Intro
Discover the 5 ways to access military child care, designed to support military families. Learn about childcare assistance programs, on-base care, and community resources. Find out how to navigate the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) and Child Care Aware of America initiatives, and get tips on securing affordable, quality care for your little ones.
As a military family, one of the biggest challenges you may face is finding quality child care that meets your unique needs. Military life can be unpredictable, with frequent deployments, training exercises, and moves to new duty stations. However, there are resources available to help you access the child care you need to support your family's well-being.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the military services offer a range of child care programs and resources to support military families. Here are five ways to access military child care:
1. Military Child Development Centers (CDCs)
Military Child Development Centers (CDCs) are on-base child care centers that provide care for children from infancy to age 12. CDCs are staffed by trained and certified child care professionals and offer a range of programs and activities to support children's development. CDCs are open to all military families, regardless of rank or branch of service.
CDCs offer a variety of programs, including:
- Infant and toddler care
- Preschool and pre-kindergarten programs
- Before- and after-school care for school-age children
- Summer camps and vacation programs
To enroll your child in a CDC, you can visit the MilitaryChildCare.com website or contact your local CDC directly.
2. Family Child Care (FCC) Homes
Family Child Care (FCC) homes are private homes on or off base that provide child care for military families. FCC homes are licensed and certified by the military services and offer a range of care options, including:
- Full-time and part-time care
- Drop-in care
- Overnight care
FCC homes are often more flexible than CDCs and can offer more personalized care. To find an FCC home, you can visit the MilitaryChildCare.com website or contact your local Child Development Program.
3. School Age Care (SAC) Programs
School Age Care (SAC) programs provide before- and after-school care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. SAC programs are designed to support children's academic and social development and offer a range of activities, including:
- Homework help
- Arts and crafts
- Sports and fitness
- Snacks and meals
SAC programs are offered on base and in local communities. To enroll your child in an SAC program, you can contact your local Child Development Program or visit the MilitaryChildCare.com website.
4. Child Care in Your Neighborhood (CCYN)
Child Care in Your Neighborhood (CCYN) is a program that helps military families find child care in their local community. CCYN provides a database of licensed and certified child care providers in your area, including:
- Child care centers
- Family child care homes
- In-home care
To access CCYN, you can visit the MilitaryChildCare.com website or contact your local Child Development Program.
5. Resource and Referral (R&R) Programs
Resource and Referral (R&R) programs provide information and referrals to help military families find child care that meets their needs. R&R programs offer:
- Child care provider referrals
- Information on child care subsidies and financial assistance
- Support for families with special needs
To access R&R programs, you can contact your local Child Development Program or visit the MilitaryChildCare.com website.
By taking advantage of these five ways to access military child care, you can find the support you need to balance your military career and family responsibilities. Remember to explore your options carefully and choose the child care program that best meets your family's unique needs.
If you have any questions or concerns about military child care, we encourage you to comment below or reach out to your local Child Development Program for more information.
What is the MilitaryChildCare.com website?
+MilitaryChildCare.com is a website that provides information and resources on military child care, including a database of child care providers and a tool to search for child care in your area.
How do I enroll my child in a CDC?
+To enroll your child in a CDC, you can visit the MilitaryChildCare.com website or contact your local CDC directly. You will need to provide information about your child's age, needs, and availability, as well as your own contact information and military affiliation.
What is the difference between a CDC and an FCC home?
+A CDC is a center-based child care program, while an FCC home is a private home that provides child care. CDCs are often more structured and offer a range of activities and programs, while FCC homes may offer more personalized care and flexibility.