FCC program seeks childcare providers

Family Child Care program officials here are searching for providers to care for children ages 2 weeks to 12 years.

Potential providers will be able to stay at home with their own children, contribute to family income and provide a service to the Hanscom workforce.

“The Family Child Care program is critical in supporting the need for care at Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Kristen Melvin, Child Development Center director. “When the CDC is at full capacity, we really depend on the Family Child Care program to help support the families who are seeking care.”

For Sarah Morin, who has been an FCC provider at Hanscom for more than a year, the chance to spend more time with her two daughters, as well as earn an income, was a can’t miss opportunity.

"I decided to become a Family Child Care provider because I was working too many hours and felt I wasn't seeing my family as much as I needed,” Morin said. “I can now spend time with my daughters and watch them learn, grow and socialize with other children.”

However, as program officials point out, there is a process in place for those interested in caring for children in their home.

“Anyone providing child care in their home on base for more than 10 hours per week must be licensed,” said Robin Morris, FCC training and curriculum specialist. “Unlicensed child care is a violation of base regulations and may result in the loss of base housing privileges.”

Licensed providers must be at least 18 years old, able to speak, read and write English, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be in good mental and physical health.

Additionally, providers and any family members who live in the residence must pass a comprehensive background check and the provider must complete an initial orientation-training program prior to licensing.

“The orientation program includes training on topics such as child abuse, safety, health, food handling, appropriate business practices, CPR, first aid and developmentally-appropriate practices with children at no cost to the potential provider,” Morris said. “The home is also inspected by fire, safety and public health professionals.”

Additionally, Morris points out that the initial startup cost is minimal, as the FCC program provides most toys, furniture, cribs, tables and other supplies to run a home daycare.

Within 18 months after first being certified, providers must complete 15 Air Force training modules equating to approximately 60 hours of training. The free training modules help providers gain skills and knowledge needed to provide care for infants through school age. Providers are also required to complete additional training each year.

Once licensed, the program’s coordinator said that childcare providers are their own boss; however, providers can expect once a month inspections to ensure they comply with Defense Department guidelines.

“Each provider determines their fees in consultation with the parents,” said Morris, who notes that part of the free training includes determining market trends. “Parents pay the provider direct as outlined in their contract.”

Credentials go from base-to-base when a person transfers to a new assignment.

“When providers PCS to a new assignment, the Family Child Care office here will help providers transfer to the new base,” said Morris.  

Providers must also obtain liability insurance, be willing to complete training and have a desire to provide care in a safe, healthy, nurturing environment that promotes children’s development.

The FCC program is also looking to license providers to care for children with special needs, including children with asthma, allergies, cerebral palsy and physical impairments. Additionally, the program is recruiting individuals to care for children whose parents work on swing and evening shifts.

Those interested may also look at becoming an Extended Duty Care, or EDC provider. The EDC program offers specialty care when the need for care is greatest.