The demands of military service often extend beyond the typical workday, placing unique challenges on Air Force families, especially those with young children. Recognizing these demands, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) offers the Expanded Child Care (EDC) program, designed to provide crucial support to eligible families. This program, often referred to as the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program, ensures that Air Force personnel can fulfill their duties knowing their children are well cared for, even during non-standard work hours.
Understanding the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program
The Air Force Expanded Child Care Program is not intended to replace regular, full-time child care arrangements. Instead, it acts as a vital safety net, offering supplementary care during times when parental work requirements exceed the operational hours of their regular child care facility or home. This might include situations where parents are already utilizing full-time care, before and after school programs, or Family Child Care (FCC) Fits, but require additional support due to mission-related duties, extended workdays, or other qualifying circumstances.
Examples of situations where the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program can be utilized include:
- Mission-related duty and extended duty days
- Temporary shift changes (up to 3 working days)
- Rapid mobilization needs
- Dual military or single parent deployments (until alternative arrangements are made)
- Federal holidays and installation down days when DAF Child and Youth Programs are closed but parents are required to work
- Mandatory Physical Training (PT) sessions
It’s important to note that in cases of Temporary Duty (TDY) or deployment, the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program may be authorized if the deployed/TDY parent was the primary caregiver during hours outside of normal child care facility operations. Families might need to purchase additional standard care hours prior to EDC approval in some situations. EDC is generally not applicable for single parent household TDYs.
Who is Eligible for the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program?
Eligibility for the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program is clearly defined to ensure support reaches those who need it most. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Active Duty Air Force or Space Force member, a Reserve/Guard member in an Active Duty status, or a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian.
- Reserve/Guard members must be performing full-time duty in a military status to be eligible.
- Be assigned to, living, or working on the military installation.
- Certify that no other adult household member is available to provide child care during the hours needed.
- Be currently purchasing full-time child care, Before School Care, After School Care, Before and After School Care, or FCC Fits.
- Have a scheduled work requirement.
- Standby status generally does not qualify, but exceptions may be made if standby duty transitions to active duty.
- Families are expected to utilize their purchased child care hours before accessing the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program, unless the need falls outside of the regular operating hours of their existing care arrangement or under unique circumstances approved by Air Force Services Center/Vectrus Child & Youth Operations (AFSVC/VCYO).
How to Request Support from the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program
Requesting care through the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program is a straightforward process designed to be as efficient as possible for military families. To apply, follow these steps:
- Complete the DAF FCC ECC Request form: Each eligible member requiring care must complete this request form.
- Complete enrollment paperwork: Finalize enrollment with your chosen DAF Certified Family Child Care (FCC) provider.
- Provide proof of current child care arrangements: If your existing child care is not within a military-based program, submit a copy of your contract with the facility or home.
- Submit TDY/Deployment orders (if applicable): Include copies of relevant orders if the need for expanded care is related to deployment or TDY.
Understanding the Costs
A significant benefit of the Air Force Expanded Child Care Program is that there are no additional fees for eligible military families who are already paying for full-time, before school, after school, or combination child care options. This program is designed to be a seamless extension of existing child care support, ensuring financial peace of mind alongside reliable care for children.
The Air Force Expanded Child Care Program stands as a testament to the Air Force’s commitment to supporting its personnel and their families. By providing accessible and affordable expanded child care options, the program directly contributes to the readiness and well-being of the Air Force community.
