BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Military members seeking care outside normal duty hours, or Child Development Center hours, can take advantage of the Family Child Care Program.
The FCCP is available during duty hours, evenings and weekends and provides children with an environment that differs from a traditional daycare setting.
"The FCCP offers an alternative for childcare to families whose children respond better in a less structured and home-like environment," said Margie Tackett, 2nd Force Support Squadron FCCP chief. "Providers are also able to accommodate various work schedules of parents by offering full-time, part-time, drop-in and hourly care."
In addition to the regular provider hours, FCCP offers expanded child care.
"If parents have unexpected shift changes such as, working late, an exercise or inspection, weekend duty, or other emergencies, there will be no additional cost to the parent," said Tackett.
While providers take care of children in the convenience of their own home, they are subject to the same Air Force regulations as the CDC.
"Prior to receiving their license, all providers receive training at the FCCP in child development, nutrition, positive guidance techniques, prevention, identification and reporting of child abuse, CPR, first aid, food handlers, health and safety, as well as on-going training," said Tackett. "They are also required to complete a 33-hour, new-provider orientation course."
After completion of the course, the FCCP assists the new providers, or experienced providers, in making their home safe and fun for children.
"Providers, both on and off base, use the FCCP as a resource center," said Tackett. "We provide all necessary equipment and supplies for providers to use in their home. They also use the building as a place to gather and have meetings, trainings or play dates."
The FCCP is essentially a resource center, making sure every provider and home meets the standards of the Air Force.
"We have everything a child would need from infant to 12-years-old," said Cindi Morgan, 2nd FSS FCCP volunteer. "Providers may check-out supplies until they can afford their own and then return it to the FCCP."
