FMWR > Child, Youth and School Services > Child, Youth and School Services Becoming a FCC Provider

Fort Carson Army Family Child Care – The Child Care option of choice for many parents

1.  Provided by certified, authorized family members in government quarters and by family child care providers licensed by the State of Colorado and certified by Fort Carson.

2. Serves children ages 4 weeks to twelve years

3. Includes full-day, part-day, hourly, before and after hours, weekend, overnight, long term and special needs care options

4. Offers a family atmosphere with small groups of children

Family Child Care (FCC) offers small, multi-age group care in a nurturing home environment. FCC offers a variety of home care options for children ages four weeks to 12 years. The hours of operation tend to be more tailored to meet the needs of military families’ schedules. Parents are given the opportunity to choose their child provider through an interview process and siblings can be cared for together. FCC subsidies are provided to ensure parent fees in category I and II are the same as in other CYS Services childcare options.

The FCC program allows parents to choose child care based on their families’ needs and provider availability. Providers offer a variety of flexible care options that meet regular and mission related childcare needs.

What do they do all day?

FCC providers use daily routines, planned curriculum and teachable moments to meet the varied needs and interests of children. The goal of FCC is to teach the Whole Child by providing a variety of materials, experiences and activities that are real. While children play – they learn. Outdoor excursions, parent participation and provider networking contribute to the uniqueness of the FCC program.

Responsive and Flexible – Supports mission readiness and the unique demands of military life

1. Accommodates soldier duty hours with early openings and late closings
2. Provides a major source of specialized care, i.e. shift work, special needs, weekends, overnight, long term and before and after hours
3. Supports parental travel, training and duty assignments through extended hours and long term care capabilities
4. Encourages families to stay in the Army by creating opportunities for spouse employment

Only the Best Qualified – Only the best qualified applicants are selected to become providers

1. Both home and provider are Army Certified

1. Initial certification process includes:

1. Background screening (providers and household members age 12 and over)
2. Home inspections (fire, safety, health, program)
3. In-home family interview
4. Program planning (parent contracts, menus, evacuation plan, discipline policy)
5. Pre-Certification home visits
6. Substantive training on specific topics
7. Provisional certification (Probationary period 12 months)
8. Certification renewal every year 

Well Managed Delivery System – Clearly defined procedures ensure children receive quality of care equivalent to that offered in centers

1. Standards established for both FCC Program and the individual homes
2. Professional staff oversee a specific number of providers/homes
3. Children are placed through a centralized referral process
4. Functions as a “center without walls”
5. Infrastructure supports successful care giving

1. Extensive initial and on-going competency-based training
2. Credentials and Accreditation
3. USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program
4. Equipment / toy lending library
5. Technical assistance
6. Parent Advisory Council
7. Provider association / Support groups
8. Recognition awards 

Oversight Minimizes Risk – Multi-disciplinary monitoring approach 

1. Assigned Director, Trainer and Mentor for each home
2. Quarterly home visits (minimum)
3. Annual Inspections
4. Employment of Child Abuse Risk Assessment Tool annually at minimum
5. Parental access (open door policy) and parent surveys
6. Record keeping and reporting requirements
7. DoD Child Care Hotline
8. “Unauthorized” care identified with incentive for certification