April is the Month of the Military Child—a time to recognize and honor the sacrifices and contributions of military children. These young individuals serve in their own way, moving from place to place, adapting to new schools, and supporting their families as their parents serve our nation. For many, the journey of being a military child shapes their future in critical ways.
Why it matters: The military relies on child care, too
The military depends on quality child care for mission readiness. Service members cannot effectively do their jobs unless they know their children are in safe, nurturing environments. However, many military families live off-base and face the same struggles as civilians—finding quality, affordable child care.
Child care deserts—areas with a severe lack of providers—further complicate matters. This shortage directly affects mission readiness, as military personnel must be confident in their child care arrangements to focus on their duties, whether in day-to-day operations or rapid deployments.
Affordability is another major concern. While military families receive some assistance, they still operate within a budget, just like any other American family. Ensuring that military children receive the care they deserve remains a shared priority between the Department of Defense and CCAoA.
How we can help
This is where CCAoA plays a vital role, ensuring that military families have access to the child care solutions they need.
CCAoA partners with the military to support its families by offering expertise, resources, and direct services to help them find quality child care in the communities where they live and raise their children. The organization uses its work experience and knowledge and uses it to inform policymakers, driving forward the mission to make America child care strong for all families—military and civilian alike.
For military families with children who have special needs, the challenges of finding care can be even greater. That’s why CCAoA, through its military contracted work with Exceptional Family Member Program and its subsidiary Respite Care of America, provides in-home respite care services. These services offer much-needed temporary relief to primary caregivers, allowing them time to focus on personal needs—whether it’s going back to school, exercising, or simply taking a break. This support is essential in ensuring the well-being of both children and their families.
A new position statement from Child Care Aware® of America highlights the essential role of Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) organizations in helping military families navigate child care options, access financial assistance, and find providers that meet their unique needs. CCR&Rs serve as a critical support system, ensuring families can find and afford the care they need no matter where they are stationed.
Strengthening military families through career opportunities
Recognizing that strong military families contribute to a strong military, CCAoA has also joined the Defense Department’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership. This partnership, formally recognized in January 2024, is a crucial step in providing career opportunities for military spouses. By strengthening financial stability, it enhances force retention and military readiness—essential components of national security.
As we honor military children this April, let’s recognize that their service is real. They move several times throughout their childhood, constantly adapting, growing, and supporting their families. They are a part of the military community, and they deserve a system that supports them as much as they support us.
Through ongoing advocacy, partnerships, and direct services, Child Care Aware of America is working every day to ensure that military families have access to quality, affordable child care—because when military families are strong, our nation is strong.