Care for little Sabers with Family Child Care

  • Published
  • By Ashley Mangin
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs volunteer
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY --  Family Child Care is an Air Force program that gives parents an alternative to taking their children to a center-based care provider, while providing a work-at-home opportunity for anyone interested in child care. 

Right now, Spangdahlem is in need of more FCC providers. 

"We have been staying around ten homes," said Lorrie Heller, Family Child Care Coordinator, "but we need more. We have six homes now and there are three providers about to finish their training." 

A Family Child Care Provider can care for up to six children including his/her own under eight years old and no more than two under the age of two. Providers are needed for swing-shift, evening and weekend care and care for children with special needs. 

But why consider being an FCC provider? 

"I wanted to be a provider so I could stay at home with my children and contribute to my family's income," said Jovanna Jones, an FCC provider. "I wanted something that was flexible. I don't work during December or during the summer, and FCC allows me to do that." 

Becoming a provider is a fairly simple process, but that should not be misleading. There are very rigorous standards for an FCC home. Prospective providers are also required to attend training to become licensed and pass an extensive background check. It is important to know that government housing privileges will be lost for providing regular care without a license. The Lending Program provides all the equipment and supplies needed to start providing care. 

The child care providers here at Spangdahlem have an excellent support system in place. They frequently meet to talk and plan events like the Spring Fest they held for the children and their families April 27 on a playground on Bitburg Annex. At the Spring Fest, the children had the opportunity to play with each other. There were fun activities that the providers put together for the children and snacks. 

"I like Family Child Care because it gives my son more one-on-one attention since there are smaller groups," said Tamika Kratzer, one of the mothers at Spring Fest. "We love Jessica! We're so sad that she's leaving." 

For parents, FCC offers a warm, loving, safe environment for their children. Providers for FCC ensure children get a mix of quiet and active play and time outside. Infants are cared for on demand, but the older children have a solid schedule of play, rest and meals. The children are given meals that are approved according to US Department of Agriculture guidelines. 

If a child is on the waiting list at the Child Development Center, the Subsidy Program can help. The Subsidy Program allows parents to take their children to a FCC provider while on the waiting list at the CDC and the Air Force will pay the difference so there is no extra cost to the parent. 

"When there is an opening at the CDC, the parents can choose to send their child there or stay with their provider. They usually stay, but the option is there," said Ms. Heller.