Military Childcare: MilitaryChildCare.com, CDC Programs, and Finding Care on Base

Military families face unique childcare challenges: PCS moves, deployments, non-traditional schedules, and varying installation options. The Department of Defense provides childcare programs specifically designed for military life, but navigating the system takes know-how. Here's everything military families need to know about finding quality, affordable childcare.

Military Childcare Overview

Types of Military Childcare

| Program Type | Description | Ages | |--------------|-------------|------| | Child Development Centers (CDCs) | On-base center-based care | 6 weeks - 5 years | | Family Child Care (FCC) | Licensed home-based on base | 2 weeks - 12 years | | School-Age Care (SAC) | Before/after school, summer | 5-12 years | | Hourly Care | Drop-in, short-term care | Varies | | MilitaryChildCare.com | Central request system | All ages |

Who's Eligible

| Priority | Category | |----------|----------| | Priority 1 | Active duty, dual military, single military | | Priority 2 | DoD civilians, reservists on active orders | | Priority 3 | Reserve/Guard not on active orders | | Priority 4 | Military retirees, contractors (space available) |

Child Development Centers (CDCs)

What CDCs Offer

| Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Hours | Typically 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, some extend | | Accreditation | All must meet DoD quality standards | | Curriculum | Developmentally appropriate, structured | | Ratios | Meet or exceed state standards | | Staff training | Required certifications and ongoing training | | Meals | Usually included | | Cost | Income-based sliding scale |

CDC Classrooms

| Age Group | Typical Ratio | Class Size | |-----------|---------------|------------| | Infants (6 wks-12 mo) | 1:4 | 8 | | Pre-toddlers (12-24 mo) | 1:5 | 10 | | Toddlers (24-36 mo) | 1:7 | 14 | | Preschool (3-5 years) | 1:12 | 24 |

CDC Fees

Fees are based on Total Family Income (TFI):

| TFI Range | Approximate Weekly Fee | |-----------|----------------------| | Under $37,000 | $60-80/week | | $37,000-$55,000 | $100-130/week | | $55,000-$80,000 | $130-165/week | | $80,000-$110,000 | $165-200/week | | Over $110,000 | $200-250/week |

Fees vary by installation and are updated periodically

Finding CDC Availability

Wait times vary dramatically:

| Installation Type | Typical Wait | |-------------------|--------------| | Large bases (Bragg, Hood, etc.) | 6-18 months | | Overseas | 6-12 months | | Small installations | 1-6 months | | Remote locations | May have availability |

Using MilitaryChildCare.com

How the System Works

MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) is the central request portal for DoD childcare.

| Step | What Happens | |------|--------------| | 1 | Create account at militarychildcare.com | | 2 | Submit request with preferred installations | | 3 | Request goes into priority queue | | 4 | Contacted when space becomes available | | 5 | Accept or decline within timeframe |

Tips for Using MCC

| Strategy | Why It Helps | |----------|--------------| | Request early | Put in request before PCS | | Multiple requests | List backup installations | | Keep profile updated | Ensures correct priority | | Check regularly | Respond to offers quickly | | Call installations | Sometimes have walkthrough availability |

Understanding Waitlist Position

| Factor | Impact | |--------|--------| | Priority category | Lower number = higher priority | | Request date | Earlier request = ahead in queue | | Age of child | Infant spots are rarest | | Full-time vs part-time | Full-time often prioritized |

Family Child Care (FCC)

What FCC Offers

FCC providers are certified caregivers operating from their on-base housing:

| Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Setting | Provider's home on installation | | Group size | Typically 6-8 children | | Mixed ages | Often birth to 12 years | | Hours | May offer extended, evening, weekend | | Relationship | More personal, family-like | | Cost | Same sliding scale as CDCs |

Benefits of FCC

| Advantage | How It Helps | |-----------|--------------| | Flexible hours | Better for shift workers | | Mixed ages | Siblings can be together | | Smaller groups | More individual attention | | Availability | Often more spots than CDCs | | Home environment | Less institutional feel |

Finding FCC Providers

| Method | Details | |--------|---------| | Through MCC | Request includes FCC options | | Installation CYS | Direct listing of FCC homes | | Word of mouth | Ask other military families | | FCC office | Maintains current provider list |

School-Age Care (SAC) Programs

What SAC Provides

| Service | Details | |---------|---------| | Before school | Morning care until bus | | After school | Bus pickup, care until evening | | School out days | Full-day when school closed | | Summer camp | Full-day summer programs | | Activities | Homework help, enrichment, play |

SAC Fees

Similar sliding scale structure as CDCs:

• Before OR after: ~60-70% of full-day rate
• Before AND after: ~85-90% of full-day rate
• Full-day (summer, holidays): Full rate

SAC Registration

| Timing | What to Do | |--------|------------| | School year | Register in spring/summer | | Summer | Register in winter/spring | | New installation | Register upon arrival | | Waitlist | Common for summer |

Fee Assistance Programs

Military Fee Assistance

| Program | Details | |---------|---------| | DoD Fee Assistance | Reduces fees for approved providers | | Child Care Aware | Administers fee assistance | | Income-based | Must meet income thresholds | | Off-base eligible | For families using civilian care |

How Fee Assistance Works

1. Apply through childcareaware.org/fee-assistance
2. Provide income documentation
3. Get approved provider list
4. Select provider
5. Subsidy paid directly to provider
6. You pay reduced copay

Fee Assistance Amounts

Assistance can reduce off-base care costs significantly:

| Without Assistance | With Assistance | |--------------------|-----------------| | $1,400/month | $700-1,000/month (varies) |

Who Qualifies

| Eligible | Details | |----------|---------| | Active duty | All branches | | Guard/Reserve | On active orders | | Wounded warriors | In transition programs | | Survivors | Of fallen service members |

Special Military Childcare Situations

Deployment

| Challenge | Solutions | |-----------|-----------| | Non-deployed spouse working | Deploy-specific care help | | Extended hours needed | FCC may offer flexibility | | Emotional support | CYS has programs for children of deployed | | Care changes | Can adjust care without penalty |

PCS Moves

| Timeline | Task | |----------|------| | 6+ months out | Put in MCC request for new installation | | 3 months out | Follow up, explore off-base backup | | Arrival | Check in with CYS immediately | | Waitlist | Use fee assistance for interim off-base |

Unique Schedules

| Situation | Options | |-----------|---------| | Shift work | FCC providers may accommodate | | 24-hour care | Some installations have extended hours | | Weekend care | FCC is primary option | | TDY/Field | Respite care may be available |

Dual Military Families

| Consideration | Resource | |---------------|----------| | Priority placement | Dual military gets Priority 1 | | Deployment backup | Family Care Plans required | | Overlapping TDY | May qualify for extended care | | Relocation | Request at both potential locations |

Off-Base Options for Military Families

When to Use Civilian Care

| Situation | Off-Base May Be Better | |-----------|----------------------| | Long CDC waitlist | Need care now | | Preferred location | Live off-base, long commute to installation | | Specific program | Montessori, language immersion, etc. | | Schedule mismatch | CDC hours don't work | | No availability | Small installation, no CDC |

Using Fee Assistance Off-Base

| Requirement | Details | |-------------|---------| | Licensed provider | Must be state-licensed | | Quality standards | May need to meet DoD requirements | | Provider agreement | Must accept fee assistance | | Network | Use Fee Assistance Network providers |

Finding Off-Base Care

| Resource | How It Helps | |----------|--------------| | Child Care Aware | Fee assistance and referrals | | Base spouse groups | Recommendations | | Care.com/Sittercity | General childcare search | | State CCR&R | Local resource and referral |

Quality in Military Childcare

DoD Standards

All CDC programs must meet:

| Standard | Requirement | |----------|-------------| | Staff ratios | At or below civilian standards | | Training | Minimum 40 hours/year | | Background checks | FBI, state checks required | | Curriculum | Developmentally appropriate | | Inspections | Regular unannounced | | Accreditation | Meet DoD certification |

Evaluating FCC Homes

| What to Check | Why It Matters | |---------------|----------------| | Certification current | Ensures compliance | | Home visit | See actual environment | | References | Talk to current families | | Experience | Years of operation | | Philosophy | Match with your needs |

Common Challenges and Solutions

Long Waitlists

| Solution | Details | |----------|---------| | Request immediately | Don't wait until you arrive | | Consider FCC | Often more availability | | Fee assistance | Use for off-base interim | | Short-term hire | Temporary nanny while waiting | | Multiple requests | List at nearby installations |

Care During Deployments

| Resource | How It Helps | |----------|--------------| | Respite care | Free or reduced hours for deployed families | | FRG/FSG | Family readiness groups can help | | Extended family | Fly grandparents in if possible | | Backup care | Have plans for emergencies |

Special Needs

| Consideration | Resource | |---------------|----------| | EFMP enrollment | Exceptional Family Member Program | | CDC inclusion | CDCs must accommodate | | Specialized care | EFMP can help find | | Documentation | Keep medical records current |

Overseas Assignments

| Challenge | Approach | |-----------|----------| | OCONUS waitlists | Apply before command-sponsored | | DoDEA schools | Pre-K may be available | | Local economy | Sometimes allowed with permission | | FCC overseas | Exists at many installations |

Step-by-Step: Getting Care at New Installation

Before PCS

| Timeline | Action | |----------|--------| | 6 months | Create/update MCC account | | 6 months | Submit request for new installation | | 4 months | Follow up, check status | | 3 months | Research off-base backup | | 2 months | Apply for fee assistance (if needed) | | 1 month | Confirm arrangements |

Upon Arrival

| Week | Action | |------|--------| | Week 1 | Check in with CYS office | | Week 1 | Confirm waitlist position | | Week 1 | Start interim care if needed | | Week 2 | Complete enrollment when space opens | | Ongoing | Stay in touch about status |

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my child into CDC care faster?

Apply as early as possible through MilitaryChildCare.com. Consider FCC as an alternative. Keep your request updated. Check for space at nearby installations. Some families get lucky with immediate availability if they arrive at the right time.

Do fees change if we PCS to a higher-cost area?

No, CDC fees are based on your Total Family Income (TFI), not installation location. The same income pays the same rate everywhere. Off-base costs will vary, which is why fee assistance adjusts by location.

Can I use military childcare if my spouse is active duty but I'm civilian?

Yes, you qualify as a military family. Your priority is based on your spouse's status. If you're both working or in school, you'll be Priority 1.

What if there's no CDC or FCC at my installation?

Use fee assistance to access off-base civilian care. The assistance helps offset higher civilian rates. Contact your CYS office—they may know of additional options.

How does TFI (Total Family Income) work for fees?

TFI includes all income: base pay, BAH, BAS, and any other income. This determines your fee bracket. You'll verify income when enrolling.

Can grandparents drop off and pick up at CDC?

Yes, but they must be listed as authorized adults in your enrollment. You'll provide their information during enrollment. They may need to show ID.

What happens if I'm deployed and my spouse works?

You remain high priority. Many installations offer extended hours or flexible FCC. Respite care may be available. Your Family Care Plan should address this scenario.

Is military childcare really cheaper than civilian care?

Usually significantly cheaper. A family paying $200/week at a CDC might pay $350-400/week for comparable civilian care. Income-based fees make it especially affordable for lower-income military families.

Can I tour a CDC before committing?

Yes, and you should. Contact the CYS office to schedule. Tours are standard practice even if there's a waitlist—you want to see what you're waiting for.

What if I only need part-time care?

CDCs and FCC offer part-time options, though full-time may have priority on waitlists. Part-time fees are prorated. Specify your needs in your MCC request.

Resources

| Resource | URL | |----------|-----| | MilitaryChildCare.com | militarychildcare.com | | Child Care Aware Fee Assistance | childcareaware.org/fee-assistance | | Military OneSource | militaryonesource.mil | | Installation CYS | Contact your specific installation |

The Bottom Line

Military childcare offers high-quality, affordable options—but accessing them requires understanding the system and planning ahead.

Key takeaways:

• Apply early through MilitaryChildCare.com—ideally 6+ months before you need care
• Consider FCC for more availability and flexible hours
• Use fee assistance if you need off-base care
• Know your priority and keep your profile updated
• PCS planning should include childcare request
• Check in personally with installation CYS upon arrival

The military childcare system is designed to support families, but it requires proactive engagement. Start early, explore all options, and don't hesitate to ask for help navigating the system.