A resource for military, veteran, and DoD civilian families navigating childcare
Written By: Kayla Corbitt, Intro By: Jennifer Holliday | March 26, 2026
Introduction
Childcare remains a major challenge across Alabama and across the nation. Kayla Corbitt, founder and CEO of Operation Child Care Project (OCCP) and her team have developed resources and innovative programs to help you navigate this challenge. Kayla and her team are military spouses, so they understand the specific issues faced by military-connected families. If you are seeking support for locating childcare in Alabama, OCCP could be a good option for your family. Learn more in Kayla’s article below and by visiting their website linked below.
Overview
If you're a military family in Alabama (or heading there soon), you already know the childcare landscape can feel overwhelming. Long waitlists, limited availability, and the unpredictable demands of military life make finding reliable care feel like a mission with no clear strategy.
As Alabama rapidly scales to accommodate growing numbers of service members and their families, the gap between childcare supply and demand is real. But you don't have to wait in limbo. Trusted caregivers can serve as a powerful interim (or long-term) solution while you navigate the system, and Operation Child Care Project is here to help you every step of the way, completely free of charge.
What Is a Trusted Caregiver?
A trusted caregiver is exactly what it sounds like: someone you know and trust who can provide care for your children. This might be a parent, a fellow military spouse, a neighbor, a friend from your faith community, or a local community member willing to step in. Many military families already rely on each other informally, and with the right support, this can become a safe, reliable option.
Trusted caregivers aren't the same as licensed childcare centers, but they are the most common form of care in the country. They can be a bridge, a way to maintain stability while you wait for a CDC slot, explore MCCYN options, or simply need flexible care that traditional programs can't provide.
Why Trusted Caregivers Matter Right Now in Alabama
Alabama is experiencing rapid growth in its military community. With that growth comes increased pressure on an already strained childcare system. Families often face extended wait times for on-installation care and limited availability in civilian programs that accept military subsidies. Add in complex paperwork that can take months to process, and it's easy to feel stuck. Trusted caregivers offer flexibility and immediacy that formal programs often can't match. Need someone to cover early morning PT? Stay late during a field exercise? A trusted caregiver can fill that gap when rigid program hours simply don't work.
How OCC Project Supports You
Operation Child Care Project exists to help military, veteran, and DoD civilian families navigate all their care options, including trusted caregivers. Our services are 100% free, and we're here to meet you wherever you are in your childcare journey.
- Free Case Management
Not sure where to start? Our case managers work one-on-one with families to understand your unique situation and help you explore every available option. From on-installation programs like CDCs and FCCs to the MCCYN network to trusted caregiver arrangements, we'll help you understand what you qualify for and create a strategy that actually works for your family.
- Free Instant Background Checks
Want peace of mind before leaving your children with someone? We provide free instant background check screenings for families seeking a trusted caregiver. You shouldn't have to choose between safety and accessibility.
- Free Peer Navigation Services
Sometimes you just need someone who gets it. Our peer navigators are fellow military community members who can help you clarify what you're looking for in a caregiver, develop smart questions for your search, prepare for interviews, and build a partnership that supports your family's needs. Whether you're new to hiring someone or just need a sounding board, we're here.
Getting Started with a Trusted Caregiver
If you're considering a trusted caregiver, here's a simple roadmap:
- Identify potential caregivers. Think about who in your network might be available and willing. Fellow military spouses, neighbors, teachers, and members of your faith community are all possibilities. If you need help mapping your potential network, we are here for you.
- Reach out to OCC Project. Before making any commitments, connect with us. We can help you think through your needs, run a free background check, and prepare for conversations with potential caregivers.
- Have the conversation. Once you've identified someone, talk openly about expectations: schedules, compensation, emergency protocols, and how you'll communicate.
- Build the partnership. A good caregiver relationship is a two-way street. Stay in communication, provide feedback, and treat your caregiver as the partner they are.
You're Not Alone
Childcare challenges are one of the most common stressors military families face. You're not failing by needing help, and you're not alone in this. Operation Child Care Project was created by the military community, for the military community. We understand the realities you're navigating because we've lived them. Alabama's military families deserve options, support, and peace of mind. Let us help you find yours.
Connect with OCC Project
Ready to get started? Contact us today.
Case Management Intake: occproject.org/case-management
General Information: [email protected]
Website: occproject.org
Social Media: facebook.com/theoccproject
