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When you think about military life, your mind might immediately jump to images of service members in uniform, deployment ceremonies, or even the constant moving from base to base. But behind those serving on the front lines are the military spouses who hold down the fort—quite literally—while juggling work, household duties, and child care. And if there’s one thing military spouses at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, know all too well, it’s the challenge of finding reliable and affordable child care.
In a recent interview with United We, Kayla Corbitt, founder of the Operation Child Care Project (OCCP), highlighted these very struggles. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Fort Liberty is home to thousands of families, but many of them find themselves in a child care dilemma that forces them to get creative with their schedules and savings.
Let’s dive into what Corbitt had to say about the day-to-day realities of military spouses at Fort Liberty and how OCCP is working to alleviate the child care burden.
The Constant Battle for Child Care at Fort Liberty
One of the biggest takeaways from Corbitt’s insights is that child care is an ongoing battle for military spouses at Fort Liberty. With the base hosting a massive population of service members and their families, the demand for child care far outstrips the supply. This leaves many families on long waiting lists for the military-run Child
Development Centers (CDC), and when spots do open up, they are snapped up quickly.
For those who don’t make it off the waiting list, the only alternative is to look off base, which comes with its own set of challenges. As Corbitt points out, many off-base child care providers are either too expensive or inconveniently located. Factor in the unpredictable schedules of military life—where service members may be deployed or called to duty at a moment’s notice—and the situation can become downright unmanageable.
The Struggle of Finding Affordable Options
Corbitt emphasizes that affordability is one of the most significant barriers for military families seeking child care. The cost of off-base child care near Fort Liberty can be as high as $1,500 per month, a price tag that many military families simply can’t afford without significant financial strain. For families with multiple children, this cost multiplies, leaving many parents in a financial bind.
Military families often rely on a combination of their service member’s pay and the income of the spouse, but when child care costs become equivalent to—or even exceed—a spouse’s entire paycheck, the economic benefit of working is lost. As a result, many military spouses feel forced to put their careers on hold or take up part-time jobs with more flexible hours, but that’s not always a feasible solution either.
Corbitt points out that the lack of affordable child care options often leads to tough decisions, like tapping into savings or cutting back on other essential expenses. For military families, who may already face financial challenges due to frequent moves or the costs associated with deployments, this only adds to their stress.
The Emotional Toll on Military Spouses
Beyond the financial burden, the child care crisis takes a significant emotional toll on military spouses. As Kayla Corbitt explains, many spouses feel like they are caught in a never-ending balancing act—trying to manage the household, care for the kids, support their spouse’s military career, and perhaps even maintain a job or pursue their own education.
Without reliable child care, many military spouses find themselves unable to pursue their own goals, leading to frustration and a sense of stagnation. They may also struggle with feelings of isolation, as they lack the time and opportunity to connect with other adults or engage in social activities. This can contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even depression, particularly for those who are far from family and support networks.
Corbitt is keen to highlight that this emotional toll is not just a personal issue—it’s a community issue. When military spouses are stressed, isolated, or burnt out, it affects the entire family dynamic. This can create additional stress for the service member, who may be deployed or working long hours, knowing that their spouse is struggling at home.
How OCCP Is Helping
Luckily, the Operation Child Care Project is stepping in to make a difference. Corbitt’s organization focuses on finding solutions for military families facing child care challenges, and they’re particularly focused on high-demand bases like Fort Liberty.
One of the ways OCCP is helping is by advocating for increased child care resources on military bases. They are pushing for more funding and staffing for Child Development Centers, which would help reduce wait times and make on-base care more accessible to military families.
In addition to advocating for policy changes, OCCP is also working to connect military families with off-base child care providers who are willing to offer discounted rates or flexible payment options. They’re building partnerships with local communities and businesses to create a network of support for military families, ensuring that child care doesn’t have to come at the cost of financial stability.
Another major focus of OCCP is providing educational resources for military families, helping them navigate the complex child care landscape. From offering tips on how to find affordable care to sharing information about available subsidies and financial assistance programs, OCCP is empowering military families to take control of their child care needs.
A Path Toward Relief
While the child care challenges at Fort Liberty are still ongoing, there is hope on the horizon thanks to the efforts of Kayla Corbitt and the Operation Child Care Project. By raising awareness, advocating for change, and building community-based solutions, OCCP is helping to lighten the load for military families and ensure that child care doesn’t have to be a constant source of stress.
The child care issue is more than just a logistical problem—it’s a mental health and financial well-being issue. And as Corbitt makes clear, solving this problem will not only benefit military spouses but also strengthen the entire military community by allowing families to thrive.
Takeaways:
Child care demand at Fort Liberty far exceeds supply, leaving many families on long waiting lists for on-base facilities.
Off-base child care is often too expensive, forcing families to dip into savings or make tough financial sacrifices.
The emotional toll on military spouses is significant, with many feeling isolated, stressed, and unable to pursue their own career or personal goals.
OCCP is advocating for more child care resources and connecting military families with affordable, off-base providers and support networks.
Community-driven solutions are key, with OCCP focusing on long-term relief through partnerships, resources, and policy changes.
For more information and to read the original article on this issue, check it out here.
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