Trusted child care for military and federal families nationwide
Quality care wherever life takes your family
With more than 1,500 centers nationwide, KinderCare® is one of the largest child care providers serving military families. From infant care and preschool to before- and after-school programs and summer camp, we’re here to help your family find high-quality care and explore benefits that may help with the cost.
Military life can mean moving, but your child’s learning doesn’t have to start over. Find familiar care and consistent learning through life’s transitions, including:
- Preparing for a PCS move
- Adjusting to a new assignment
- Returning from deployment
- Returning to work
Why military families choose KinderCare
- Consistent care across the country. Choose from our network of child care locations at KinderCare and Skyrise School® for trusted care, consistent curriculum, and familiar routines near home, work, or your next duty station.
- Qualified, caring teachers. Our teachers complete background checks and ongoing training to help your child learn, grow, and build confidence.
- A safe place to thrive. Secure entry, name-to-face attendance, and health and wellness practices help keep your child safe.
- Learning that builds a strong foundation. Our research-based curriculum supports your child's academic, physical, and social-emotional growth at every age and stage.
- Flexible programs and schedules. Our centers offer full-day, part-time, before- and after-school care, and summer camp to fit your family's needs.*
- Stay connected wherever you are. Get daily photos, updates, and messages from your child's classroom delivered right to your phone through the KinderCare App.
Benefits for military families
Military families may qualify for:
- Military Fee Assistance to help lower the cost of child care.
- Reserved Child Care Spaces for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years at select KinderCare centers in the San Diego and National Capital Region (NCR). Your child may be able to start while your child care request is being processed. Contact your local center director to learn about your options.
How to apply:
- Create an account on MilitaryChildCare.com and enter your family and military information.
- Search for participating KinderCare centers and submit a Request for Care.
If your preferred KinderCare center isn't listed on MilitaryChildCare.com, contact the center director to see if they participate in Military Fee Assistance. - Check your MilitaryChildCare.com account and email for offers, requests for information, and next steps.
- Once you receive an offer or approval, your local KinderCare team will help you enroll.
Benefits for federal employee families
Federal families may qualify for subsidies to help lower the cost of child care.
How to apply for federal subsidies
Contact your agency’s child care subsidy program to learn about available benefits, check eligibility, and apply.
Who Can Qualify for Benefits
Military Families
- Active duty
- National Guard
- Reserve members
- Coast Guard
- Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees
- Gold Star spouses and other eligible military-connected families
Federal Employees
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- National Park Service (NPS)
- Other participating federal agencies
Eligibility and available benefits vary by military branch, federal agency, program, and location.
Programs for Every Age
- Infant Care (6 Weeks to 1 Year)
- Toddler Care (1 to 2 Years)
- Discovery Preschool (2 to 3 Years)
- Preschool (3 to 4 Years)
- Prekindergarten (4-5 years)
- Kindergarten (5-6 years)
- Before- and After-School Programs (5 to 12 Years)
- Summer Camp (5 to 12 Years)
Military and Federal Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access military and federal child care benefits?
If you’re part of a military family or work for a participating federal agency, you may qualify for child care benefits. Eligibility varies by program, agency, and location.
What benefits are available?
Depending on your eligibility and location, you may qualify for help paying for child care or access to reserved child care spaces.
How do I apply?
If you’re a military family, start at MilitaryChildCare.com to explore your options and request care. If you’re a federal employee, contact your agency’s child care subsidy program to learn how to apply.
Do I need to wait for military benefits before enrolling?
No. If space is available, your child may be able to start at KinderCare while your military child care request is being processed.
Are reserved child care spaces available at every KinderCare center?
No. Reserved child care spaces are available at select KinderCare centers in the San Diego and National Capital regions. Additional locations may be added in the future.
I’m moving to a new duty station. When should I start looking for child care?
You can start looking for child care as soon as you receive your PCS orders. Starting early gives you more time to explore KinderCare locations, request care, and plan for your move.
Do benefits need to be renewed?
Some military child care benefits need to be reviewed or renewed from time to time. Keep your information up to date on MilitaryChildCare.com to help avoid a break in your benefits.
Who determines if my family qualifies?
Your military branch, federal agency, or child care program determines eligibility and approves benefits. We can help you explore participating KinderCare options and understand what to do next.
How can I learn more about benefits available at my local center?
Your local KinderCare team is here to help. Contact your center director to learn about available programs, benefits, and enrollment options.
Find a KinderCare near you
Search for a center near your home, workplace, or new duty station. Schedule a tour to learn more about available child care programs, military and federal child care benefits, and enrollment options.
We're here to help
Whether you're applying for Military Fee Assistance, planning child care around a PCS move, or looking for a new KinderCare near your next duty station, our local teams are here to walk you through available programs, military benefits, and the enrollment process.
*Military child care benefits are subject to eligibility and program requirements. Participation varies by location. Reserved Child Care Spaces are limited, and wait times may vary. Family fees are determined by the applicable military program and individual circumstances.