ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The deployment cycle is often difficult on military families.
Finding time to shoulder the logistics of life while caring for children in the temporary absence of a military spouse can seem impossible, but a recent change to the Air Force’s Family Childcare Support program will help.
The program formerly provided 48 hours of child care for pre, during and post deployment/remote assignments. As of April 1, families are authorized 16 hours for pre-deployment, 16 hours each month of the deployment/remote assignment, and 16 hours post deployment.
AF FCC Deployment Child Care Support may be used once the member has orders and ends 60 days upon return from the deployment.
AF FCC Remote Assignment Child Care may be used each month the member is on remote assignment.
Shantel Chapman, Child and Youth Services Flight chief for the 78th Force Support Squadron at Robins, said the change gives families more flexibility.
“The Air Force Family Child Care Deployment Child Care process/procedures to request care have not changed; only the number of hours of care,” she said. “This change allows families to have more flexibility to use the hours available to them. For example, if a member has orders for a six-month deployment, he/she is eligible for 16 hours pre-deployment, 96 hours during deployment, and 16 hours post deployment (128 hours total).”
Chapman said the Air Force Family Child Care Remote Child Care support slightly differs from the Deployment Child Care.
“Members tasked for a remote assignment are only eligible for 16 hours of care each month they’re gone,” she explained. “Members aren’t eligible for 16 hours pre/post assignment. For example, if a member has a 12-month remote assignment, he/she is eligible for 192 hours.”
Child care is offered through participation in the Robins Air Force Base Family Child Care program, in the homes of certified Family Child Care providers.
Care is dependent on the space availability and program funding.
Eligibility requirements:
- Member of the Military Service
- Active Duty or Reserve/Guard Member in Active Status
- Assigned to or working on the installation
- Deployed in support of a contingency operation
- Deployed for a minimum of 30 calendar days or personnel who routinely deploy on a
short-term basis (cumulative of 30 days in a 6 month period)
- Copy of deployment orders/PCS orders
- Completed AF FCC Expanded Child Care Request