Have you ever wondered about becoming a family child-care (FCC) provider? If you're good with kids, this can be a great way to support your fellow military families and build a portable career. FCC providers run licensed child-care businesses out of their homes, filling a shortage while earning an income and often caring for their own children at the same time.
What's in it for the FCC Provider?
One of the primary benefits of becoming an FCC provider is the ability to work while staying at home with one's own children. This flexibility can be so valuable for military spouses, who may face challenges with traditional employment due to frequent relocations or inconsistent child care for their own families.
FCC providers can choose the age groups they want to care for and set their own schedules within the bounds of program regulations. Some offer full-time care while others provide part-time, evening, weekend or even overnight care to accommodate military families with nontraditional work hours. This variety allows providers to build a business model that fits their lifestyle.
Read Next: Can I Pack This? The Items You Should and Shouldn't Ship with Your Household Goods This PCS Season
Being within the FCC system helps bring families to you without having to advertise or find the families yourself. Plus, the program may have a list of backup caregivers in case you are sick or want to take a vacation.
What's in it for the Families?
You don't have to spend much time around military bases to recognize the huge need for good child care. FCCs fill a vital role, particularly for parents whose jobs don't always work on the schedule of a traditional child-care center. The home-based environment offers a smaller group size, continuity of care and the kind of individual attention that many families prefer. Providers often develop lasting relationships with the families they serve and help create stability for children during a time when their parents may be deployed, training or working long hours.
How Does the Military Fit in?
Each branch of the military operates its own FCC program, but the general requirements and procedures are similar. Providers must complete background checks, health and safety inspections, orientation training and ongoing professional development. They are licensed and monitored through the installation's Child and Youth Services (CYS) or Child Development Program (CDP) and must meet Department of Defense standards.
FCC programs often provide free training, mentoring and access to resources such as toys, learning materials and safety equipment. In some cases, providers may qualify for subsidies, grants or startup assistance.
Providers are regularly inspected and must maintain current training in areas such as CPR, first aid, child development, nutrition and emergency preparedness. Many installations also support FCC providers through regular home visits, technical assistance and networking opportunities. Participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food program and accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care may be encouraged as well.
To get started, interested individuals should contact the FCC office at their local installation. Staff will guide them through the application and licensing process, explain expectations and help them prepare their home and program for operation. While the path to becoming a military family child-care provider involves commitment and compliance with regulations, it offers personal fulfillment, financial opportunity and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of military families.
Get the Latest Financial Tips
Whether you're trying to balance your budget, build up your credit, select a good life insurance program or are gearing up for a home purchase, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com and get the latest military benefit updates and tips delivered straight to your inbox.
