Child and Youth Programs (CYP)

Start Here If You Are New to CYP

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS (CYP) provide high-quality childcare and recreational programs to support eligible families at Marine Corps installations. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, available for children 6 WEEKS THROUGH 12 YEARS of age, include CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS, SCHOOL AGE CARE, and FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES. Programs offer FULL-DAY, PART-TIME, and HOURLY child care depending on location. YOUTH PROGRAMS serve children ages 6 TO 18 at many installation locations. Programs are designed to enrich children's SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE, AND PHYSICAL growth and development. CYP staff partner with parents to meet each individual child's needs in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. Request care through MCCS Child Care system. Coordinated with EFMP for special needs accommodation. Per DoDI 6060.02DoDI 6060.02 and Marine Corps Community Services policy.

This page walks you through CYP from your seat as a Marine. By the end you will know.

• The three main child development program types
• Age ranges (6 weeks through 18 years)
• Child Development Centers (CDCs)
• School Age Care (SAC)
• Family Child Care (FCC) homes
• Youth Programs (ages 6-18)
• Full-day, part-time, and hourly options
• How to request care through MCCS
• Pricing and subsidies
• EFMP coordination for special needs
• Common waitlist realities and alternatives

Every fact on this page comes from DoDI 6060.02DoDI 6060.02, DoDI 6060.03DoDI 6060.03, DoDI 6060.04DoDI 6060.04, MCO 1710.30MCO 1710.30, and Marine Corps Community Services published guidance.

What CYP Is

CYP is the umbrella for childcare and youth programs delivered by MCCS at Marine Corps installations. CYP exists to.

• Support military readiness by providing reliable childcare for service members.
• Enrich child development with quality programming.
• Provide age-appropriate activities for children and youth.
• Reduce family stress associated with finding quality care.

Why CYP Exists

• Marines often work non-standard hours.
• Frequent PCS disrupts civilian childcare arrangements.
• Quality childcare in some installation areas is scarce.
• Military families have unique needs (deployment, training absences, dual-military households).

The Three Main Child Development Program Types

Child Development Centers (CDCs)

Center-based childcare for ages 6 weeks through 5 years (pre-kindergarten).

• DoD-certified facilities.
• Typically offer full-day care during business hours.
• Programs structured around child development milestones.
• Some accept part-time enrollments.
• Hourly care may be available depending on capacity.

School Age Care (SAC)

Before-school, after-school, and school-break programs for children K-6 (typically ages 5-12).

• Offered at installation school-age centers.
• Coordinated with local school district schedules.
• Summer and holiday camp programs.
• Homework support, recreation, and enrichment activities.

Family Child Care (FCC) Homes

Smaller in-home childcare provided by certified FCC providers (typically a Marine spouse or military-affiliated person operating from their home).

• Smaller group sizes (typically up to 6 children).
• More flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
• Mixed-age groupings.
• Personalized care.
• Same DoD certification standards apply.

Age Ranges Served

CDC Age Ranges

• Infant. 6 weeks to 12 months.
• Pre-toddler. 12 to 24 months.
• Toddler. 24 to 36 months.
• Pre-school. 3 to 5 years.

School Age Care

• Kindergarten through 6th grade.
• Approximately ages 5 to 12.

Youth Programs

• Ages 6 to 18.
• Includes Middle School Programs (typically 11-13).
• Includes Teen Programs (typically 13-18).

Youth Programs (Ages 6-18)

Youth Programs are offered at many installation locations and provide.

What Youth Programs Cover

• After-school recreation.
• Sports leagues.
• Special interest clubs.
• Teen centers.
• Leadership development.
• Service learning and volunteer opportunities.
• Camps and outdoor activities.
• Educational support.

Where Youth Programs Are Offered

• Installation Youth Centers (varies by installation).
• Coordinated with installation MCCS Recreation.
• Some programs partner with national organizations (Boys and Girls Clubs of America affiliations).

Why Youth Programs Matter

• Older children also benefit from military community connection.
• Peer support during PCS and deployment.
• Structured activities reduce risk-taking behavior.
• College and career preparation.

Full-Day, Part-Time, and Hourly Options

Full-Day Care

• Most common for working parents.
• Typically 6 AM to 6 PM windows depending on installation.
• Year-round availability.
• Standard pricing.

Part-Time Care

• 2-3 days per week or half-days.
• Useful for parents with non-standard schedules or for socialization purposes.
• Limited availability depending on enrollment.

Hourly Care

• Drop-in care for short-term needs (medical appointments, single-day events, occasional needs).
• Limited capacity.
• May require advance scheduling.

Evening and Weekend Care

• Generally NOT available at CDCs (which operate business hours).
• May be available through FCC homes.
• Some installations have specific evening programs for events.

How to Request Care Through MCCS

Step 1. Visit MilitaryChildCare.com

The DoD central system for requesting child care at military installations is MilitaryChildCare.com.

• Search by installation.
• Submit care request specifying needs (age, hours, type).
• Be placed on the wait list (most installations have wait lists).

Step 2. Coordinate With Installation MCCS

• Visit MCCS website for your installation.
• Contact installation Resource and Referral office.
• Tour CDCs and meet staff if planning long-term enrollment.

Step 3. Track Wait List

• Wait times vary widely by installation, age group, and program.
• Some installations have year-long wait lists for infant care.
• Others have shorter waits for older children.

Step 4. Plan Backup Options

• Civilian childcare in the local community.
• Family Child Care homes (often shorter waits).
• Hourly care for emergency needs.

When You Receive An Offer

• Accept promptly to secure spot.
• Complete enrollment paperwork.
• Provide medical and emergency information.
• Coordinate first-day orientation.

Pricing and Subsidies

DoD Subsidized Pricing

CYP fees are subsidized by DoD to make childcare affordable for military families.

• Fee structure based on Total Family Income (TFI).
• Higher-income families pay more, lower-income pay less.
• Across all categories, fees are typically below comparable civilian rates.

Fee Categories

• Categories I through IX based on TFI bands.
• Annual fee schedule published by DoD.
• Fees recalculated when TFI changes (PCS, promotion, spouse income change).

Multi-Child Discounts

Some discounts available for families with multiple children enrolled.

Subsidy Programs

For families using off-base childcare due to no on-base availability or geographic constraints, subsidy programs may apply.

• Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood.
• Child Care Aware of America Fee Assistance Program.

EFMP Coordination for Special Needs

How CYP Accommodates Special Needs

CYP serves children with special needs in inclusive settings whenever possible.

• Trained staff for common conditions.
• Individual care plans.
• Coordination with EFMP and family.
• Accommodations per regulation.

When CYP Cannot Accommodate

If a child's needs exceed CYP capacity, alternative options are explored.

• Specialized civilian childcare.
• Respite care through EFMP.
• TRICARE ECHO services.
• Community-based programs.

Coordination Process

• EFMP enrollment first.
• Coordinate with installation EFMP Coordinator.
• CYP staff trained on EFMP family member needs.
• Individual planning for specific child needs.

See Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).

Common Waitlist Realities

Infant Care Wait Lists

• Often the longest wait. Some installations have 6-12 month waits for infant slots.
• Plan ahead. Add to wait list as soon as pregnancy is confirmed if possible.

Toddler and Pre-School Wait Lists

• Shorter than infant typically.
• Still varies by installation.

School Age Care Availability

• Generally easier to secure than CDC slots.
• Summer programs may have different availability.

Family Child Care Availability

• Often more immediate than CDC.
• Capacity varies based on certified providers in the area.

Geographic Variation

Some installations have abundant CYP capacity (often older, larger installations). Others have severe shortages (often newer or expanding installations).

Common Failure Points

Late Wait List Sign-Up

Marines wait until they need care to sign up. Wait time means months without care.

Mitigation. Sign up via MilitaryChildCare.com as early as possible (during pregnancy or after PCS confirmation).

Failure to Accept Offered Slot

Marines decline an offered slot waiting for a different age group or different facility. May lose place in line.

Mitigation. Take available care when offered if needed.

No Backup Plan

Marines depend solely on CYP and have no civilian backup.

Mitigation. Identify backup civilian providers, occasional family/friend support, or FCC homes.

Incorrect TFI Reporting

Marines underreport TFI to lower fees. Audit may catch this and create back-charges.

Mitigation. Report TFI accurately. Adjust as TFI changes.

EFMP Coordination Missed

Marines do not communicate special needs to CYP. Care quality and safety affected.

Mitigation. Coordinate with EFMP and CYP from enrollment day one.

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1. New Marine Just Married Expecting First Child

• Add to MilitaryChildCare.com wait list during pregnancy.
• Tour CDC at installation.
• Plan for backup civilian care if wait list is long.
• Confirm TRICARE pediatrician.

Scenario 2. PCS to New Installation With Existing Children

• Add to MilitaryChildCare.com wait list at gaining installation as soon as PCS confirmed.
• Coordinate with losing installation CDC for transfer documentation.
• Identify civilian providers in gaining area as backup.

Scenario 3. Single Parent After Divorce

• CYP critical for daily work.
• Coordinate with FRO and Family Care Plan.
• Combination of full-day care and SAC for school-age children.

Scenario 4. Dual-Military Couple With Multiple Children

• Both spouses need reliable childcare.
• Multiple children means multiple wait lists.
• FCC homes often more flexible for non-standard hours.

Scenario 5. EFMP Family With Special Needs Child

• Coordinate with EFMP first.
• CYP enrollment with individual care plan.
• TRICARE ECHO for additional services.

Cross References

• For special needs coordination, see Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
• For school transitions, see School Liaison Program (SLP)
• For Family Care Plan, see Family Care Plan (FCP)
• For unit-level family readiness, see Family Readiness Services (UPFRP)
• For overall MF framework, see Marine and Family Programs Overview and Authorities

Quick Reference

• Authority. DoDI 6060.02DoDI 6060.02 and MCO 1710.30MCO 1710.30.
• Age range. 6 weeks through 18 years across program types.
• Programs. CDCs, SAC, FCC homes, Youth Programs.
• Hours. Full-day, part-time, hourly available.
• Request. MilitaryChildCare.com.
• Pricing. DoD subsidized based on TFI.
• EFMP. Coordinated for special needs.

Records To Keep

• MilitaryChildCare.com account and request status
• Enrollment confirmation and emergency contacts
• Medical and immunization records
• Care plan if EFMP family member
• Fee statements and TFI documentation

If you have a question about CYP, your installation MCCS Resource and Referral office or installation CDC director is your first contact. For DoD-level system questions, MilitaryChildCare.com support is available.