DA Form 5562-1: Needs Assessment Methodology (Download)

DA Form 5562-1: Needs Assessment Methodology (Download) – U.S. Army families stationed across the United States rely on high-quality, accessible child care to support mission readiness, family stability, and parental workforce participation. DA Form 5562-1, titled Needs Assessment Methodology (Child Development Services), plays a critical role in this system. It helps installation Child Development Services (CDS) coordinators document survey distribution methods, response rates, and data accuracy for child care needs assessments.

Download the latest DA Form 5562-1 (JAN 2026) here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN45880-DA_FORM_5562-1-R-100-EFILE-1.pdf

What Is DA Form 5562-1?

DA Form 5562-1 is a one-page official U.S. Army form used specifically for Child Development Services (CDS) programs. It records key details about how needs assessment surveys (typically via the companion DA Form 5562) are distributed and returned.

Key sections include:

  • Distribution of Assessment Forms: Lists populations surveyed (e.g., military units, housing areas, on-post vs. off-post personnel) and numbers distributed/returned.
  • Comments on Methodology: Space for notes on distribution strategies, accuracy of results, and any limitations.
  • Dates of Distribution and summary statistics (How distributed, Number distributed, Number returned, Percentage returned).

For use with: AR 608-10 (Child Development Services). Proponent agency: DCS, G-1. Previous editions are obsolete; the current version is dated JAN 2026.

This form supports data-driven decisions for child care capacity, facility construction/expansion, and program planning.

Why Is Needs Assessment Important in Army CDS?

Army Regulation 608-10 requires installations to conduct periodic needs assessments (at least every two years) to validate demand for child care services. Data from these assessments, combined with waiting lists (DA Form 5561) and demographic profiles (DA Form 5563), inform:

  • New Child Development Center (CDC) construction or expansion projects (via DD Form 1391).
  • Resource allocation for Family Child Care (FCC) homes and Supplemental Programs/Services.
  • Five-year installation planning.

Target populations include active-duty military, DOD civilians, and eligible sponsors—both current patrons and those not enrolled. Surveys aim for broad inclusion of on- and off-post families.

Strong response rates and transparent methodology (documented on DA Form 5562-1) ensure assessments accurately reflect unmet needs, helping commanders prioritize funding and reduce family stress related to child care shortages—a key readiness factor for U.S. service members.

How to Use DA Form 5562-1? Step-by-Step

  1. Plan the Survey — Coordinate distribution (e.g., through units, housing, email, or events) to reach a representative sample.
  2. Distribute DA Form 5562 (or customized version) — Capture specific child care needs.
  3. Complete DA Form 5562-1 — Log distribution details, return rates, and methodology comments.
  4. Submit with Supporting Documents — Pair with waiting lists and demographics for project justifications or periodic reviews.
  5. Local Reproduction — Form can be reproduced locally on 8.5 x 11-inch paper.

Best Practices:

  • Aim for high return rates through multiple channels.
  • Document any biases or limitations in the comments section.
  • Ensure inclusivity for diverse Army families across U.S. installations.
  • DA Form 5562: Child Development Services Needs Assessment.
  • DA Form 5561: Waiting List (CDS).
  • DA Form 5563: Demographic Profile (Installation CDS).
  • AR 608-10: Full policy on CDS operations (latest version governs use).

Official source: Army Publishing Directorate (APD).

Benefits for Army Families and Readiness

Accurate needs assessments via DA Form 5562-1 directly support:

  • More available child care spaces.
  • Reduced wait times for families at U.S. bases.
  • Better alignment of services with actual demand (full-day, part-day, hourly, etc.).
  • Compliance with DoD standards for military child care.

For installation CDS coordinators, garrison commanders, and Army families in the USA, this form is a foundational tool for ensuring child care supports military readiness.

Need the form? Download it directly from the official Army link above. For questions on implementation, consult your local CDS coordinator or refer to AR 608-10.