Figuring out how to save on childcare is one of the biggest challenges military families face, especially with frequent PCS moves, waitlists, and ever-changing schedules.

Childcare costs can easily rival a second mortgage, but the military offers several programs designed specifically to help families save money on childcare without sacrificing quality or safety.

From on-base care to off-base fee assistance, here’s how military families can make childcare more affordable.

How to Save on Childcare Using Military Programs

One of the most effective ways to learn how to save on childcare is by understanding the military-specific options available to you. The Department of Defense offers both on-base and off-base solutions that can significantly reduce monthly childcare costs.

Military childcare programs fall into three categories:

• Child Development Centers (CDC)
• Family Child Care (FCC)
• Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)

Each option has different benefits, price points, and availability depending on your installation.

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Child Development Centers (CDC): Structured On-Base Care

Child Development Centers (CDCs) are located on military installations and provide center-based care for infants through preschool, and sometimes school-age children.

CDCs follow strict DoD safety, staffing, and curriculum requirements. Fees are based on Total Family Income (TFI), which helps many families save money on childcare compared to civilian centers.

Why families choose CDC care:

• Predictable schedules
• Regulated curriculum and staffing
• On-base convenience
• Sliding-scale fees tied to income

Things to consider:

• Longer waitlists
• Limited flexibility for shift work
• Fixed hours of operation

Family Child Care (FCC): A Lower-Cost, Flexible Option

Family Child Care (FCC) is often one of the most overlooked and best ways for military families to save on childcare.

FCC providers are DoD-certified caregivers who offer care in their homes, either on or off base. Many installations publish fee charts showing FCC care costs up to 15% less than CDC care, making it an excellent option for families trying to cut expenses.

Benefits of utilizing an FCC provider:

• Smaller group sizes
• More flexible hours (evenings, weekends, overnight)
• Lower monthly fees
• Ideal for shift workers and dual-military families

Because FCC spots are limited, families are encouraged to ask about availability as soon as they arrive at a new duty station.

How MCCYN Helps Families Save on Childcare Off Base

When on-base care isn’t available or doesn’t meet your family’s needs, Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) is one of the most beneficial tools for families looking for how to save on childcare.

MCCYN is a fee-assistance program that helps offset the cost of community-based childcare providers that meet DoD requirements.

MCCYN benefits include:

• Lower out-of-pocket costs
• Access to accredited civilian providers
• Support when CDC or FCC care is unavailable
• MCCYN-PLUS expansion in select states

Families must request care through MilitaryChildCare.com to be considered for MCCYN referrals and fee assistance.

How Much Does the Average Military Family Spend on Childcare?

How much you’ll actually pay for childcare as a military family depends on several factors, including your total family income, your duty station, and whether you’re using on-base or off-base care.

While costs vary, most military childcare programs are designed to help families save money on childcare by using income-based fee structures rather than flat market rates.

On average, military families using on-base Child CDCs or FCCs pay less than civilian families in the same area. That’s because fees are set using Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines, not local market pricing. However, the exact amount you’ll pay can still differ significantly from base to base—especially in high-cost-of-living areas.

If you’re trying to figure out how to save on childcare, the key is understanding how to find your family’s specific rate.

How to Ensure You’re Saving on Childcare as a Military Family

Find Out What You’ll Pay for Childcare at Your Base

1. Start with Your Installation’s CYS or MWR Website

Most installations publish an annual CDC and FCC fee chart, usually organized by school year. These charts break down monthly childcare costs based on total family income and care type, making it one of the fastest ways to estimate what you’ll pay.

2. Check MilitaryChildCare.com

MilitaryChildCare.com provides DoD-wide guidance on childcare fees and explains how income categories work. While it may not list every base’s exact rate, it helps families understand the structure behind military childcare pricing.

3. Contact the Child & Youth Services Resource & Referral Office

If you can’t find your installation’s fee chart online—or need help interpreting it—the Resource & Referral office can email the current chart and walk you through where your family falls based on income and care needs.

Because some installations are designated as high-cost areas, always compare your base’s fee chart with DoD fee guidelines to understand why your rate may be higher or lower than expected.

What You’ll Need to Apply for Childcare Fee Assistance

Getting childcare fee assistance can feel like a maze, especially with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or when you're juggling work and family. But if you get your documents together beforehand, you can make the application much smoother. Knowing what's needed will help military families grab those childcare savings faster and avoid annoying delays.

Most fee assistance programs, including MCCYN, will ask for proof of income to determine eligibility and parent fee categories. This is usually provided through your LES or other official income documentation.

You’ll also need basic information about your child, usually a birth certificate or other identifying documents, to confirm eligibility for care and enrollment.

If you’re applying for fee assistance for off-base childcare, programs typically require provider information, including proof that the provider is properly licensed or accredited. This step is especially important for MCCYN, as only approved providers qualify for fee assistance.

To confirm the need for care, families are often asked to provide work or school schedules for both parents, particularly when applying for full-time or nontraditional-hour care. FCC providers are available to families who may want their child in childcare for more interaction with other children, but one parent may not be working.

As mentioned above, an active MilitaryChildCare.com account is required. This system is used to request care, track availability, and connect families with fee assistance programs. Even if you plan to use off-base care, starting your application through MilitaryChildCare.com is a critical first step.

Keeping digital copies of these documents securely stored can make future applications much easier—especially during PCS moves, when the process often needs to be repeated at the new installation.

Thinking Practically: Ways to Save on Childcare as a Military Family

Choosing the Right Type of Care for Your Family’s Reality

For many families, the most significant cost savings come from choosing a childcare option that actually fits their daily schedule. Family Child Care (FCC) is often the most budget-friendly choice.

Because FCC providers care for fewer children and operate out of their homes, costs are typically lower than CDC care. FCC can also be a lifesaver for families dealing with early mornings, late evenings, or rotating shifts—situations where traditional center hours just don’t work.

If flexibility matters as much as cost, FCC is often one of the smartest ways to save money on childcare while reducing stress.

Using Part-Time or Hourly Care When Full-Time Isn’t Necessary

Many times, military families do not need full-time childcare. Sometimes, families just need enough childcare to go to appointments, interviews, or one parent only works part-time.

Switching to part-time or hourly care can make a noticeable difference in monthly expenses.

Many CDCs and FCC providers offer part-day schedules, hourly care for appointments or overlapping work hours, and before- or after-school care only. Choosing the least amount of care you actually need is a simple but effective way to save money on childcare over time.

State and Local Programs That Can Lower Childcare Costs

State and local childcare assistance programs may be available to some military families, depending on location. In some instances, these programs can be used alongside MCCYN to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Installation Resource & Referral offices can provide guidance on eligible programs and application steps.

Utilize Deployment Hours

When a service member is deployed, military installations provide a set number of childcare hours at no cost to support the family. This ensures children have consistent care while a parent is away, without the family paying out-of-pocket for all hours.

These deployment hours are typically offered through Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Family Child Care (FCC) providers. The exact number of hours varies by installation, so families should contact their installation’s Child and Youth Services office to confirm the allotment and learn how to schedule care.

Deployment childcare is designed to give parents peace of mind, knowing their children are cared for safely and reliably during periods of separation.

Reducing Costs as Kids Get Older

As children grow, childcare needs—and costs—often change. On-base preschool programs or state-funded pre-K can significantly reduce the number of paid childcare hours your family needs each week.

Even cutting a few hours per day can add up to meaningful savings each month. For school-age children, on-base before- and after-school programs are usually more affordable than full-time childcare and still provide structured, reliable care.

For kids in 6th grade or above, many military bases have youth centers. These are ideal for families looking to save on childcare while still wanting their adolescents in a safe space after school. Youth centers provide kids with a place to finish homework, join clubs, and hang out with friends.

Save Money on Childcare and Have Peace of Mind

Military families face unique challenges, and childcare is often one of the most difficult to navigate. Even with on-base programs, deployment hours, and fee assistance, it takes planning, flexibility, and persistence to make it all work.

Taking the time to understand your options and prepare ahead can make childcare more manageable and affordable, while helping your family maintain a sense of stability during PCS moves, deployments, or long workdays.

Every step you take, whether securing CDC or FCC care, applying for MCCYN fee assistance, or coordinating schedules with your support network, provides stability for your children, flexibility for your family, and confidence that you are prepared for whatever comes next in military life.

Suggested reads:

• DoDEA to Pilot New School Safety Requirements in 2026
• States Broaden Childcare Subsidies for Military Families Ahead of 2026 Program Changes
• Navigating Solo Parenting for Military Spouses During Deployment