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Improving readiness, mission focus: Family Child Care program

Published Nov. 2, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Sean Campbell
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Family Child Care is an Air Force-wide program that trains and certifies child care providers for families who have an association with the installation.

The goal of FCC is to provide vetted, certified, quality child care to Air Force members so they can have more confidence about their child's wellbeing, allowing them to focus more on the mission.

"Anybody who is willing to meet the regulations put in place by FCC and passes their background checks can be licensed as a care provider," said Jane Drake, Chief of FCC programs here.

In order to become licensed by the FCC, individuals must pass multiple background checks, attend a class and be willing to have their home comply with FCC standards. Once they are in the program, provider's homes are inspected once a month to make sure the home meets the standards for safety and cleanliness. Providers also attended monthly training in different areas of child care.

"The children are our future and they need to be protected in a safe and clean environment," said Drake.

After a caregiver has been licensed with the FCC for 18 months the Air Force will pay for further education in the field of child care.

"We currently have two care providers who are going to start on their Associates Degree in Child Development," said Drake.

There is no cost to become an FCC care provider and all training is provided by the FCC. They also have a lending program or resource center that provides games, learning materials, child-sized furniture, safety items and other resources for care providers.

For more information on Family Child Care contact Jane Drake at (509) 247-5336 or Janna Keller at (509) 247-5307.