For Army families, accessing quality and affordable child care is a significant concern. The Army Child Care Fee Assistance Program, often referred to as Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN), is designed to alleviate this burden, making quality child care more accessible. A key aspect of this program is the emphasis on accreditation for child care providers, ensuring that your children receive the best possible care.
Accreditation serves as an additional benchmark for evaluating the quality of a child care program. Both family child care homes and larger child care centers can pursue accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to exceeding basic licensing standards. These accredited programs are recognized for providing environments that foster children’s growth, development, and school readiness through enriching activities and attentive care, aligning with what parents seek in high-quality child care.
To participate in the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program and qualify for fee assistance, sponsors are required to choose a child care provider that holds specific accreditations. The requirements differ slightly between child care centers and family child care providers.
Accreditation Requirements for Child Care Centers
For child care centers to meet MCCYN program criteria, they must be accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency approved by the program. To identify the specific accreditations that qualify centers for the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program, please consult the Child Care Aware® of America website. They maintain a comprehensive list and resources at https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/. This resource is invaluable for understanding the accreditation standards your chosen center needs to meet for fee assistance eligibility.
Accreditation and Credentials for Family Child Care Providers
Family child care providers also play a vital role in the Army Child Care Fee Assistance program. To be eligible under MCCYN, family child care providers must attain one of the following high-quality credentials, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to early childhood education:
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. This credential signifies a provider’s competency in working with young children.
- Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Academic qualifications in these fields demonstrate a deeper understanding of child development principles and practices.
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation. NAFCC accreditation is specific to family child care settings and recognizes providers who meet rigorous quality standards.
Child Care Aware® of America also provides a valuable list of providers who have previously participated in fee assistance programs. This list, available at https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/, can be a starting point in your search for care. However, it is crucial to verify that any provider you select currently meets the eligibility requirements of your specific Army branch and program before tuition assistance approval can be granted. For any questions regarding provider eligibility, you are encouraged to contact Child Care Aware® of America directly at 1-800-424-2246.
In conclusion, understanding the accreditation requirements is essential for Army families seeking child care fee assistance. By choosing accredited providers, you ensure your child benefits from high-quality care while leveraging the financial support offered by the Army Child Care Fee Assistance program. Always verify provider eligibility and utilize resources like Child Care Aware® of America to navigate your child care options effectively.
