Lankford Proposes Expanding Child Care Options on Military Bases

Lankford Proposes Expanding Child Care Options on Military Bases

U.S. Senator James Lankford has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at making it easier for military families to establish certified child care homes on military bases. Lankford joined U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen in introducing the Best Practices for Military Child Care Homes Act. The bill would require military officials to develop a guide for families interested in becoming home-based child care providers. It aims to simplify the process and improve access to information as military installations face child care shortages. “Military families shouldn’t have to navigate unnecessary hurdles to find reliable child care,” Lankford said. “Our servicemembers need to know their children are cared for so they can focus on their mission, and military spouses should have opportunities to support other families while building their own careers.” The senators said Family Child Care homes can expand care options while creating employment opportunities for military spouses. Prospective providers, however, can encounter barriers when trying to establish a program. The proposal follows Lankford’s work to expand child care facilities at Tinker Air Force Base. His office said he secured $54 million in 2025 for a new Child Development Center serving military families.