Respite child care provided to EFMP families

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Exceptional Family Member Program is continuing to partner with Child Care Aware of America to provide respite child care to Hanscom families that have children with special needs.

The Stork's Helpers is the new agency that will administer the program locally by providing the in-home child care related services.

"We are happy to introduce a new community partner dedicated to providing a much-needed service to our EFMP families," said Laurel Wironen, school liaison specialist and EFMP family support coordinator. "Respite Child Care is specially designed for Air Force families who have children diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs."

She added that every parent can use a break from the challenges of parenting.

"This program provides that for our Air Force EFMP families," she said.

According to the organization's website, Child Care Aware of America leads projects that increase the quality and availability of child care, offer comprehensive training to child care professionals, undertake groundbreaking research and advocate child care policies that improve the lives of children and families.

"Coordinators will work with Massachusetts' child care resources and referral agencies to ensure that all families have access to quality, affordable child care," said Dawn Andreucci, Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness consultant.

Through this Air Force-funded program, eligible Air Force families may receive 12 hours of respite child care per month at no cost to the family. Services will be offered by qualified providers who are recruited, screened and trained in caring for children with special needs by The Stork's Helpers.

"We are so pleased to offer this much needed program to local Air Force families with children with special needs," said Elle Montauban, owner of The Stork's Helpers. "Air Force EFMP respite child care will provide families a well-deserved break, knowing that their child is being cared for by trained and screened providers."

To be eligible for respite child care, Air Force families must be enrolled in EFMP and have a child 18 years of age or younger diagnosed with "moderate" or "severe" special needs.

To apply, or for further information, eligible families may call 1-800-424-2246 or email EFMPrespitecare@us.childcareaware.org. Child Care Aware staff will provide eligibility forms and connect the family with The Stork Helpers who will assist in finding a respite care provider to meet their child's needs.

Respite care information is also available at http://usa.childcareaware.org/military-programs/military-families/air-force/exceptional-family-member-program-efmp-respite-care/.