Full-time infant care in Northern Virginia runs $1,800–$2,400/month per child at licensed private centers. Toddler and preschool-age care costs $1,600–$2,100/month. Childcare is the single largest hidden budget item for military families in NOVA. On-post childcare development centers (CDC) at Belvoir, Quantico, and Henderson Hall offer significant cost reduction but have substantial waitlists—sometimes 12–18 months. Apply for CDC placement immediately upon receiving orders, not after arrival.