Child Development Center

Register for Child Care

In-Home Child Care Support for Marine Corps Recruiters
As a Marine Corps Recruiter, your mission requires long hours, frequent community engagement, and an unpredictable schedule. Balancing these professional demands with family life can be particularly challenging, especially in remote areas where traditional military child care services, such as Child Development Centers (CDC) or School Age Care (SAC) programs, are not readily available. To support you and your family, Family Child Care (FCC) provides a flexible and personalized solution tailored to meet your unique needs.

What is Family Child Care?
Family Child Care, commonly referred to as in-home child care, offers professional, licensed, and certified child care providers who operate out of their homes. These providers create a structured, safe, and nurturing environment designed to promote the well-being and development of children from infancy to school age.

How Family Child Care Benefits Marine Corps Recruiters

• Flexible Hours
  As a recruiter, your workday may extend beyond standard business hours. FCC providers often offer extended and weekend care options that accommodate non-traditional schedules, ensuring your child receives consistent and reliable care.
   
• Personalized Attention
  Unlike large child care centers, FCC homes typically have a low provider-to-child ratio, allowing for individualized attention and fostering strong caregiver-child relationships.
   
• Remote Locations
  For recruiters stationed away from Marine Corps installations, finding on-base child care is not an option. FCC offers a network of trained providers in civilian communities, ensuring child care access wherever you are assigned.
   
• Structured Learning and Development
  FCC providers follow developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities to encourage learning, creativity, and socialization. Your child benefits from an environment that promotes early education, social skills, and motor development in a home-like setting.
   
• Affordable and Military-Approved Options
  Many FCC providers participate in the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program, which helps cover costs through fee assistance programs. This ensures that you receive high-quality care at an affordable rate, comparable to on-base child care fees.
   
• Regulated and Certified for Safety
  All FCC providers must meet strict health, safety, and training requirements set by the Department of Defense (DoD). This includes background checks, inspections, and ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standards of care.How to Find and Enroll in In-Home Child Care

How to Search for Family Child Care

• Visit MilitaryChildCare.com to search for available Family Child Care providers in your area.
   
• Contact Child Care Aware of America
  If no FCC providers are listed near you, Child Care Aware of America can help locate qualified civilian providers and determine eligibility for fee assistance programs.

Connect with Your Installation’s Resources

• If assigned near a Marine Corps base, your local Child Development Center office can help connect you with FCC providers, even in nearby civilian communities.

For more information, visit MilitaryChildCare.com or contact your local MCCS Child Development Center.

Financial Assistance Resources

• 24/7 Child Care for overnight shifts or unpredictable schedules.
• Emergency Child Care for temporary needs (deployments, training, or sudden duty changes).
• Respite Care if you're enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
• How to Apply for Child Care Assistance

• Visit MilitaryChildCare.com to register and search for available child care options.

• Go to Child Care Aware of America.
• Submit necessary documents, including your orders, income verification, and provider details.

• Once approved, receive financial assistance to lower your child care costs.

• MilitaryChildCare.com
• ChildCareAware.org
• Your local MCCS Child Development Center

Become a Child Care Provider

Becoming a Family Child Care (FCC) Provider to Support Marine Corps Recruiters
As a Marine Corps spouse, you have the opportunity to support Marine Corps Recruiters and other military families by becoming a certified Family Child Care (FCC) provider. This allows you to operate a licensed child care business from your home, offering flexible, high-quality care that meets the unique scheduling demands of recruiters and military families in your community.

By becoming an FCC provider, you not only contribute to mission readiness but also gain the benefits of running your own business, including financial stability, professional training, and the ability to work from home.

Why Become an FCC Provider?

• Support Marine Corps Recruiters and Families
  Marine Corps Recruiters often work long hours, evenings, and weekends. As an FCC provider, you offer flexible, dependable child care for Marines stationed in areas without on-base child care options.
   
• Operate a Home-Based Business with Military Support
  You can run a professional child care business while staying home with your own children. The Marine Corps provides training, licensing, and financial incentives to help you succeed.
   
• Enjoy Competitive Pay and Fee Assistance
  The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program helps military families afford FCC services, ensuring steady income for providers. Many military families receive subsidies to cover child care costs, making FCC care an affordable and attractive option for them.
   
• Receive Free Professional Training & Certification
  You will be trained in early childhood education, CPR, first aid, and business management at no cost. The Marine Corps offers mentorship, ongoing support, and networking opportunities to help you grow your business.

Steps to Become a Family Child Care (FCC) Provider

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
To become an FCC provider, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a spouse of an Active Duty Marine or other military member
• Live in government or off-base housing
• Pass a comprehensive background check (for you and any adult family members in your home)
• Have a home that meets safety and health requirements

Step 2: Complete Required Training & Certification
Once you meet eligibility requirements, you will need to:

• Attend FCC Orientation & Training (provided by MCCS)
• Get CPR & First Aid Certification
• Learn child development, behavior management, and health/safety protocols
• Undergo home inspections to ensure your space is safe for children

Step 3: Obtain Licensing & Approval
Once training is complete, you must:

• Have your home inspected and approved by MCCS
• Submit required paperwork for DoD certification and state licensing
• Develop a business plan, including age groups you will care for and hours of operation

What You Can Offer as an FCC Provider

• Flexible Hours – Provide evening, overnight, or weekend care to accommodate recruiters’ schedules
• Personalized Attention – Small group settings allow for one-on-one care
• Educational Activities – Follow a structured curriculum to support child development
• Safe & Nurturing Environment – Create a home-like setting that promotes emotional well-being

How to Get Started

• Contact Your Installation’s Family Child Care Office
  If you live near a Marine Corps installation, the MCCS Family Child Care office can provide guidance and resources.
   
• Visit MilitaryChildCare.com
  Learn more about Family Child Care opportunities and military child care programs.
   
• Visit Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA)
  If you live in a remote area, CCAoA can assist with licensing and connect you with military child care assistance programs.
   
• Join the Family Child Care Network for Ongoing Support
  Once certified, you will receive mentorship, professional development, and business support from the Marine Corps child care network.

How to Get Started

Families seeking child care are required to submit their requests through MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC).

To initiate a request, families must first create an account with MilitaryChildCare.com, log in, and complete their household profile using the steps outlined in the link below.

Forms

​The following forms are required for registering for child care.

Filling out pdf forms while using a government computer can be limited and recommend using a personal computer.

Please contact your local CDC with any questions, difficulties, or concerns you may have.

• Child and Youth Programs Health Assessment
   
• Child and Youth Programs Registration Form
   
• CYP Non-Medicated Topical Products Form
   
• Application for Department of Defense Childcare Fees

Download the files and save them to a folder on your MAC or Windows computer. Make sure to open the file from the new location. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please visit Adobe to download it for free.

Request a Tour

Touring one of the Child Development Centers (CDCs) through Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) can be an enlightening and heartwarming experience. Our centers are dedicated to providing quality child care and early education for your children.

Taking a tour will allow you to see the care and dedication that go into nurturing your children.

Meet the Dedicated Staff
The staff at the CDCs are highly trained and dedicated professionals who are passionate about early childhood education. They are committed to ensuring each child receives personalized care and attention, promoting their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Engaging Programs
The centers offer a variety of age-appropriate programs and activities that cater to the unique needs and interests of each child. From interactive playtime to structured learning sessions, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn in a fun and supportive environment.

Safety and Security
The safety and well-being of your children are top priority. The centers are equipped with modern security features, including secure entry points and constant supervision to ensure a safe environment for all.

Community Focus
Visiting a CDC also provides insight into the strong sense of community among military families. You'll witness firsthand the camaraderie and support that exist within these centers, making them more than just childcare facilities but integral parts of the military community.

Tours are not available at all locations. Contact your local CDC to schedule a tour.

Full-time Child Care

Curriculum:

All Child Development Centers use the Early Learning Matters (ELM) curriculum as the primary classroom curriculum. ELM is based on the latest research on child development and best practices in early education and care. ELM offers a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate approach to meaningful learning for all children featuring:

• A whole child focus on skills that bolster school readiness and life success.
• Developmentally sequenced activities that embed strategies for individualizing learning.
• Evidence-informed, friendly-to-use resources for classroom staff and families.

At the heart of the ELM curriculum are activity plans that build on children's pathways of development in five infant/toddler areas and eight preschool areas. The plans support growth and development with a range of active learning opportunities that include careful attention to differences in children's abilities and interests.

Accreditation & Certification:

CDCs are required to be nationally accredited and must pass an annual Department of Defense inspection to obtain a certificate to operate. 

School Age Care

School Age Care (SAC) offers vital support to military families. To enroll your children into SAC, visit the MilitaryChildCare.com. 

Key Benefits:

Safe and Structured Environment
Provides a secure, supervised setting for children ages 5-12, ensuring peace of mind for parents during work hours and deployments.

Academic Support
Offers homework assistance, tutoring, and educational activities to help children excel in school and develop lifelong learning habits.

Social Development
Encourages children to build friendships, improve communication skills, and develop teamwork through group activities and games.

Resilience Building
Promotes emotional well-being and adaptability by offering programs that help children manage the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent moves and parental deployments.

Recreational Activities
Provides engaging, age-appropriate recreational activities that promote physical fitness, creativity, and exploration.

Support for Military Readiness
Enables military parents to focus on their mission, knowing their children are in a supportive, enriching environment.

Affordable and Flexible Care Options
Offers cost-effective programs tailored to the needs of military families, with flexible care schedules to accommodate varying work hours.

Connection to MCCS Resources
Provides access to other MCCS programs, such as Family Advocacy, Youth Sports, and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), ensuring comprehensive support for families.

School Age Care programs are designed to strengthen military families and help children thrive, fostering a sense of community and stability within the Marine Corps lifestyle.

Hourly Child Care

Hourly child care may be available on your installation Child Development Centers (CDC) for an hourly rate per child.

• Hourly child care does not require parents to make a request on militarychildcare.com.
   
• Parents need to complete and submit the CDC packet and provide the necessary supporting documents to register their child.
   
• This service is provided based on space availability or may not be offered at your installation.
   
• Contact your local installation's CDC for availability.

PCS Workshop

The Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Workshop is designed to guide Marines and their families through every step of the relocation process. Whether it's your first move or one of many, our workshop provides valuable insights and resources to help you transition with ease.

Nine reasons to attend a PCS Workshop:

1. Policy
   Per MCO 1754.10B, attending the PCS Workshop is required for a smooth transition to your new duty station.
    
2. Installation-specific Information and Contacts
   Get valuable information about your new installation, including key contacts and local services.
    
3. Household Goods Weight Allowances & Entitlements
   Learn about your weight allowances for household goods and what entitlements you can access during your move.
    
4. Travel Allowances, Budget, and Government Card
   Understand your travel allowances, how to budget for the move, and how to use your government travel card.
    
5. Moving with Pets
   Receive guidance on transporting pets, quarantine regulations, and other related requirements.
    
6. School Liaison & Exceptional Family Member Program Resources
   Access support for school enrollment and resources for family members with special needs.
    
7. Spouse Employment Opportunities
   Discover job search assistance and career development resources for spouses.
    
8. Personalized Relocation Plan & Online Relocation Resources
   Create a customized relocation plan and explore online resources to streamline your move.
    
9. Sponsorship
   As per MCO 1320.11H, learn how to request a sponsor to help you adjust and settle into your new duty station.

Don’t move alone. Contact your Information, Referral, and Relocation specialist for PCS Workshop information.

School Liaison

• School Enrollment
  Guidance on enrolling children in local schools and understanding registration requirements.
   
• Local School Information
  Up-to-date resources about school districts, programs, and options available in the area.
   
• Home School Information
  Assisting families with guidance on registering with the DoDEA schools. 

• Exceptional Family Member Support
  Help with navigating the special education process and accessing available services.

• Transition Assistance
  Resources for families moving to a new area, including information on school calendars and schedules.

Exceptional Family Member Program

• Enrollment Assistance
  Guidance on enrolling in the EFMP and understanding program requirements.
   
• Specialized Support Services
  Access to resources for medical, educational, and emotional support tailored to family members with special needs.
   
• Transition Assistance
  Help with relocating to a new area, including information on local schools, medical facilities, and community services.
   
• Advocacy and Resources
  Connection to advocacy services and local support groups to assist families in accessing necessary care and benefits.
   
• Workshops and Training
  Opportunities for families to participate in workshops focused on managing special needs and navigating available resources.

Marine Corps Family Team Building

1. Identify Individual Needs: Determine what specific support or resources you or your family require. MCFTB offers a variety of workshops, classes, and resources tailored to different needs, including deployment support, spouse education and career assistance, relationship-enhancement, and more.
   
   MCFTB professionals can help you identify your specific needs.
    
2. Connect with MCFTB: Reach out to MCFTB professionals either in person or by phone. They can provide guidance on available programs, workshops, and resources that best suit your needs.
    
3. Attend Workshops and Classes: Participate in MCFTB workshops, classes, and events relevant to your situation. These could include pre-deployment briefs, relationship-enhancement classes, pre-marital and marital workshops, relocation assistance workshops, family readiness seminars, financial planning classes, and more.
    
4. Connect with Other Families: Take advantage of opportunities to connect with other Marine Corps families through MCFTB-sponsored events, support groups, and social media platforms. Building connections with other families can provide valuable support and camaraderie.

New Parent Support

New Parent Support offers guidance, education, and support to our Marines, their families throughout our military community. Eligible participants can access resources provided by New Parent Support.

Eligible Participants:

• Parents with children up to age 5
• DoD Spouses
• DoD Families

Connect with your New Parent Support office to begin your journey with our caring professionals. 

Information, Referral, and Relocation

Information, Referral, and Relocation (IR&R) services to support Marines and their families through life’s transitions, whether it’s a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), deployment, or other major milestones. These services are designed to ease the challenges of relocation and connect families to valuable resources within their community.

Key Services Provided:

• Welcome Aboard Brief
  Provides newcomers with essential information about their new installation, local community, and available resources.
   
• Relocation Assistance
  Offers one-on-one support for PCS moves, including help with planning, moving tips, and checklists to ensure a smooth transition.
   
• Requesting a Sponsor
  Connects Marines and their families with trained sponsors to provide personalized support and guidance during relocation.
   
• Lending Locker
  Supplies temporary household items, such as kitchenware and small appliances, to help families settle in while awaiting their belongings.
  ​
• Base Housing Support
  Offers guidance on housing options, including on-base housing, rental listings, and off-base accommodations.
   
• DEERS and ID Card Assistance
  Provides information and support for enrolling in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtaining necessary ID cards.
   
• Child Care and School Liaison Support
  Helps families find child care and connects them with School Liaison Officers for school registration and educational resources.
   
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Support
  Ensures families with special needs have access to tailored relocation assistance and resources at their new duty station.

Benefits of IR&R Services

• Reduces stress and uncertainty associated with frequent moves.
• Enhances readiness by ensuring families are well-informed and prepared.
• Strengthens connections within the Marine Corps community.
• Provides access to resources that promote resilience and stability.

Whether you’re transitioning to a new duty station or looking for local resources, IR&R services are here to support you every step of the way.

Budgeting for Child Care

The professionals at Personal Financial Management can help you prepare for financial changes by offering guidance on budgeting, saving, and managing child care expenses.

Life Skills Development Resources:

• Blended Retirement System (BRS)
• Car Buying
• Consumer Awareness
• Continuation Pay
• Couple Financial Counseling
• Credit Report and Credit Score Analysis Saving and Investing
• Credit / Debt Management
• Developing a Spending Plan
• Financial Education Action Points (FEAP)
• Individual Financial Counseling
• Major Purchases
• Military Pay & Benefits
• Retirement Planning
• Survivor Benefits Plan
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Understanding Military Retirement Benefits

Managing Stress

The Community Counseling Program utilizes a holistic approach to support individuals, children, couples, and families. Our professional clinicians provide solutions designed to meet your specific needs in the following areas:

• Relationship Concerns
• Work Stressors
• Life Stressors
• Trauma
• EAS/PCS and Challenges Related to Transition
• Grief and Loss
• Sadness
• Worry
• Deployment Cycle Stressors and Reintegration
• Adjustment
• Crisis Intervention
• Sleep Hygiene
• Parent-Child Communication

Establish a connection with professionals from your Community Counseling center and discover a successful journey toward overcoming life's challenges.

Community Counseling