For many Massachusetts military families, finding reliable, affordable, and high-quality childcare is an ongoing challenge that can have a significant impact on career choices, financial stability and overall family well-being and readiness. With 44% of military spouses having children 13 years old or younger in the home, utilizing childcare is a critical resource necessary for employment (Office of People Analytics, 2024). According to the Active-Duty Spouse Survey (ADSS) 2024, childcare continues to be one of the biggest challenges military spouses face, especially with frequent relocations, long waitlists at on-base child development centers, and limited availability (Office of People Analytics, 2025). Most spouses find themselves choosing civilian childcare because, although it likely comes at a much higher cost, there is more availability. For military spouses, this can be a difficult choice in determining whether to maintain steady employment and pursue career goals. This ongoing struggle to access and maintain childcare not only has lasting impacts on spouses but the overall stability and readiness of the military community. There is a critical need to create both flexible and affordable options in partnership with the military community to ensure the solutions are truly meeting these military families where they are.
Navigating Childcare
Navigating the childcare landscape can feel overwhelming for military families. Among the frequent moves, unpredictable schedules, and long waitlists, finding reliable and consistent childcare for their children does not always come easy. According to the 2024 ADSS, 54% of military families struggle with having access to childcare after experiencing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move (Office of People Analytics, 2025). Often, military families rely on whatever childcare is accessible to them that fits their needs. Over time, this can accumulate and build into not just financial stress but emotional stress for families already navigating the many transition-related stressors connected to military life. This is why it is important to expand access to not just affordable childcare, but reliable childcare that actually matches the reality of military life.
Balancing Career and Constant Change
For many military spouses, starting and maintaining a career often feels like an uphill battle with frequent setbacks. The majority (69%) of active-duty military spouses are in the civilian workforce, with 52% either requiring a state license or occupational certificate to maintain employment (Office of People Analytics, 2025). There are many challenges military spouses may face during a PCS, such as transferring credentials and professional licenses across states, which can slow down obtaining employment, limit career stability, and create additional financial strain during relocations. This is particularly relevant for spouses that have careers in healthcare, education, and counseling. Having to identify an affordable, available, and high-quality childcare provider alongside the navigation of employment barriers can create a quite onerous situation. Over time, these challenges can make steady employment feel as if it is out of reach, despite the desire and drive many military spouses to sustain lasting careers.
Should you be in the midst of a military divorce, contact the Law Offices of Renee Lazar at 978-844-4095 to schedule a FREE one hour no obligation consultation.
OneOp.org