Helping Ensure Reliable Opportunities in Child Care for Military Families Act

This bill changes rules for child care programs run by the Department of Defense for military families. It removes a prior service requirement in one child care provider law, lets the Defense Department partner with other federal agencies to place national service volunteers in military child development centers, and requires rules by June 1, 2027, allowing job applicants to get background checks and health screenings before a job opens. It also allows job-sharing for child care workers and lets the Secretary of Defense offer them limited benefits such as commissary and exchange access, fitness center use, tuition assistance, and referral bonuses. The bill requires a department-wide child care data system updated at least every 90 days, along with reports to Congress on waitlists and on how child care availability relates to military readiness and retention.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Jennifer A. Kiggans Republican sponsor
• 3 cosponsors