Childcare Provider Travel Pilot
Plain-language walkthrough of the Childcare Provider Travel Pilot during PCS. Per MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 4. Pilot period 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027. Up to $500 CONUS or $1,500 OCONUS for travel costs of a designated childcare provider when CDC services are unavailable within 30 days of the Marine's report date at the new PDS. Authorizes commercial transportation only (air, rail, bus, transportation to and from terminal, en route lodging, or departure rental car). The reimbursement helps Marine families maintain childcare continuity during PCS transitions.
Start Here If You Are New to the Childcare Provider Travel Pilot
Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 4, the Childcare Provider Travel Pilot reimburses Marines for the cost of bringing a designated childcare provider to the new PDS when on-base Child Development Center (CDC) services are unavailable within 30 days of the Marine's report date. Up to $500 for CONUS PCS. Up to $1,500 for OCONUS PCS. The pilot runs from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027. Reimbursement covers commercial transportation only. Air, rail, bus, transportation to and from the terminal, en route lodging, or rental car at departure. The pilot supports Marine families through PCS transitions where the local CDC has wait-list constraints.
This page walks you through the Childcare Provider Travel Pilot from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.
- The MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 framework and pilot dates
- $500 CONUS / $1,500 OCONUS reimbursement caps
- The 30-day CDC unavailability trigger
- Authorized expenses (commercial transportation only)
- Documentation requirements
- DTS submission process
Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 4, JTR Chapter 5, and Title 37 U.S.C.Title 37 U.S.C.
What the Pilot Covers
Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 4, the Childcare Provider Travel Pilot reimburses Marines for the travel cost of a designated childcare provider relocating to the Marine's new PDS during PCS.
The pilot recognizes the operational reality of CDC wait-list constraints at many installations. Families often arrive at a new PDS without immediate access to on-base childcare. Bringing a designated childcare provider from outside the local area bridges the gap.
Pilot Period
The Childcare Provider Travel Pilot runs from 1 October 2024 through 30 September 2027. Marines on PCS orders during this window are eligible if they meet the criteria. The pilot status is reviewed before the 2027 sunset date for potential extension or transition to permanent policy.
Eligibility Criteria
Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 4.
Marine on PCS Orders
The Marine is on official PCS orders to a CONUS or OCONUS PDS.
CDC Unavailable Within 30 Days
The on-base Child Development Center at the gaining installation has no available slot for the Marine's child within 30 days of the Marine's report date.
Designated Childcare Provider
The Marine designates a specific childcare provider to travel to the new PDS. The provider is identified in the reimbursement request.
Documentation of CDC Unavailability
The Marine produces documentation from the gaining installation CDC showing the wait-list status or unavailability. This documentation supports the reimbursement claim.
Reimbursement Caps
CONUS PCS
Up to $500 for transportation costs of the designated childcare provider for a CONUS PCS.
OCONUS PCS
Up to $1,500 for transportation costs of the designated childcare provider for an OCONUS PCS. The higher cap reflects the cost of international travel.
Authorized Expenses
Per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 4, the reimbursement covers commercial transportation only.
Air, Rail, Bus
- Commercial airfare for the childcare provider.
- Commercial rail or bus fare.
Transportation To and From Terminal
- Commercial transportation between the provider's home and the departure airport, train station, or bus terminal.
- Commercial transportation between the destination terminal and the new PDS area.
En Route Lodging
Lodging during the provider's travel to the new PDS when overnight stays are required during transit.
Departure Rental Car
A rental car at the departure location if the provider's transportation requires a rental car for the initial leg.
NOT Authorized
The reimbursement does NOT cover.
- Childcare provider compensation or wages.
- Provider housing at the new PDS beyond en route travel lodging.
- Provider meals beyond standard transportation-related expenses.
- Provider visa or immigration costs.
- Provider personal expenses unrelated to travel.
Documentation Requirements
The Marine submits the reimbursement request through DTS with supporting documentation.
Required Documentation
- CDC wait-list or unavailability statement from the gaining installation.
- Designation of the childcare provider (name, relationship, role).
- Receipts for all transportation expenses.
- Endorsement on PCS orders if required by the gaining unit.
Receipts
All claimed expenses require receipts regardless of amount. The pilot is strictly receipt-based.
DTS Submission
The Marine submits the Childcare Provider Travel reimbursement through the Defense Travel System (DTS) on DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher).
Workflow
- Marine receives PCS orders to a new PDS.
- Marine contacts the gaining installation CDC for wait-list status.
- CDC issues wait-list documentation showing 30-day or greater unavailability.
- Marine designates a childcare provider.
- Marine arranges commercial transportation for the provider.
- Marine retains all receipts.
- After arrival at the new PDS, Marine submits the voucher in DTS with receipts and CDC documentation.
- AO approves and routes to DFAS for payment.
Common Questions Marines Ask
How much do I get reimbursed?
Up to $500 for CONUS or $1,500 for OCONUS. The cap covers total commercial transportation costs.
How long is the pilot?
1 October 2024 through 30 September 2027.
What does "CDC unavailable within 30 days" mean?
The on-base Child Development Center at the gaining installation has no available slot for your child within 30 days of your report date. The CDC issues a wait-list or unavailability statement.
Who qualifies as a designated childcare provider?
The Marine identifies the provider in the reimbursement request. Common designations include family members or trusted childcare professionals traveling to support the family during the PCS transition.
Does the reimbursement cover the provider's wages?
No. The reimbursement covers commercial transportation only. Provider compensation, housing at the new PDS, and other living expenses are at the Marine's expense.
What transportation modes qualify?
Commercial air, rail, or bus. Transportation to and from the terminal. En route lodging if travel requires overnight stays. Departure rental car if needed for the initial leg.
How do I document CDC unavailability?
Contact the gaining installation CDC directly. Request the wait-list status or unavailability statement. Attach the documentation to your DTS voucher.
What if my OCONUS provider travel exceeds $1,500?
The cap is $1,500 for OCONUS. Costs above $1,500 are at the Marine's expense.
Where to Go for Help
Routing by Issue
- Pilot framework verification. The MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 message at https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/.
- CDC wait-list documentation. The gaining installation CDC office or MCCS Children, Youth, and Teen Programs (CYTP).
- Travel voucher submission. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
- DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).
Where to Go Next on This Site
- PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
- PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
- Member and Dependent Travel covers travel modes for the Marine and dependents.
- Pet Transportation Allowance covers pet shipment reimbursement.
- Human Breast Milk Shipment Reimbursement covers breast milk shipment for active-duty nursing mothers.
- Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement covers DTS voucher submission.
Related Roles
- Leaders coach Marines on the CDC wait-list documentation process and the pilot framework.
- Admin at S-1 supports the DTS voucher submission and verifies pilot eligibility.
- Commanders endorse PCS orders that include childcare provider travel.
The Childcare Provider Travel Pilot reimburses Marines up to $500 CONUS or $1,500 OCONUS for commercial transportation of a designated childcare provider when on-base CDC services are unavailable within 30 days of the Marine's report date. Pilot runs 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027 per MARADMIN 573/24MARADMIN 573/24 paragraph 4. Receipts and CDC documentation required. Submit through DTS travel voucher.
How other roles handle this
- Admin view - the processing side
- Leader view - your NCO and SNCO oversight
- Commander view - command authority and decisions
References
- MARADMIN 573/24 (TCOP Program Initiatives - Childcare Provider Travel Pilot) - 26 November 2024
- MARADMIN 537/24
- DoD Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Chapter 5
- Title 37 U.S.C. (Reimbursement Authority)
- Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) CDC Wait List
Related Pages