Affordable Childcare Options Around Eglin Air Force Base

Military families are no strangers to the challenges of relocating—especially when it comes to finding quality childcare. Between high costs, long waitlists, and the overwhelming task of understanding what’s available, the process can feel daunting. Below, we’ve compiled a list of childcare options and cost-saving programs available in and around Eglin Air Force Base.

Before diving in, it’s helpful to understand the two primary types of childcare available to Service Members in the area.

Center Based Care vs. Family Childcare

The Traditional CDC (Child Development Center)

Eglin has two CDC locations available for families with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Additionally, Service Members can take advantage of their Parents Night Out program one evening a month. While on-post childcare is a great option for some, many feel frustrated due to lack of slots and long waitlists.

The FCC Route (Family Child Care)

For those who would prefer smaller class sizes, more personalization and a home-like environment, enrolling in an FCC (Family Child Care) may be the best option. The Eglin FCC Program partners with both on-base and off-based state-licensed childcare providers. FCCs are regularly monitored to ensure the safety and quality for their children and meet the military standards to operate. From daily checks, required safety devices and extensive annual training, children heading to an FCC are in good hands.

School Aged-Care Options

There are a plethora of fun summer and after-school programs available to those living on or around Eglin for children ages 5-18 years old.

The Youth Center, located just a short distance away from Eglin Elementary School, offers sports camps, field trips, and educational classes for different age groups and interests.

For teens, Child & Youth offers a few different programs including a scholarship program and organizations around developing leadership skills, future careers and community service.

The Military Youth of the Year program, offered in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, recognizes and awards scholarships to teens ages 14–18 who demonstrate leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. Through

BGCA’s Keystone Club, teens gain leadership and community service experience by planning and running programs in academic success, career exploration, community service, and teen outreach, culminating in a national leadership conference. The Air Force Teen Council (AFTC) connects teens with Eglin leaders and peers across the Air Force, giving them a platform to address issues, share ideas, and advocate for teen needs at the highest levels.

Childcare Programs to Help Offset the Cost

Free PCS Childcare

For U.S. Air Force military members and spouses who PCS in or out of Eglin are eligible for 20 hours of covered childcare, provided by the Air Force Aid Society. The care can only be used at Eglin FCC certified provider homes.

For families in other branches such as the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines that are PCS’ing in and out of Eglin, 20 hours of free childcare is also available.

A New Childcare Program Available to Active Duty-Army

In October 2024, an intergovernmental support agreement with Upwards was implemented to increase access to childcare for Army families in and around Eglin Air Force Base.

Upwards, a nationwide childcare network that works with the Department of Defense has been working to alleviate the childcare crisis across the country since 2017. The organization already has two programs available to those in both the Army Reserves and Army National Guard across 21 states to help cover the cost of childcare during drill weekends, annual training and emergency deployments.

Through initiatives aiming to increase access to quality and affordable childcare, the company also works with local and state governments to provide childcare provider and subsidy programs in addition to working with civilian employers to provide employer-sponsored childcare benefits.

The Eglin-area Upwards childcare program is a way to bridge the gap in childcare needs for Active Duty families in the area as the new CDC is being built and expected to be done by 2028.

Eligible families who sign up for the program are paired with a Dedicated Care Specialist who will assist them in finding childcare that fits their needs and preferences. They handle everything from the childcare search to enrollment to take the heavy lifting off of the Soldier. The program accommodates flexible schedules such as non-traditional hours and weekends. Families only pay the standard DoD hourly rate, Upwards covers the rest.

Families can click the sign up link below. It takes 2 minutes to fill out the form and an Upwards Dedicated Care Navigator will reach out to start the process.