Federal Initiative Expands Affordable Child Care Options for Military Families

SAN DIEGO, California — Military families in San Diego County can now access affordable child care services through a recently expanded federal initiative. Launched on April 15, 2025, the program aims to connect families with over 400 community child care providers while providing financial aid to mitigate out-of-pocket expenses, according to county officials.

The expanded initiative, termed Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS, is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), with the San Diego County Office of Education responsible for vetting the participating providers. Executive Director of Early Education Programs and Services, Rita Palet, noted that on-base child development centers have limited space, which often leaves many families waiting for enrollment.

“I just think San Diego is the perfect place to have this partnership,” Palet said. “We have close to 1,000 families right now on a waiting list.”

The need is particularly high for full-day, year-round programs for children under four, though some slots remain available because many children have transitioned to transitional kindergarten.

The participating care providers were previously part of the county’s Quality Preschool Initiative, which champions child development programs and improves their quality. By joining the military child care initiative, providers gain a dependable income through direct payments from the military.

Palet emphasized that aligning licensing requirements between the DoD and California took nearly three years. “What they consider quality, and what we consider quality in California,” she added.

The program spans from infant care up to age five, and the website listing providers will also link families to educational resources. For many military families who relocate to the San Diego region, community access is vital as they often lack familial support.

<p“Child development centers integrate themselves into communities effectively and understand their needs,” Palet stated. “When you’re coming brand new to a location, it’s overwhelming — what do you do when you’re not at work? How do you meet people?”

Families can find detailed information on participating providers through the program’s official website.

Meanwhile, in a separate child care initiative, Howard County, Maryland, announced 27 recipients of the Economic Development Authority’s $1 million Childcare Capital Grant on April 15, 2025. The grant aims to create new childcare spaces and improve existing facilities, marking an important investment in the community.

“Finding quality and affordable childcare is an issue that affects an entire community—not just families,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said, underscoring the broader economic impact of the initiative.

The $1 million grant program supports the creation, repair, and expansion of childcare centers, with awarded grants ranging from $12,000 to $165,000. The outcome will be over 100 new childcare placements as existing centers expand.

<p“The investments we are making will ensure we are creating more opportunities for those who want to work with children and for families who cannot afford the high cost of childcare,” Ball continued.

Some childcare providers express optimism regarding these initiatives. “We’re not waiting for change; we’re leading it,” said Amanda Morton, Executive Director of Cradlerock Children’s Center. “We are committed to removing financial barriers to equal access to exceptional education.”

However, challenges remain visible in other regions such as Colorado Springs, where Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base have temporarily paused new childcare enrollments due to hiring freezes affecting their staffing levels. Kayla Corbitt, founder of a nonprofit advocacy group for military families, highlighted how these circumstances could compel military families to seek off-base childcare, potentially displacing local families already struggling to find childcare.

The situation is further complicated by existing data revealing El Paso County and Colorado Springs as childcare deserts, with a noted shortfall of approximately 17,000 needed childcare spots.