Infants – Preschool
Child Development Centers (CDC)
Care for infants, pretoddlers, toddlers and preschoolers, Monday–Friday during standard work hours. Depending on location, full-day, part-day and hourly care are offered.
Home / Child Care Options
Child care optionsMilitary Child Care Options
Choosing child care may be one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. The Department of War provides a variety of quality, affordable options for every age and schedule.
Military-operated programs
Program types
Services may vary by location, but standards and quality are consistent everywhere.
Infants – School Age
Family Child Care (FCC)
Care by qualified professionals in their homes. Providers may offer full-day, part-day, school year, summer camp, 24/7 and extended care — often with flexible hours.
Around the clock
24/7 Centers
Home-like care for infants through school age during traditional and non-traditional hours — designed for watch standers and shift workers. Priority goes to sponsors who require 24/7 care.
K – 7th grade
School Age Care (SAC)
Facility-based care from the start of kindergarten through the summer after seventh grade. Includes School Year Care and Summer Camp, Monday–Friday.
Fee assistance
Help paying for community-based care
When military-operated care isn't available due to distance or a waitlist, fee assistance can make quality community care more affordable.
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)
Use fee assistance at state-licensed community providers that are nationally accredited or meet a minimum state quality rating. Available for children 6 weeks–12 years.
Child Care in Your Home (CCYH)
Fee assistance for care in your own home. Providers complete required training, pass a background check, and agree to quarterly home visits.
Navy Weekend Drill Child Care
Fee assistance for eligible Navy Reservists who need child care to attend weekend drill.
Coast Guard Child Care
Child care options administered by the Coast Guard for Coast Guard families.
DoW Community Contracted Programs
Nonprofit partners operate child care centers in high-demand areas to expand access for military families.
Licensed State Options
Resources to help you find safe, licensed child care if military options are unavailable.
Estimate your costs: The Fee Assistance Cost Estimator gives a quick estimate of your monthly family contribution. Final fees are confirmed by staff during registration. Try the estimator →
Care types
Understanding care types
Care types describe the schedule and age groups served. MCC uses your care requirement to power search, requests and offers.
| Care type | Who it's for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Day Care | Infants – Preschool | Six hours or more per day on a regular basis, at least four days per week. |
| Part-Day Care | Infants – Preschool | Regularly scheduled care for less than a full day — great for preschool-style programs. |
| Hourly Care | All ages (as space allows) | Occasional care for appointments, volunteering or a needed break. |
| School Year Care | Kindergarten – 7th grade | Before- and after-school care while school is in session. |
| Summer Camp | School age | Full-day programming when school is out for summer. |
| 24/7 & Extended Care | Shift workers & watch standers | Evenings, overnights and weekends in a home-like setting. |
Find options near your duty station
Search military-operated care and fee assistance programs — no account needed to explore.