Airmen helping Airmen: Family Child Care program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Whitney Laine
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  While Team Fairchild families face the hurdles of military life such as deployments, permanent change of station moves and high-tempo operations, the 92nd Force Support Squadron offers assistance through the Family Child Care program.

The FCC’s mission is to assist military members and civilian counterparts by offering quality, affordable, and available child care, allowing Airmen to continue to be effective, efficient and focused while on the job.

“The FCC program offers full-time enrollment for in-home, early learning child care with a small number of children in a home environment,” said Cara Stewart, Family Child Care coordinator. “Additionally, the program offers free care during PCS processes, Unit Training Assembly weekends, and before, during and after deployments.”

Various resources and the flexibility of individual providers allows the FCC to accommodate military families during weekend, evening, swing and midnight shifts, Stewart said.
Providers’ homes are licensed by the Fairchild FCC office in coordination with the base health, fire, and safety agencies and are monitored by FCC coordinator.

“Providers undergo a lengthy approval process and are required to meet continuous health, safety, and training standards to include: monthly training, background checks and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification,” Stewart said.

After receiving proper training, families can interview an FCC provider before entrusting them with their child’s care.

“The FCC has provided my family with a trusted, consistent option for child care,” said Tech. Sgt. David Hendrickson, 373rd Training Squadron production supervisor. “This program alleviates the stressors of child care by ensuring Airmen are able to care for their families while completing today’s Rapid Global Mobility mission.”

For more information on FCC programs contact the FCC office at (509) 247- 5336.