resources
Last updated: December 2025