Family Child Care
Family Child Care (FCC) programs consist of in-home care provided by licensed and affiliated providers whose goal it is to nurture the child through care, understanding, love, and affection. FCC homes provide a relaxed atmosphere where a child can develop to his/her full potential. Providers encourage children to grow intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally through a daily routine of play and recreation.
What is Family Child Care?
Family Child Care is care of a child or children in the home of another family. The need for quality care for military families has never been greater. As child care needs increase, Family Child Care is playing an important role in the care of our children.
FAQ's
Who must become a licensed provider?
If you live in base housing and provide child care in your home for more than ten hours a week on a regular basis, you must be licensed by the United States Air Force.
Note: if you care for 2 children for 5 hours each, that equals 10 of child care.
If I live off base, can I be a licensed provider?
If you live off-base and are the spouse of an active duty member or a retiree you may be apart of the FCC Program. You may become an affiliated provider, if you regularly care for at least one military dependent (other than your own child) in your home. You must meet the same requirements and will receive the same benefits as an on-base provider.
For additional information about becoming an affiliated provider, contact the FCC office.
What are the qualifications for being a Family Child Care Provider?
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a High School graduate
- Must be able to read, speak, and write English
- Must be the spouse of an active duty or retired member
- Must be physically and mentally capable
- Must be a Army, Air Force, Civ. ID card holder
How do I become a Family Child Care Provider?
- Complete and submit your application
- Attend FCC Orientation Training (including CPR & First Aid)
- Successfully complete required background screenings
- Accomplish required home health, safety, fire and CCC inspections
What are the benefits of becoming a Family Child Care Provider?
- A way to add to your family’s income without having to work outside the home
- Enables you to stay at home with your own children
- A good way to provide playmates and companions for your own children
- No child care costs of your own
- Access to Family Child Care Lending Library
- Receive outgoing technical assistance and training which will help you advance your career in Early Childhood and enhance your own parenting skills
- The opportunity to obtain accreditation through the National Association for Family Child Care
- Being in charge of your own business builds your sense of self-reliance, competence and independence
How does the Family Child Care office help?
- Sponsors classes and workshops in child development
- Provides access to Lending Library, which has toys, equipment, games, resource books, etc.
- Provides monthly referral list which lists child care openings in your home
Does the licensing & training transfer to other bases?
The license and training is transferable to other bases. This allows Family Child Care Providers to help other Air Force families.
Career Opportunity
You Can Make A Difference
How To Become A Licensed Provider
The Maxwell AFB Family Child Care Office is currently recruiting new providers. Prospective providers are trained, screened, and approved by applicable agencies. The Family Child Care Panel meets to approve or disapprove applicants. All orientation trainings are free and are held in the Family Child Care Office. Anyone who is interested in becoming a licensed Family Child Care Provider should call the Family Child Care Office at 334.416.2220.
Provider Qualifications
- Be a spouse of an active duty, retired military member or DOD civilian living on or off base
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have the ability to read, speak, and write English
- Be physically and mentally capable of providing care
- Be willing and able to complete the required training and agree to the requirements of becoming an FCC provider
- Be able to obtain the required insurance coverage
- Participate in a home interview with your family members
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED
Provider Benefits
- A way to add to your family’s income without having to work outside the home and be in charge of your own business
- Pro-licensing and monthly training sessions
- Enables you stay at home and provide playmates and companionship for your own children
- Assistance with preparing curriculum and developmentally appropriate activities
- Assistance in earning a Child Development Associate credential (CDA) and accreditation through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
- Provide access to lending library with items like: art supplies, books, games, toys, safety gates, nap mats, and much more
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