Lessons from the Military to Fix North Carolina's Child Care Crisis

5:30 PM    child care , children , children and families , education , military   

The U.S. Military’s Child Care Crisis and Lessons for Today

The U.S. military faced a significant challenge to national security in the late 20th century, one that was not related to traditional threats like war or terrorism. Instead, it stemmed from a lack of affordable, accessible, and high-quality child care. This issue impacted the recruitment and retention of service members, ultimately affecting the military's ability to defend the nation.

Following the end of the Vietnam War, the military transitioned from a conscription-based system to an all-volunteer force. This shift led to a growing number of service members with families, many of whom had young children. The increase in dual-income households created a surge in demand for child care services, but the existing infrastructure struggled to meet this need.

The child care crisis of the 1970s and 1980s mirrored the challenges faced by civilians today. Families found themselves on long waitlists for child care, often resorting to less reliable options that lacked proper standards for safety, teacher training, and curriculum. Educators were underpaid, leading to high turnover and further destabilizing the system.

Recognizing the threat to the future of the nation, elected officials took action. Congress passed the Military Child Care Act of 1989, which prioritized affordability, accessibility, and quality in child care for service members. This legislation laid the foundation for a robust child care system that continues to serve military families today.

A Historical Perspective: The Lanham Act of 1940

The military’s leadership in child care is not a new phenomenon. During World War II, as women entered the workforce in large numbers, the need for child care became evident. In response, Congress enacted the Lanham Act of 1940, creating a nationwide, universal child care system to support working families with children through age 12.

Federal grants were provided to communities that demonstrated a need for child care related to parents working in the defense industry. Between 1943 and 1946, over $1.4 billion (in 2025 dollars) was distributed to more than 600 communities across 47 states. These funds supported the construction and maintenance of child care facilities, teacher training, and student meals.

Research by Chris M. Herbst of Arizona State University showed that the Lanham Act increased maternal employment and improved outcomes for children. The program succeeded due to broad support from parents, educators, and employers who recognized the importance of child care for the collective future.

The Modern Military Child Care Model

Since the passage of the Military Child Care Act of 1989, the military has developed a widely acclaimed model for publicly subsidized early care and learning. This system serves approximately 200,000 children each year and includes four main types of child care:

• Child Development Centers (CDCs): Provide care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers during standard work hours.
• Family Child Care (FCC): Offered by qualified professionals in their homes, with flexible care options.
• 24/7 Centers: Designed for shift workers, providing care during non-traditional hours.
• School Aged Care (SAC): Facility-based care for children from kindergarten through seventh grade.

Military-operated child care programs are subject to stringent requirements, often exceeding state standards. Many are accredited by organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In North Carolina, only 110 programs are NAEYC-accredited out of about 5,300 licensed programs.

Fees for military child care are based on income, ranging from $45 to $224 per week. This model ensures that most families pay less than the national average for higher-quality care. The Department of Defense budgets around $1.8 billion for child care in 2024, representing 0.2% of its total budget.

Child Care in North Carolina

In addition to military-operated programs, service members may be eligible for the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program, which subsidizes child care in civilian communities. North Carolina is one of 19 locations where the MCCYN-PLUS program expands access to high-quality care through state or local Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS).

However, North Carolina faces a child care shortage, with nearly 6% of licensed programs closing since February 2020. The state hosts 12 military bases and over 130,000 active-duty service members, making child care access a critical issue.

Lessons from Military Child Care

Policymakers can learn valuable lessons from the military’s approach to child care. Key takeaways include:

1. Do Not Be Daunted by the Task: Change is possible, and progress starts with a clear goal.
2. Acknowledge the Seriousness of the Problem: Recognize the consequences of inaction and the link between child care and workforce participation.
3. Improve Quality: Establish and enforce comprehensive standards, provide training, and ensure fair compensation for educators.
4. Keep Parent Fees Affordable: Use subsidies to make high-quality child care accessible to all.
5. Expand Availability: Continuously assess unmet needs and take action to address them.
6. Commit the Resources Necessary: Investing in child care is essential for long-term success.

These lessons, highlighted in reports from the National Women’s Law Center and other organizations, remain relevant today. As North Carolina and other states grapple with child care shortages, the military’s model offers a proven path forward.