For military families, finding affordable and reliable child care is a top priority. With frequent moves, deployments, and other challenges, military parents need to ensure their children receive the best care possible.
The Military Child Care Fee Assistance Program helps ease the financial burdens associated with child care for military families. In this guide, we’ll explain military daycare assistance, how to apply, and what to expect. We’ll also include branch-by-branch requirements and resources to help navigate the process.
The Military Child Care Fee Assistance Application Process
Navigating the application process for military child care fee assistance can be complex, but it’s an essential step in securing financial support for your family’s child care needs. We talked to Air Force Veteran and MilSpouse Jordan (who requested that we not use her last name for privacy purposes) about her experience applying to the program.
“The timeline for approval took about a month after we started the process,” said Jordan. “I know the application process has changed since we used the program in January 2022. When I did it, I had to do everything myself—find the website, reach out myself, and find all the correct links. The process [is]better … since the switch, though.”
How to Navigate the Process
Step 1: Determine eligibility. Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for your branch’s specific child care fee assistance program. Eligibility may depend on factors such as your military status, income, and childcare costs.
Step 2: Research branch-specific programs. Each branch has its unique process, so it’s essential to understand the steps required for your situation. You’ll want to find out what the specific requirements, benefits, and application process are for your branch’s child care fee assistance program.
Step 3: Gather the required documents. Collect the documents you need to support your application, such as proof of military status, income statements, and child care provider information. Having these documents ready will streamline the application process.
Step 4: Complete application forms. Obtain the appropriate application forms for your branch’s child care fee assistance program. These forms can usually be found on the CCAoA website or through your branch’s family support center. Make sure that your information is accurate and up to date on your forms.
Step 5: Submit the application and documentation. Submit your completed application forms along with all supporting documents to the appropriate organization — CCAoA or directly to your branch’s family support center—as specified by your branch’s program. .
Step 6: Await application review.Your application will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and level of assistance. The review process may take several weeks, so be prepared to wait patiently for a response.
Step 7: Receive determination and assistance. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a determination letter letting you know how much child care fee assistance you’ll receive. Generally, this assistance will be paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Step 8: Maintain and update records. As your circumstances change, it’s essential to update your records and communicate any changes to the appropriate organization. This may involve submitting updated income statements, changes in childcare providers, or changes in your family’s size.
What Child Care Options Are Available?
“I had a few options to choose from, but only one of them was relatively close to the base,” said Jordan. “The program is designed for families who live far from the base or have a spouse who works far from the base. When both spouses work on the base and the family lives on the base, it is an inconvenient program.”
When you use the Military Child Care Fee Assistance Program , you will find several options available. Read up on each of the following types of care to decide which is best for you.
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)
MCCYN is an initiative that partners with Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) to help military families find and access high-quality, affordable off-base child care options in their communities. MCCYN-approved providers meet strict quality standards and offer reduced fees for eligible military families.
On-Base Child Development Centers (CDCs)
On-base CDCs offer childcare services to military families stationed at various installations. These centers provide a safe, nurturing environment and are staffed by professionals trained in early childhood education. CDCs offer full-time, part-time, and hourly care options for children aged six weeks to five years. Availability varies depending on the installation, so you’ll have to contact your base’s CDC to find out about openings and waitlists.
Family Child Care (FCC) Homes
FCC homes are another on-base childcare option available to military families. These homes are operated by licensed professionals who provide care for a small group of children in a more intimate, home-like setting. FCC homes may offer more flexible hours than CDCs, making them an attractive option for families with non-traditional schedules. To find an FCC home on your base, contact your installation’s family support center or child care office.
School-Age Care Programs (SAC)
SAC programs cater to school-aged children and are typically offered on military installations. These programs provide before- and after-school care, as well as care during school breaks and summer vacations. SAC programs focus on age-appropriate activities that promote social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Contact your base’s youth center or family support center to inquire about SAC program availability.
Community-Based Child Care Providers
In addition to the MCCYN program, military families can also use the fee assistance program with community-based childcare providers. These providers must meet specific requirements and be approved by CCAoA to be eligible for fee assistance. Community-based providers can offer a range of childcare options, including center-based care, family childcare homes, and in-home care.
Is Applying for Military Child Care Fee Assistance Worth It?
The answer to this question will vary depending on your situation and your specific needs. “We only used the program for about a month and a half before we got accepted to the daycare on the base,” said Jordan. “By the time we got approved, we had to give the program our two-week notice. We did still get compensation for the month and a half we had to use an off-base provider, but it was still a really long process to then turn around and have to cancel.”
Even though Jordan’s experience was less than ideal, the program has significant benefits. The key is to do your research and have a clear understanding of your circumstances, how they may change, and how any of this can impact your application, eligibility, or care options.
When asked what advice she would give others who are interested in the program, Jordan said, “Make sure you have the money saved up to pay for the full amount ahead of time. The assistance doesn’t kick in until the application is approved, and that took about a month for us. We had to absorb all the fees from the off-base provider before the assistance kicked in and paid the facility. Then, we just had a credit on our books after the agency paid the childcare facility.”
When it comes to things such as military child care, SpouseLink is your go-to source for understanding the options available to you. Use the shared experiences of our community to gain insight into processes and resources such as Military Child Care Fee Assistance.
