Requesting Childcare

Families seeking child care at NAWS China Lake can access a variety of high-quality options through the Department of Defense’s child care system. Whether you need full-time care, part-time care, or community-based child care support, the process begins with creating an account and submitting a request through MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC). This centralized system allows families to view available programs, manage waitlists, and receive placement offers based on their needs and eligibility.

In addition to on-installation programs, eligible Navy families may qualify for fee assistance to help offset the cost of community child care when installation care is unavailable. This support is provided through Child Care Aware of America, the DoD’s official partner for child care fee assistance.

Child Care Aware of America – Fee Assistance

Child Care Aware of America supports military families through the Child Care Fee Assistance Programs, helping parents find and choose quality child care in communities across the United States. The program connects families with eligible providers and offers financial subsidies for qualifying military dependents enrolled in approved commercial child care programs.

Subsidy amounts are determined by total family income for eligible Navy families, and payments are made directly to the participating child care provider.

For help locating eligible child care, understanding program requirements, or learning more about fee assistance, call 1-800-424-2246, option 6, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–7 PM Eastern Time, or visit the Child Care Aware website.