The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families have launched Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS

The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families have launched Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS), expanding affordable, high-quality childcare access for local military-connected families. Funded and administered by the Department of War, the program assists families when military-operated facilities are unavailable due to distance or long waitlists. Under the new initiative, state-licensed childcare providers participating in YoungStar with a rating of 3 stars or higher can serve eligible service members and receive military fee assistance.

Leadership from both agencies highlighted the importance of dependable childcare for military readiness and family support. Maj. Gen. Matthew Strub emphasized that reliable childcare strengthens the overall resilience and focus of Wisconsin’s Soldiers and Airmen, while DCF Acting Secretary Nadya Pérez-Reyes thanked local providers for offering exceptional care to service members' children.

Eligible active-duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Department of War civilian personnel can search for approved providers and request care through MilitaryChildCare.com. The program helps offset costs beyond required parent fees, covering up to $2,000 per month per child. With Wisconsin joining, MCCYN-PLUS is now active across more than 18 states, furthering the state's commitment to safe, high-quality childcare options for military families.