Beale AFB | Family Child Care

	FAMILY CHILD CARE \| HOME \| HELP \| PROVIDER \| ENROLLMENT \| ADVISORY \| \| RESOURCE \| PROGRAMS \| USDA \| CDC \| PARENT RESOURCE CENTER The Family Child Care Program offers child care in a licensed family setting by providers living in base housing. These self-employed providers operate their homes independently in compliance with strict Air Force policies, which include frequent inspections (announced and unannounced) and close monitoring by the Family Child Care staff. Extensive background screenings and orientation training must be completed prior to licensing. Annual and monthly trainings are required to maintain licensing that surpasses state requirements.
	What are the advantages to families using a licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH)? The parents know that the provider’s home has been inspected, and that the environment and safety of the home has met the AF standards for in home child care. The parent will know that the provider has received training in appropriate child care methods and emergency procedures. Care can be provided when the Child Development Center and Youth Center’s School-age Program are closed. Care is provided in a home environment with a small group ratio. Subsidy Care is available in Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) based on military members Total Family Income (TFI) with a range of six (6) fee categories, identical to that of the Child Development Center and the School Age Program. The subsidy care program is for full-time care only (35 to 50 hours per week).
	What are the parental responsibilities? Parents should monitor the care their child receives and discuss any concerns with their FCC provider, FCC Coordinator at 634-5655, or their Family Member Programs Flight Chief (SVY) at 634-2804. state requirements.
	Child abuse and neglect It is the policy of the Family Child Care Program that any suspected abuse or neglect be referred to the Base Family Advocacy Office. The DoD Child Abuse/Safety Hotline is 1-800-366-4592.
	Eligibility and participation Children ages 2 weeks through 12 years of any active duty member, retired member, reserves member, civilian employee, or contractor employed at Beale AFB. Child Care is provided on an equal opportunity basis in all FCCH. Children are required to have current and updated immunizations. Single military parents or dual military parents must have a copy of their current AF Form 357 (Family Care Plan) on file with the FCC provider. Parents must sign a contract, which will be maintained by the provider. Children who have chronic health problems, including HIV-positive children, will not be discriminated against. Subsidy Care in FCC homes is available.
	Hours and fees Each Family Child Care provider determines his/her hours of operation. Subsidy Care is available in FCC homes for full-time care (35 – 50 hours per week) for all ages, including full-time care for school age children during the summer months. Fees are set into income categories. Each provider sets his/her own fees (except those in the Subsidy Care program) because each is licensed as a private business. Contracts of fees are discussed between you and your provider. Some providers offer night time care or all day care for your child if your work schedule demands it. Hours and fees are a matter of private negotiation between the provider and the parents/guardians. Be sure to read your contract and fully understand the terms. Take time to read the contract before you sign it. Make sure you receive a copy of the contract. You may also want to request the provider’s tax identification number so you will have it for your taxes.
	Tips for selecting a Family Child Care Home Start interviewing in advance of your need. Visit more than one home. Ask for references and check references carefully. Check license. Ask about backup care, fee policies, USDA food program, and program activities. Let the provider interact with your child/children. Ask very specific questions about the provider’s discipline techniques and beliefs. Clarify your expectations. E.g. the type of care you need and/or the goals you have for your child/children. Ask about the flexibility of the provider’s hours. Look for evidence of good hygiene, sanitary conditions, and health requirements. Ask to see a menu and discuss nutrition for your child. Do not feel pressured to say yes or no immediately. Check for age appropriate materials and activities to match your child’s or children’s needs. Please remember that upon request, parents who are looking for care will be given access to provider’s last three inspection reports. Guidelines regulating the Family Child Care program can be found in the AF 34-276 [PDF]. Example questions: What do you like best about working with young children? How long have you been caring for young children? What would you do if my child misbehaved? What are some of your favorite activities with children? What would you like to know about my child?
	Requesting care and submitting forms If you are interested in placing your child in a Family Child Care home, contact the FCC office at 634-5655 and we will gladly send you a current lisitng of FCC providers. Form DD2206 Request For Care Record. [PDF] Telephone #: 634-5655 Fax #: 634-5635 Physical Address: 5114C Tern Court Mailing Address: Family Child Care 6249 C Street Beale AFB, CA 95903 If you are applying for Subsidy Care, please fill out visit our FCC Programs page and look under Subsidy Care.
	Provider listings Provider listings are updated monthly or when new providers become licensed. Provider listings are e-mailed monthly to the active duty member’s Beale AFB e-mail account. You may also find Provider listings base-wide at the Child Development Center, Family Support Center, Family Advocacy, the housing office, Human Resources, the Civilian Personnel Office, and the Family Child Care office. updated 040510
	You can find all AF and DoD forms at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil. You can enter the short cut name by typing just the number of any Air Force or Department of Defense forms, including the Air Force Instruction (AFI) 34-276 Family Child Care Program (if you would like more information on Family Child Care guidelines and procedures). If are attempting to access this website from a non-military computer, you will need to download IMT to access forms. You may also need Adobe Acrobat to view forms.

Provider listings are updated monthly or when new providers become licensed. Provider listings are e-mailed monthly to the active duty member’s Beale AFB e-mail account. You may also find Provider listings base-wide at the Child Development Center, Family Support Center, Family Advocacy, the housing office, Human Resources, the Civilian Personnel Office, and the Family Child Care office.