The Struggle of a Military Wife: How Kayla Corbitt Faced Childcare Challenges and Turned Down a Job

Military wife and nonprofit founder, Kayla Corbitt, faced a difficult decision when she had to turn down a job offer due to childcare issues. Corbitt, who had moved back to the US from Italy with her husband, found herself spending $5,000 for four months’ worth of part-time daycare services while she searched for work.

Despite her efforts to secure childcare funding from the Department of Defense through the 90-day “Looking for Work” program, Corbitt faced challenges with daycare centers not being paid and being denied reimbursement. This led to a significant financial strain on her family, forcing them to live paycheck to paycheck for a year and eventually take out a $2,000 loan from the Army Emergency Relief program.

Corbitt’s experience highlights the struggles that many military families face when it comes to navigating the childcare system. In response to her own challenges, she founded the Operation Childcare Project, a nonprofit aimed at helping military and veteran families understand and navigate childcare resources.

Corbitt’s story sheds light on the need for better support and resources for military families when it comes to childcare. Her advocacy work and nonprofit organization serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.