Military families have four main childcare paths: an on-base Child Development Center, a licensed family child care home on the installation, fee-assisted off-base civilian care, and standard civilian daycare paid out of pocket. On-base center fees are set on an income-based sliding scale, per US Department of Defense policy, and families request care through the MilitaryChildCare.com portal.
Military families have four main options: an on-installation Child Development Center (CDC), a licensed Family Child Care (FCC) home on base, fee-assisted off-base civilian care through the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood program, and standard civilian daycare paid out of pocket. The on-base CDC is usually the lowest-cost, highest-oversight choice, which is why demand and waitlists run high.
Family Child Care homes on the installation offer smaller settings and often more flexible hours, which helps with shift and duty schedules. When on-base space is full, fee assistance for off-base civilian care bridges the gap, so most families pursue an on-base seat and an off-base backup at the same time.
On-base Child Development Center fees are income-based, set on a Department of Defense sliding scale tied to total family income rather than a flat rate, so lower-income families pay less. Off-base civilian care costs the local market rate, commonly about $40 to $120 a day, per US Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices ranges, though fee assistance can offset part of that for eligible families.
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| On-base Child Development Center | Income-based sliding scale, per DOD policy | Lowest cost, highest oversight |
| On-base Family Child Care home | Provider-set, often income-informed | Smaller settings, flexible hours |
| Fee-assisted off-base care | Market rate minus DOD fee assistance | When on-base space is full |
| Standard off-base civilian daycare | $40 to $120 a day, per DOL ranges | Off-base families without assistance |
Families paying off base out of pocket can still claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit on qualifying care for a child under 13 that lets them work, per IRS Publication 503. Exact CDC fees and fee-assistance amounts vary by branch, installation, rank, and location, so confirm figures with your installation rather than budgeting from a single number.
Apply through MilitaryChildCare.com, the Department of Defense portal used by all branches, where you create a household profile and request care at one or more installations or for off-base fee assistance. Because on-base demand is high and waitlists are common, request care as early as you can, including during a pregnancy or before a permanent change of station.
Yes. The Department of Defense funds fee assistance programs, often delivered through Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood, that help eligible families offset the cost of licensed, quality off-base civilian care when on-base space is not available. The program is designed so a move or a long on-base waitlist does not leave a family without care.
Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on branch, location, and the provider's quality rating, so the same family may get different assistance after a permanent change of station. Start at MilitaryChildCare.com or ask your installation's child and youth services office how to enroll and which local providers qualify.
One honest note. Military childcare is more affordable and better-regulated than most civilian care, but access is the hard part. On-base Child Development Centers carry real waitlists, and a permanent change of station can reset your place in line. Request care as early as possible, pursue an off-base fee-assistance backup at the same time, and treat the on-base seat as something to secure early rather than count on at the last minute.
What are the options? An on-base Child Development Center, an on-base Family Child Care home, fee-assisted off-base civilian care, or standard off-base daycare.
How much does it cost? On-base fees follow a Department of Defense income-based sliding scale; off-base care runs about $40 to $120 a day, per US Department of Labor ranges.
How do I apply? Through MilitaryChildCare.com, as early as possible, since on-base waitlists are common.
Is there help for off-base care? Yes, through Department of Defense fee assistance, often via Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood, for eligible families.
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