Family Child Care (FCC) Overview

The Family Child Care (FCC) program provides child care services in housing that is either owned or leased by the government and is under the jurisdiction of the installation commander. The FCC program offers a number of advantages, including flexible child care hours and a small, intimate setting. The program is recognized with a DoD certification and is also a participant in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Who is Eligible

• To receive care from an FCC provider: Families should be residents or have a connection to the military base.

• To become an FCC provider: One must be a military dependent aged 18 or older.

How to Get Started

For Parents Seeking Child Care:

1. Contact your local Resource and Referral office for help finding an FCC provider.
2. Once you have found a provider, schedule a visit to their home to meet them and learn more about their program.
3. If you are happy with the provider, enroll your child in their program.

Becoming a Certified Family Child Care Provider:

1. Contact your local Resource and Referral office to learn more about the application process and training requirements.
2. Complete the FCC Application (which you can download or be obtained from the Resource and Referral office), which includes background checks.
3. Complete a family interview (provider applicant and spouse)
4. If interested in processing with the certification process, background checks are initiated.
5. Pay a non-refundable $50 training fee at Resource and Referral office which covers the cost of the CPR/First Aid training.
6. Attend FCC Provider initial training - 40-hours (one-week)
7. Complete health requirements for all household members,
8. Set up home in accordance with regulatory requirements.
9. Home inspection by Fire, Safety & Sanitation.
10. Quality Review Board.
11. Documentation sent to SJA regarding successfully completion of requirements (to obtain authorization to operate a home business).
12. (Upon SJA approval) Provider files Housing Addendum, notifying Family Housing of FCC business
13. Purchase Liability Insurance.
14. Upon clearance to start, Resource & Referral will setup provider's profile on MilitaryChildCare.com
15. Final walk-through by FCC staff.
16. Open for business!
17. Be committed to attending ongoing training sessions to guarantee the highest quality of care for children. This includes monthly evening training.

Additional Information

Homes should obtain certification from the command if they provide more than 10 "child care hours" per week. For instance, if a resident looks after two children for five hours, it amounts to 10 hours of child care. Homes that operate outside this framework without certification will be deemed unauthorized. Enforcement against such unauthorized care will be as per the Housing Office rules and regulations. Detailed information can be found on page 6 of the Resident handbook.

The FCC program is not only about providing care but also about ensuring that the caregivers are well-trained, certified, and provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children. The command plays an active role in monitoring and certifying providers, ensuring the best care for the children enrolled in the FCC program.