No-Cost Childcare for Soldiers During Drill Weekends
The National Guard Bureau has teamed up with Upwards to bring you the Weekend Drill Child Care (WDCC) Program. We're on a mission to tackle childcare challenges during drill weekends so you can stay mission-ready, ease financial stress, and balance military duties with parenting .
Eligibility:
- The program is available to eligible ARNG Soldiers on T32 or M-Day status during drill weekends.
- Soldiers must be drilling members of a unit in a Pilot state to participate. AR, CO, GA, IA, ID, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, NH, NM, OH, OR, VA, VT, WA, or WI
- Dependent children aged six weeks to 12 years, registered in DEERS, are eligible for care.
- To check your eligibility go to: www.upwards.com/benefits/military
Comprehensive Coverage:
- The WDCC Program provides care during drill weekends, including MUTA 4 and MUTA 6 drills (e.g., Saturday and Sunday, or Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday).
- Childcare is available from 0600 to 1800 during drill periods.
- Care is provided for up to 12 hours per child per day.
Flexible and Reliable Care:
- The program offers rescheduling options without fees if drill periods change due to command orders.
- Cancellation is allowed up to 48 hours before the start of care, ensuring flexibility for Soldiers’ changing schedules.
Ease of Access:
- Soldiers can easily reserve care online via the Upwards app or website, with reservations available up to 30 days in advance.
- The program is distinct from the Army Fee Assistance program and is tailored specifically for drill weekends.
Support for All Family Situations:
- The program is available to families with both parents serving in the Guard, single Soldiers, and Soldiers whose spouses are working or in school on drill weekends.