HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials welcomed a new Family Child Care provider during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in family housing here, Jan. 26.
The FCC program offers child care options for military and civilian families with children ages two weeks to 12 years old.
Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation command chief, along with 66th Force Support Squadron senior leaders, were on hand to officially open the in-home child care facility.
The new provider, Bianca Ewing, a Navy veteran and military spouse, will begin service with drop-in care; however, she intends to expand to full-day care in March.
“I’m excited to create a nurturing environment where children feel supported,” she said during the ceremony outside her home.
Program officials note the flexibility the FCC program offers can be beneficial for both providers and those seeking child care.
“The Family Child Care program is an ideal option for parents of children who prefer a smaller, more personalized child care setting,” said Robin Morris, 66 FSS Community Child Care coordinator, who oversees the program.
Providers have the option of offering contracts to families for full-time, part-time, before-and-after-school or drop-in care. Each family signs an individual contract with the provider to meet its specific needs.
Interested providers must meet specific qualifications prior to beginning the 40-hour training and certification process.
“The training required to become an FCC provider is free and completed in the Child Development Center here,” said Morris.
In addition to providing resources and guidance, the FCC program has a free lending library that allows providers to borrow equipment, such as safety gates, toys, and other items, needed to establish their home program and help minimize out-of-pocket startup costs.
“The providers have their own businesses, develop their own schedules and set their own rates, but we’re here to help guide, train and support them when they need it,” Morris said. “We never want providers to feel like they are out there on their own.”
Officials also perform monthly home inspections and observations to ensure compliance with important health and safety requirements.
In addition to those living at Hanscom AFB, those who live off base may participate in the FCC program. Off-base providers receive the same benefits and free training as on-base providers, but they are required to obtain additional licensing through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
For more information about the FCC program and the certification process, contact Morris at 781-225-6121 or via email at 66.FSS.CDC.CMB@us.af.mil.
To learn more about Hanscom AFB child care options, visit www.militarychildcare.com or visit https://hanscomfss.com/family-child-care/ to learn about the hiring incentives and other benefits.