Military Child Care: Extensive, Diverse, and Growing
HRD-89-3
Published: Mar 08, 1989. Publicly Released: May 01, 1989.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed child care services provided by continental U.S. military installations.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should consider whether child development center care should be made available for all military parents who want this care or whether program eligibility for military parents should be limited. These decisions would involve balancing the cost of program expansion and operation against the Department of Defense's stated benefits of maintaining readiness, increasing productivity, and improving morale. | In its report on the Military Child Care Act (House Report No. 101-121), the House Armed Services Committee acknowledged this report. However, the Committee recommended spending an additional $78 million for child care center operations stating that child care is a top priority and an important military readiness and retention issue. Congress expanded military child care programs through the act. |
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Topics
Child care programsChildrenCivilian employeesDay care centersFamiliesMilitary facilitiesMilitary personnelParentsChild developmentMilitary forces