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Access to Quality Child Care

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Key Message

In many cases, family child care providers certified by the military must also be licensed or registered by the state, even when only caring for eligible Defense Department-affiliated children. By recognizing military family DOD child care certification, in lieu of requiring state licensing, states can improve access to family child care for military families. States can also participate in the military child care fee assistance program, Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS.

Analysis

By exempting family child care providers from licensure and registration that is duplicative of the certification they receive from the military services, states enhance the quality of life and economic security of both the providers and military families seeking qualified child care options.

Insights

There were 814 certified family child care providers in June 2024. The military services are seeking to increase the number of FCC providers to help meet the child care demands of military communities.

State Policymakers

If you are a state policymaker, request more information.