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Childcare Aware of America helps military families

From covering costs to finding the best, it’s the childcare resource you’ve been looking for

Childcare on-base is highly sought after and can have a lengthy waiting period. Photo credit: U.S. Army

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Whether you're a brand new parent or bringing home baby number five, the task of finding a childcare provider that is the highest quality but still affordable is daunting, especially when facing the reality of having to do it all over again every PCS. Luckily, Childcare Aware has recognized this struggle, and is providing families with resources, both civilian- and military-specific, to help find and pay for childcare.

At Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), there are many on-base childcare services, providing high quality care to as many children as possible. The Child Development Centers are state-of-the-art and accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children.  These centers are highly sought after, and it isn't uncommon to encounter lengthy waiting periods.  In this case, servicemembers will usually seek childcare options off-base, where costs can significantly increase.  

According to childcareaware.org, the cost for fulltime childcare for one infant in Pierce and King Counties can reach up to $1,456 per month. By utilizing the services of Childcare Aware, families can receive help in finding the most suited childcare option for them and also receive financial aid to help offset the higher costs of civilian childcare. The Army Fee Assistance Subsidy can pay the difference between what on-base costs would be compared to the civilian centers' rates. Fee assistant subsidies are also available for Air Force, Navy, Marines and DoD personnel, as well as respite care for families enrolled in EFMP. This ensures that no matter the income, every young child receives the best education and care.  

Since 1987, the nonprofit organization Childcare Aware has made it their mission to ensure every child in America has access to high quality and affordable childcare.  To achieve this mission, local Childcare Referral and Resource (CR&R) agencies are connected with families to provide the necessary information and resources relevant to their area. The CR&Rs help families find the best local facilities that match their needs and wants. With every PCS, military families can contact their next local Childcare Aware Center to find their next facility.

The CR&R's also provide resources to local childcare providers to help them achieve and maintain the highest possible standards in safety and education. For newly opening facilities, the CR&Rs can assist by providing local licensing requirements, background checks and the types of training available to providers and their staff. Childcare Aware believes that higher quality childcare is important to children and their working parents, as well as local businesses and the economy. To learn more, visit childcareaware.org

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