A new pilot program launched on October 1 provides financial assistance for service members facing child care shortages at military child development centers. The program reimburses eligible service members for the travel expenses of temporary child care providers, covering up to $1,500 for overseas travel and $500 for domestic travel. To qualify, service members must have requested full-day child care at a military center and been informed that it won’t be available for at least 30 days. The child care provider can be a relative, family friend, or an au pair, but must be at least 18 years old and not a dependent of the service member. This initiative is open to Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy members with PCS orders allowing a move with dependents, as long as the child or children have not yet started school.