Military Childcare Made Simple: Your Complete Guide to CDC, FCC, and MCCYN
Having a baby is a huge joy that brings along its fair share of stressors–like finding childcare. Researching local options while also getting sticker shock from the prices can be draining for any of us. Luckily, the military offers help making this an affordable and easy task for parents.
There are a few options when it comes to childcare with the military: Child Development Center (CDC), Family Child Care (FCC), and Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN). Let’s break each of these down.
CDC: This is a center usually located on base where staff are vetted by the military and trained to follow approved protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. They accept ages birth through preschool age. Staff support developmental milestones from tummy time for infants to early learning activities – all without screen time. Meals are included with tuition, and children get plenty of outdoor play (weather permitting). The CDC follows strict staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and prevent staff from being overwhelmed.
FCC: This is typically another military spouse’s home, where the caregiver has been trained and vetted just like CDC staff. FCC providers follow the same regulations as the CDC, but offer smaller group sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and a more comfortable setting. It also is a great way for military spouses to have a career or make some extra cash.
MCCYN: This is a fee-assistance program that helps cover the additional costs of civilian childcare. Once your application is approved, you’ll find a participating childcare center and pay the same fee you would at the CDC. The program covers the remainder, up to a certain limit based on the service member’s rank.
Signing up for CDC/FCC? Here’s your checklist:
Whether you’ve chosen the CDC or FCC, your steps will be the same:
Create an account
Input your family information
Search for and request childcare for each child you have
Wait for an email offering you care
Complete the paperwork that will be emailed to you once a provider is chosen
Set up a meeting with the CDC or FCC you have chosen
Get a start date!
Signing up for MCCYN? Here’s your guide:
Create an account
Input your family information
Request fee assistance
Wait for an email accepting your application
While you wait, search for childcare that accepts MCCYN
Choose a location and finish the steps in the email MCCYN will send
Understanding eligibility and priority.
To be eligible for military childcare, you must have a DoD-approved sponsor. This includes:
Child Development Program Staff
Active Duty Military
DoD Civilian
and others (go to www.militarychildcare.com to find a full list)
Your spouse’s status also affects your priority rating. Here’s a quick overview (details available at www.militarychildcare.com)
1A: Child Development Program Staff
1B: Single/Dual Military and Military with a Full-Time Working Spouse
1C: Military with a Part-Time Working Spouse or Spouse Seeking Employment
1D: Military with a Spouse Enrolled as a Full-Time Student
2: Single/Dual DoD Civilians or DoD Civilian with a Full-Time Working Spouse
3: Space Available
As you can see, the quickest way to secure childcare is by becoming a CDC staff member. You can apply at www.usajobs.gov to join the team that helps our kids grow! If childcare isn’t your forte, expect wait times of six months up to a year or more. Depending on local availability, you might find a shorter wait through civilian centers that accept MCCYN fee assistance.
Don’t get discouraged
Being a parent is hard, especially when adding military spouse to that title. With Military Child Care’s help, you can find a safe, nurturing place for your little ones to learn and grow while you focus on your career or education. Your goals don’t have to pause just because you’ve become a parent.
You’re not in this alone — every military parent has been where you are now. Reach out, connect, and share what you learn along the way. Join the HUB today to chat with other spouses, exchange experiences, and get support as you navigate military life and parenthood.