.png)
Picture this: You’re in the middle of a military deployment, juggling everything from daily chores to a full-time job and, of course, taking care of your kids. Now, imagine doing all of this without reliable child care. This is the reality for many military families across the U.S., and it’s the challenge that Kayla Corbitt, founder of the Operation Child Care Project (OCCP), is passionately addressing.
Through her YouTube channel, Corbitt is sharing not only the struggles of military families but also the innovative solutions OCCP is bringing to the table. Her video content is a mix of real stories, practical advice, and community-building tips, all aimed at tackling the child care crisis that military families face. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s break down some of the key insights from Kayla Corbitt’s YouTube journey with OCCP.
The Child Care Puzzle: How Military Life Complicates Things
One of the recurring themes in Corbitt’s videos is how military life presents unique child care challenges. It’s not just about finding a daycare or a nanny—it’s about doing so while moving from base to base, often in unfamiliar cities or even countries. Military families face frequent relocations, which means just as they’ve settled into one child care arrangement, it’s time to pack up and start the process all over again.
In one video, Corbitt talks about how these constant moves can disrupt not only a child’s routine but also the parents’ ability to maintain jobs or pursue personal goals. Military spouses often have to choose between working and staying home because reliable child care is either unavailable or too expensive in the new location.
This struggle is made even harder by the long waitlists for on-base Child Development Centers (CDCs). With high demand and limited spots, many military families are left without access to these affordable options, forcing them to look elsewhere, often at a significant financial cost. Corbitt emphasizes that this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a problem that affects the entire well-being of the family.
The Financial Strain: How Child Care is Draining Military Family Budgets
If you’ve ever paid for child care, you know it can feel like you’re sending your kids to college a decade too early. For military families, the cost can be downright crippling. Through her YouTube channel, Corbitt dives into how the lack of affordable child care options on military bases puts tremendous financial strain on families, especially those who are already managing the unpredictable nature of military pay and deployments.
In one episode, she breaks down the numbers, comparing the costs of on-base versus off-base child care. While on-base centers provide more affordable rates, the reality is that not every family has access due to the limited availability. The alternative is paying out-of-pocket for off-base child care, where costs can soar as high as $1,200 to $2,000 per month per child.
For many military families, especially those with multiple children, these costs are unsustainable. Corbitt discusses how some families are forced to dip into savings, take on extra jobs, or even consider leaving the military because they can’t manage the financial pressure.
Mental Health: Why Reliable Child Care Matters for More Than Just Convenience
Through her videos, Corbitt also emphasizes the emotional and mental toll that child care shortages take on military families. Sure, child care gives parents a chance to work or take care of personal business, but it also provides much-needed relief. When you’re running on fumes, every hour of child care can feel like a lifeline.
Corbitt brings a powerful, human perspective to this issue by sharing personal stories of military spouses who’ve experienced burnout from trying to “do it all” without the support of reliable child care. In one video, she talks about a spouse who, with a deployed partner and no family nearby, struggled to care for her children while working a full-time job. The lack of child care left her feeling overwhelmed and isolated.
This mental health angle is something Corbitt champions through OCCP, not just in her YouTube content but in her overall mission. She argues that when military families have access to dependable child care, it alleviates a tremendous amount of stress and allows spouses to thrive, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s pursuing a career, taking a class, or simply having time to recharge, reliable child care is key to maintaining balance.
How OCCP is Changing the Game
One of the most exciting parts of Corbitt’s YouTube channel is hearing about the ways OCCP is creating real solutions for military families. Through partnerships, advocacy, and innovative programs, OCCP is working to bridge the child care gap.
For starters, OCCP is pushing for policy changes that would increase funding and resources for on-base child care centers, reducing wait times and making care more accessible to all families. In several videos, Corbitt explains how OCCP is advocating for child care subsidies, which would help families cover the high cost of off-base care.
Another key focus of OCCP is building a network of support for military families. Corbitt discusses how her organization is working with local communities and child care providers near military bases to offer discounted rates or flexible care options for military families. This community-driven approach is a cornerstone of OCCP’s mission and a major theme across Corbitt’s YouTube videos.
She also highlights success stories—military families who’ve benefited from OCCP’s programs and seen a dramatic improvement in their daily lives. These stories not only inspire other families but also showcase how much impact community-driven efforts can have.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
Perhaps the most heartwarming part of Kayla Corbitt’s YouTube content is her focus on the strength of the military community. In one video, she talks about how military families, despite their unique challenges, are some of the most resilient and resourceful people you’ll ever meet. But even the strongest families need help, and OCCP is committed to providing that help through collaboration and community support.
Corbitt’s YouTube channel isn’t just about highlighting the problem—it’s about rallying a community to find solutions. Whether it’s through partnerships with local businesses, working with military leadership, or connecting families with one another, OCCP is all about lifting each other up.
Solving the Child Care Crisis, One Video at a Time
Kayla Corbitt’s YouTube channel for the Operation Child Care Project is more than just a place to hear about the struggles military families face—it’s a platform for change. Through advocacy, storytelling, and a community-driven approach, Corbitt is leading the charge to solve the military child care crisis, one family at a time.
Whether you’re a military spouse, a service member, or just someone interested in supporting military families, Corbitt’s videos offer valuable insights into the challenges and solutions for child care. Her mission is clear: to provide military families with the resources, support, and care they need to thrive.
Takeaways:
Military families face unique child care challenges, from long waitlists to frequent relocations that disrupt care.
Child care costs are a major financial strain, with off-base care often exceeding $1,200 to $2,000 per month.
Mental health is impacted, as military spouses struggle with burnout and isolation without reliable child care support.
OCCP advocates for policy changes, increasing child care funding and pushing for subsidies to help cover costs.
Community-driven solutions are key, with OCCP working to connect military families with local child care providers and support networks.
To watch Kayla Corbitt’s videos and learn more about how OCCP is changing the game for military families, check out her YouTube channel here.
Comments