The number of Family Child Care program homes is growing, giving Army Families more options for affordable and flexible childcare to support their work schedules and Army careers.

As of October 31, there are 194 FCC homes Army-wide, and interest (as expressed by application downloads) in becoming an FCC provider is at over 200 potential providers. This number is an increase from 148 FCC homes one year ago. As part of the Child, Youth and School Services continuum of child care options, FCC offers not only full-day, part-day, and hourly care, it also offers a safe and cost-effective way to meet the mission needs for those with atypical or extended child care hours, those who desire smaller group sizes or a home environment, or who are experiencing long waitlists for center-based care. FCC Homes are also able to meet the needs of Soldiers requiring 24/7 child-care while providing those children a home-based setting for those extended hours.

Why the growing interest?

The FCC Program offers the opportunity for a portable profession that can move with your sponsor’s career as you PCS.

“It’s a means of building a resume, earning additional income, starting a business, and receiving additional training paid for by the Army. It’s also portable as you transfer to other posts and units,” said Donna Garfield, Chief for the Headquarter, Army Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness’ Child, Youth and School Services Division. The FCC Provider Transfer Process assists with expediting and streamlining the transition of FCC providers from one garrison to the next during the PCS process, allowing them to continue their career as they transition.

A relocation bonus up to $1,000 is provided to FCC providers who successfully relocate their home business to a gaining installation. FCC also offers a one-time recruitment bonus up to $1,000 to FCC providers who successfully open their homes. Providers receive these payments over a 12-month period.

FCC providers can take care of up to six children and receive income from parent fees as well as centrally funded FCC subsidy payments.

Family Fee Assistance supplements reimburse FCC providers the difference between the Army Child and Youth Services assigned parent fee and specified provider rate cap. The monthly rate caps for full-time children in each status are:

• $1,200 per child for provisional certification
• $1,400 per child for full certification
• 1,600 per child after 18 months full certification
• 1,800 per child for nationally accredited providers

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For Army Families, FCC offers a 15% cost savings compared to Child Development Centers and School Age Care fees.

FCC providers are vetted and only the best qualified candidates are recommended for certification. Providers must complete background checks and regular home inspections as a part of certification. They also receive paid ongoing training for professional development.

Army policy requires that anyone providing care on a regular basis for more than 10 hours per week must be certified through their installation Child and Youth Services as an FCC provider. Unauthorized child care by an uncertified provider puts children at risk. Providing unauthorized child care in government owned/leased housing could result in the loss of housing privileges. Due to installation missions, FCC may not be available at all locations.

For more information on how to register your children in the FCC Program visit www.militarychildcare.com.

Families interested in becoming FCC providers can complete an interest form on www.militarychildcare.com or contact their garrison’s CYS Parent Central Services office for information on attending an FCC Orientation Briefing.

By Chet Curtis, Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness