The Struggle of Military Families with Childcare: A Personal Story from Kayla Corbitt

Title: Military Wife Turns Down Job Due to Childcare Costs, Advocates for Change

Kayla Corbitt, a 35-year-old military wife and nonprofit founder from San Antonio, Texas, recently made the difficult decision 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.

Corbitt had initially planned to utilize a childcare subsidy program for military families called the 90-day Looking-for-Work program. However, after facing challenges with daycare centers not being approved for reimbursement, she and her husband had to dip into their savings to cover the costs.

Despite receiving a job offer that could have provided much-needed financial stability for her family, Corbitt ultimately had to decline the opportunity as she couldn’t afford to pay out of pocket for childcare. This decision led to financial strain, with the family living paycheck to paycheck for a year and eventually having to take out a $2,000 loan for assistance.

Determined to advocate for change and support other military families facing similar challenges, Corbitt founded the Operation Childcare Project, a nonprofit aimed at helping families navigate the complex childcare system. Through her own experience, she realized the need for better resources and support for military families in accessing affordable and reliable childcare options.

Corbitt’s story sheds light on the struggles that many military families face when it comes to childcare, highlighting the need for improved assistance programs and resources. Her advocacy and dedication to helping others in similar situations serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing childcare issues within the military community.