Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about MilitaryChildCare.com, requesting care, fees and accounts.
Getting Started
What is MCC?
MilitaryChildCare.com is a Department of War website for military and DoW-affiliated families seeking child care. It provides comprehensive information on military-operated and military-subsidized care worldwide. Search for and request care or fee assistance, manage requests, and update your Household Profile — any time, from anywhere.
What can MCC do for my family?
- Access information about military and military-subsidized programs.
- Submit and manage child care requests online, at any time, from any location.
- Update your Household Profile.
- Receive email notifications about offers and requests.
Do I need an account to search for care?
No. You can explore programs and providers without an account. To request care you'll need one — and when logged in, you can customize your search and see if fee assistance is available in your area.
Requests & Waitlists
How is my wait time determined?
Wait time is based on your DoW priority level (from sponsor type and, if applicable, spouse employment status) combined with the date and time you submitted your Request for Care.
What is an APT?
An Anticipated Placement Time is an estimate of when a spot may become available. It replaces a waitlist number and updates as programs update enrollment.
Can I stay on a waitlist after I accept care elsewhere?
Yes. Families may remain on a preferred program's waitlist even after being offered care or enrolling in another program.
When should I request care before a PCS?
As soon as you know your next duty installation and tentative arrival date. Search near your new duty station and submit requests for every option that meets your needs.
Cost
How much does military-operated child care cost?
Each Service issues parent fee guidelines for its CDCs, SAC programs, 24/7 Centers and FCC providers based on DoW fee guidance. Fees are based on Total Family Income and apply to all children who attend regularly. Contact the program directly for details.
Can I estimate fee assistance?
Yes — the Fee Assistance Cost Estimator estimates your monthly family contribution in minutes. Final fees are confirmed by staff during registration.
Account & Access
Which browsers are supported?
The latest Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, plus current and previous major releases of Firefox and Safari. Edge is recommended for CAC users. Internet Explorer is not supported.
Is there an MCC app?
Not currently, but MCC supports mobile browsing on smartphones and tablets.
Why do I see a "connection is not private" warning?
This can be expected when entering a .mil network. MCC is a certified, accredited site housed in a secure government data center. Contact the Help Desk at 855.696.2934 if you need assistance.
What are the password requirements?
Passwords must be 15–20 characters with at least one uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number and special character, and must be reset every 60 days. These requirements come from DoD security guidelines. CAC users don't need a username and password.
Careers
How do I apply to work for a DoW Child and Youth Program?
Search USAJOBS for "Department of Defense Child and Youth" jobs in your area, or visit your Service's child and youth careers site. Learn more on our Careers page.
Still have questions?
Call the Help Desk toll-free at 855.696.2934 and select Option 1.