Military families face unique challenges, and access to reliable Military Child Care is paramount for service members balancing their duties and family life. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sheds light on how the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Defense (DOD) approach this critical need. While both entities strive to support their personnel, their methods and the availability of care differ significantly, impacting military families in distinct ways.
The GAO report highlights a key disparity: the Coast Guard relies more heavily on community-based child care providers and a Fee Assistance program, whereas the DOD operates a larger network of on-base Child Development Centers (CDCs). Specifically, the data reveals that 82% of Coast Guard children enrolled in care are served through community providers via Fee Assistance, compared to the DOD which serves 77% of enrolled children in on-base CDCs. This difference in approach shapes the experiences of military families seeking child care.
Image: Comparison of child care program enrollment percentages between Coast Guard and Department of Defense, illustrating the higher reliance of Coast Guard on Fee Assistance Programs versus DOD’s Child Development Centers.
Both the Coast Guard and DOD face the challenge of waitlists for their child care programs. As of March 2022, the Coast Guard reported 361 children on waitlists, while the DOD faced a significantly larger number with 14,034 children waiting for care. Infants and toddlers constitute the majority on these waitlists, indicating a pressing need for care for younger children. For families utilizing Fee Assistance, these waitlists translate into added stress as they navigate the often limited availability of community-based child care in their area. This situation underscores the broader challenge of military child care availability and accessibility.
Recognizing these challenges, the Coast Guard is actively taking steps to enhance access to quality military child care. Their initiatives include plans to construct new CDCs and renovate existing facilities, directly increasing the capacity for on-base care. Furthermore, the Coast Guard has centralized and updated its online resources, aiming to simplify the process for families to locate child care options within their communities. In a move to address affordability, particularly in high-cost areas, the Coast Guard has also increased the subsidy amounts provided through the Fee Assistance program. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to improving military family support through enhanced child care solutions.
This GAO study provides valuable insights into the landscape of child care for military families, comparing the approaches of the Coast Guard and DOD. While differences exist in their program structures, both entities are working to address the persistent challenges of access and affordability in military child care. Understanding these programs and the ongoing efforts to improve them is crucial for military families seeking reliable and quality care for their children.
