Challenges

Access, Worker Issues

Location

Nationwide

Stakeholders

Federal Government

Beneficiaries

Military, Job Seekers, Children, Parents

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Overview

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) operates one of the nation’s largest employer-sponsored childcare systems, with on-base Child Development Centers and subsidized in-home care for military families. This comprehensive program makes high-quality childcare affordable and accessible, supporting service members’ readiness and retention.

Key Impact Metrics

  • 200K
    children served
  • 97%
    of military childcare facilities are nationally accredited
  • ~60%
    in savings in annual childcare costs of military personnel

Problem

Military families, particularly those with two service members or a single parent, struggled to secure reliable care for their children due to frequent relocations and unique service demands, impacting readiness and retention. There was a need for a system to provide a stable and supportive environment for the children of military personnel, alleviating a significant burden on service members and allowing them to focus on their duties.

Solution

Since the 1980s, the DoD has built a network of on-base Child Development Centers (CDCs) and licensed family childcare homes, and School Age Care (SAC) programs on military installations. Regulated by DoD standards, these programs offer structured, safe environments for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. 97% of its childcare centers are nationally accredited, compared to 9% in the civilian sector. By investing $1.8 billion annually in childcare, the military enables service members to pursue careers while knowing their children are in safe, affordable care.

Results

  • Beneficiary Impact
    ~120,000 military personnel served
  • Employee Impact
    14% increase in childcare worker staffing at Air Force bases
  • Financial Results
    $1.8 billion invested a year

Replication Tips

  • Invest in and ensure quality: Mandate high standards (training, accreditation) and assist providers in achieving them—the military’s insistence on accreditation led to 97% of its centers meeting quality benchmarks.
  • Offer multiple formats: Mix center-based care with in-home provider networks and backup care to cover odd hours and deployments. The DoD system’s flexibility is key for 24/7 military needs.
  • View childcare as readiness infrastructure: Military leaders championed childcare funding as essential to force readiness, an approach civilian employers can mirror by framing childcare as business need.

Suggested Implementation Timeline

~12-24 months

Sources