Military Family Daycare Guide 2026: CDC, FCC, and Childcare Benefits
Complete guide to military childcare in 2026. Child Development Centers, Family Child Care, fee assistance, and navigating childcare during deployments and PCS moves.
Military families face unique childcare challenges: deployments, PCS moves, irregular schedules, and the need for quality care on or near installations. The good news? The military offers some of the most affordable, high-quality childcare in the country.
This comprehensive guide covers all military childcare options in 2026, from on-base Child Development Centers to fee assistance programs.
Table of Contents
- Military Childcare Overview
- Child Development Centers (CDC)
- Family Child Care (FCC)
- Fee Assistance Programs
- Navigating Deployments
- PCS Moves and Childcare
- Non-Standard Hour Care
- Off-Installation Options
Military Childcare Overview
Understanding your options.
Military Childcare System
Four main options:
- Child Development Centers (CDC) — On-base daycare centers
- Family Child Care (FCC) — Licensed in-home care on-base
- School Age Care (SAC) — Before/after school programs
- Fee Assistance — Subsidies for off-base civilian care
Why Military Childcare Is Different
Advantages:
- Income-based sliding scale fees
- High quality standards (DoD certified)
- Consistent across installations
- Priority for military families
- 24-hour and extended care options
- Deployment support
Challenges:
- Long waitlists at many bases
- PCS moves disrupt care
- Remote installations have limited options
- Off-base can be expensive without assistance
Who Qualifies
Eligible families:
- Active duty military (all branches)
- Reserve and National Guard (during activation)
- DoD civilian employees
- DoD contractors (sometimes)
- Some Coast Guard families
Child Development Centers (CDC)
On-installation daycare.
How CDCs Work
The basics:
- Full-service daycare on military installations
- Infants through pre-kindergarten
- Open during standard duty hours (typically 6 AM - 6 PM)
- Many offer extended and weekend hours
- DoD-certified curriculum
CDC Fee Structure (2026)
Income-based categories:
| Total Family Income | Weekly Fee Range | |---------------------|------------------| | Under $35,000 | $75-125 | | $35,000-50,000 | $125-175 | | $50,000-75,000 | $175-225 | | $75,000-100,000 | $200-275 | | $100,000-125,000 | $250-325 | | $125,000+ | $300-400 |
Compare to civilian rates:
- Military average: ~$800-1,400/month
- Civilian average: $1,100-2,200/month
- Savings: 30-50%+
CDC Quality Standards
DoD certification requires:
- Accreditation or accreditation-eligible
- Staff training requirements
- Low staff-child ratios
- Curriculum standards
- Regular inspections
- Background checks
Ratios (better than most states): | Age | CDC Ratio | |-----|-----------| | Infants | 1:4 | | Toddlers | 1:5 | | Preschool | 1:9 | | Pre-K | 1:12 |
Getting into a CDC
The process:
- Register with MilitaryChildCare.com (single point of entry)
- Set preferences for installations
- Join waitlist
- Receive offer when available
- Accept or decline (limited time)
- Begin care
Priority system:
- Single/dual military parents (highest priority)
- Combat-related wounded warriors
- Surviving spouses
- Military families with deployed sponsor
- DoD civilian employees
- All other eligible families
Waitlist Reality
Average waits:
- Infant care: 6-18 months
- Toddler: 3-12 months
- Preschool: 1-6 months
- Varies widely by installation
Tips to reduce wait:
- Register immediately after PCS orders
- Register during pregnancy
- Be flexible on start date
- Consider FCC while waiting
Family Child Care (FCC)
Home-based care on installations.
How FCC Works
The basics:
- Licensed providers in base housing
- Smaller groups (typically 6-8 children)
- Same income-based fees as CDC
- More flexible hours often available
- May have shorter waitlists
FCC Advantages
Over CDCs:
- Often shorter waitlists
- More flexible hours
- Home-like environment
- Extended hour care more available
- One consistent caregiver
Quality assurance:
- DoD licensed and inspected
- Required training
- Background checks
- Regular oversight
- Same quality standards
Finding FCC Providers
How to search:
- MilitaryChildCare.com
- Installation Family Support Center
- Child & Youth Services office
- Word of mouth on base
FCC vs CDC
| Factor | FCC | CDC | |--------|-----|-----| | Setting | Provider's home | Center | | Group size | 6-8 children | Larger groups | | Hours | Often more flexible | Standard, some extended | | Waitlist | Often shorter | Often longer | | Caregiver | One consistent | Multiple teachers | | Cost | Same (income-based) | Same |
Fee Assistance Programs
Help paying for civilian care.
Military Child Care Fee Assistance
When you qualify:
- On CDC/FCC waitlist
- Using licensed civilian care
- Active duty status
- Working or in school
How it works:
- Subsidy paid directly to provider
- Based on income
- Reduces out-of-pocket cost
- Use any licensed provider
Fee Assistance Amounts
Typical monthly assistance (2026):
| Family Income | Monthly Assistance | |---------------|-------------------| | E1-E4 | $500-1,000 | | E5-E6 | $400-800 | | E7-E9/O1-O3 | $300-600 | | O4+ | $200-400 |
Branch-Specific Programs
Army:
- Child Care Fee Assistance (CCFA)
- Operation Military Child Care
Navy:
- Navy Child Care Fee Assistance
Air Force:
- Air Force Aid Society child care assistance
- Extended Duty Child Care
Marine Corps:
- Marine Corps Child Care Fee Assistance
Applying for Fee Assistance
Steps:
- Verify eligibility through MilitaryChildCare.com
- Document income and status
- Get on CDC/FCC waitlist
- Find licensed civilian provider
- Apply for assistance
- Continue until CDC/FCC spot opens
Navigating Deployments
Childcare during separation.
Deployment Childcare Options
For non-military spouse:
- Continue current care arrangement
- Priority bumps on CDC waitlist possible
- Request extended hours
- Use Family Care Plan resources
For single military parent:
- Family Care Plan MUST be in place
- Designate caregiver in advance
- Arrange childcare for caregiver
- Fee assistance may transfer
Family Care Plan Requirements
What it must include:
- Primary caregiver designation
- Childcare arrangements
- Financial support plans
- Medical decision-making
- School enrollment
- Legal documents
Support During Deployment
Available resources:
- Military OneSource (free counseling)
- Installation Family Readiness
- Chaplain services
- Child & Youth Services programs
- Exceptional Family Member Program (if applicable)
Returning from Deployment
Childcare transition:
- Update Family Care Plan
- Re-establish CDC/FCC priority
- Gradual return to routine
- Resources for reintegration
PCS Moves and Childcare
Managing care during transitions.
Before You PCS
Steps to take:
- Get on new installation waitlist immediately
- Register through MilitaryChildCare.com
- Request current provider's records
- Notify current CDC/FCC
- Research civilian options at new duty station
During the Gap
If no CDC/FCC available immediately:
- Apply for fee assistance
- Find licensed civilian provider
- Use FCC while waiting for CDC
- Ask about temporary care options
Quick Start Programs
Some installations offer:
- Temporary CDC slots for PCS families
- Expedited FCC placement
- Drop-in care availability
- Transition support
Tips for Smooth Transitions
Planning:
- Register 60-90 days before arrival
- Save copies of all records
- Document immunizations
- Research civilian backups
- Connect with new installation FSC
Non-Standard Hour Care
For mission requirements.
Extended Hour Care Options
CDC extended hours:
- Many CDCs offer extended hours
- Typically 5:30 AM - 7 PM
- Some offer 24-hour care
- Check specific installation
FCC flexibility:
- Many FCC providers offer non-standard hours
- Weekend care more available
- Night care possible
- Mission-dependent approval
24-Hour and Weekend Care
Where available:
- Major installations with shift workers
- Medical facility-adjacent bases
- Installations with 24-hour mission requirements
How to access:
- Request through CDC
- Some FCC providers offer
- May require documentation of need
- Often has separate waitlist
Shift Work Solutions
Strategies:
- Coordinate with spouse schedules
- FCC for flexibility
- Fee assistance for civilian 24-hour options
- Combination of care types
Off-Installation Options
When base care isn't available.
Finding Civilian Care
Resources:
- MilitaryChildCare.com fee assistance list
- Child Care Aware (local referrals)
- Military OneSource resources
- Installation recommendations
What to Look For
Quality indicators:
- State licensing
- Accreditation (NAEYC, etc.)
- Military discount available
- Experience with military families
- Flexible policies for deployment
Military Discounts
Many civilian centers offer:
- 10-20% military discount
- Waived registration fees
- Flexible deposit policies
- Understanding of PCS/deployment
Evaluating Cost with Fee Assistance
Example comparison:
| Option | Monthly Cost | Fee Assistance | Your Cost | |--------|-------------|----------------|-----------| | CDC | $900 | N/A (already subsidized) | $900 | | Civilian ($1,400) | $1,400 | -$500 | $900 | | Civilian ($1,800) | $1,800 | -$500 | $1,300 |
Special Programs
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
For children with special needs:
- Priority placement in appropriate programs
- Specialized care when available
- Respite care options
- Early intervention services
Respite Care
For military families:
- Free respite hours during deployment
- 16+ hours/month often available
- For stress relief and self-care
- Through CDC or approved providers
Summer and School Age Programs
Available options:
- Before/after school care (SAC)
- Summer camps
- Teen programs
- Youth sports
Military Childcare Checklist
Getting Started
- [ ] Register on MilitaryChildCare.com
- [ ] Understand priority categories
- [ ] Calculate income-based fee
- [ ] Join CDC and FCC waitlists
- [ ] Research civilian backup options
- [ ] Apply for fee assistance if using civilian care
During Care
- [ ] Keep registration current
- [ ] Update income annually
- [ ] Communicate schedule changes
- [ ] Use Family Care Plan resources
- [ ] Know deployment support options
PCS Preparation
- [ ] Register at new installation 90 days out
- [ ] Gather records from current provider
- [ ] Research new installation options
- [ ] Connect with new FSC
- [ ] Plan for potential gap in care
Resources
- MilitaryChildCare.com
- Military OneSource
- Child Care Aware
- Find Daycare Near You
- Daycare Costs by State
Last updated: December 2025