Breaking Down the Child Care Proposals in the NDAA FY2025

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 has been released, and Operation Child Care Project (OCC Project) is closely following the developments. We are encouraged by any steps toward improving access to quality child care for military families. However, we remain concerned that most proposed amendments continue to center on Child Development Center (CDC) care, which serves only a fraction of eligible families. Below, we highlight key child care-related amendments that did not make the initial cut, amendments still under consideration, and what they might mean for military families.

Amendments That Did Not Make It

Several amendments addressing child care accessibility were proposed but did not make it into the current draft of the NDAA, click to learn more:

California Amendment

Colorado Amendment

Nevada Amendment

Texas Amendment

Although details on these specific amendments have not been widely shared, their exclusion limits potential solutions for families facing challenges outside the CDC system.

Key Amendments Still Under Consideration

Here are the amendments we are tracking as they move through the legislative process:

Sec. 583: Competitive Pay for Department of Defense Child Care Personnel

This amendment proposes aligning CDC worker salaries with local civilian child care providers. While OCC Project supports better pay for early educators, we worry this measure—if tied to the often low wages in local markets—may not yield the transformative change intended. We will monitor this amendment’s progress.

Sec. 584: Posting of National Child Abuse Hotline at Military Child Development Centers

Families have expressed concern about transparency and accountability regarding abuse and neglect allegations at CDCs. While posting hotline information is a small step forward, we hope to see more substantial measures to support affected families and improve oversight.

For additional context on this issue, read about recent developments in Japan or Hawaii.

Sec. 585 & Sec. 586: Waitlist Transparency

These sections propose increased reporting on CDC waitlists and outreach campaigns. Unfortunately, such data is typically not shared publicly, making it difficult to evaluate the true impact. OCC Project hopes these changes will eventually bring more clarity for families.

Sec. 588: Fully Funding MCCYN and Fee Assistance Programs

This amendment aims to fully fund requests for the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program and its fee assistance counterparts. We are optimistic this funding could also expand the Child Care in Your Home (CCYH) pilot program, providing more families access to care that meets their unique needs.

Sec. 589: Extending Employment-Seeking Eligibility for Fee Assistance

A major victory for families is the proposed shift from the current 90-day to a 180-day period for spouses seeking employment to access fee assistance. This change aligns with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing it typically takes over six months to secure a job. OCC Project’s CEO, Kayla Corbitt, has advocated for this adjustment over the last three years, and we are thrilled to see this amendment under consideration.

Sec. 589A: Staffing and Compensation Model for Child Development Programs

This amendment proposes a review of job duties and compensation for not only direct CDC staff but also program managers. It also discusses phased funding to add positions that support children with special needs. This effort mirrors a similar amendment from the FY23 NDAA, which began rolling out in September 2024. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available.

Sec. 633: Parent Fee Discounts for CDC Employees

This amendment standardizes free tuition for the first child of CDC workers across all military branches, with additional discounts for other children. Such benefits may enhance recruitment and retention of qualified child care staff.

Missing Language on Fee Assistance Cap

One glaring omission is the lack of language addressing the $1,800 monthly fee assistance cap for off-base child care, which has remained unchanged since 2023. This cap does not reflect the rising costs of care and continues to leave many families struggling to cover the difference. OCC Project will continue advocating for adjustments to this critical program.

What’s Next?

The NDAA still has a way to go before it is finalized, and many of these amendments may undergo further changes. OCC Project will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information emerges.

At Operation Child Care Project, we understand how complex these policies can be and what they mean for military families navigating child care challenges. We are here to help families decipher these programs and advocate for solutions that meet their needs. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us—we’re here for you every step of the way.