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For military families, finding reliable and affordable child care can sometimes feel like an impossible mission. Between juggling deployments, moves, and unpredictable schedules, military parents often face unique challenges when it comes to raising kids—especially when child care is in short supply. But don’t worry, there’s hope on the horizon, and it comes in the form of Kayla Corbitt and her organization, the Operation Child Care Project™ (OCCP).
In a recent interview with We Are The Mighty, Corbitt dives deep into how OCCP is tackling the child care crisis head-on and the innovative ways they’re supporting military families. Whether you’re a military parent or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes struggles of military life, this blog breaks down Corbitt’s key insights and the inspiring solutions OCCP is bringing to the table.
The Child Care Crisis for Military Families: Not Just a Scheduling Headache
For many civilians, finding a good daycare or nanny can be a stressful process, but for military families, it’s a whole new level of difficult. Corbitt points out that one of the biggest challenges military parents face is simply the availability of child care.
Many military installations offer Child Development Centers (CDCs) on base, but there’s often a long waitlist for these services. Imagine moving to a new duty station and discovering that you won’t have a spot for your child in daycare for months—or even years. For military spouses who need to work, attend school, or simply take care of other responsibilities, this can be a massive roadblock.
Off-base options aren’t much easier. They’re often expensive, difficult to find, or not flexible enough to meet the needs of military families with unpredictable schedules. Corbitt stresses that the inconsistency of military life only amplifies the child care problem, forcing many families to rely on a patchwork of care arrangements or leave one parent out of the workforce entirely.
Financial Strain: Child Care Costs More Than You Think
We’ve all heard that child care can be expensive, but for military families, this is often compounded by their specific needs and frequent relocations. Corbitt explains that the cost of child care can take up a significant portion of a family’s income, particularly for those stationed in high-cost areas.
For some military families, finding affordable child care off base means paying more than they can comfortably afford, which often leads to financial strain. Corbitt mentions that many military families end up spending a shocking amount of their budget on child care, sometimes forcing them to dip into savings or sacrifice other important financial goals.
And it’s not just about money. The stress that comes with trying to balance the cost of care, a military career, and family responsibilities can create tension at home. Military spouses often have to put their careers on hold because they can’t find or afford care, which can result in frustration and financial dependence. Corbitt notes that this dynamic can impact the entire family’s well-being, making child care access not just a logistical issue but an emotional one as well.
Mental Health: The Hidden Toll of Child Care Struggles
Child care isn’t just a scheduling or financial problem—it’s a mental health issue, too. Corbitt talks about how many military spouses experience feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety as they try to juggle their family’s needs. Without reliable child care, many spouses find it nearly impossible to carve out time for themselves, whether it’s to pursue a career, engage in self-care, or simply get some rest.
Corbitt highlights that many military spouses are left feeling like they’re constantly “on” with no chance for a break. When your spouse is deployed or working long hours, and you can’t find anyone to help care for your kids, the pressure can feel overwhelming. This leads to burnout, which impacts not only the spouse but the entire family dynamic.
OCCP’s mission goes beyond just finding child care options—it’s about creating an environment where military families feel supported, mentally and emotionally. By addressing the child care crisis, OCCP is helping to ease the mental load that many military families carry every day.
How Operation Child Care Project is Making a Difference
So, what exactly is OCCP doing to help military families? Kayla Corbitt’s vision is simple: to make child care more accessible, affordable, and flexible for military parents. But the solutions are anything but simple—they’re innovative, community-driven, and designed with the unique needs of military families in mind.
One of OCCP’s core strategies is working closely with military bases to increase the availability of child care services. Whether that means advocating for more funding for on-base CDCs or helping expand off-base partnerships with local child care providers, OCCP is committed to reducing wait times and improving access.
Corbitt’s organization also focuses on building a support network for military families, connecting them with resources they might not know are available. From subsidies and scholarships to helping families navigate the complexities of finding flexible care arrangements, OCCP provides a lifeline for military parents who feel like they’re on their own.
Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of OCCP’s work is its advocacy. Corbitt and her team are constantly pushing for policy changes that will benefit military families, whether it’s more funding for child care programs or increasing support for military spouses in the workforce. By working at both the grassroots and policy levels, OCCP is helping create long-term, sustainable solutions for military families.
A Community That Cares
One thing Kayla Corbitt is quick to emphasize is that military families are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. The Operation Child Care Project is built on the belief that by working together—military families, local communities, and policymakers—we can build a stronger support system for those who serve our country.
Corbitt’s message is clear: child care isn’t just a military family issue—it’s a community issue. When we support military families, we strengthen our entire community. Through collaboration and advocacy, OCCP is helping to break down the barriers that make child care so difficult for military families, ensuring that parents can focus on what matters most: raising happy, healthy children.
Easing the Child Care Crisis, One Family at a Time
Kayla Corbitt and the Operation Child Care Project are shining a light on one of the most pressing issues facing military families today. By focusing on child care access, affordability, and mental health, OCCP is making a real difference in the lives of military parents across the country.
Military life is filled with challenges, but child care shouldn’t be one of them. Thanks to Corbitt’s leadership, more military families are finding the support they need to navigate the complexities of child care, work, and family life. The work of OCCP is far from over, but the impact is undeniable—and it’s only just beginning.
Takeaways:
Child care availability is limited, especially on military bases, leaving many families on long waitlists or scrambling for expensive off-base options.
Military families face financial strain due to high child care costs, often sacrificing savings or financial goals to afford care.
The mental health impact is significant, with military spouses feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and burnt out without reliable child care.
OCCP advocates for more child care resources, policy changes, and community support to make child care more accessible and affordable.
Building a support network for military families is crucial, with OCCP connecting them to available resources and support systems.
For the full article and more insights from Kayla Corbitt, check it out here.
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