The United States Air Force recognizes the critical role of strong families in the well-being of its service members. For Air Force Reserve and National Guard personnel assigned to specific installations, the Air Force Home Community Care (HCC) program offers vital child care support during drill weekends. This program connects military families with high-quality, state-licensed family child care homes across the nation, ensuring their children are cared for in nurturing environments while parents fulfill their service obligations. By becoming an Air Force HCC provider, you play a direct and meaningful role in supporting our Air Force community.
What is the Air Force Home Community Care Program?
The Air Force Home Community Care Program is designed to provide reliable and affordable child care for Air Force Reserve and National Guard members during drill weekends. Recognizing the unique demands of military service, this program ensures that service members have access to consistent child care, allowing them to focus on their duties with peace of mind. The program operates through a network of approved family child care providers who meet stringent standards to guarantee a safe, enriching, and dependable child care experience. This not only supports the readiness of our Air Force personnel but also strengthens the bonds within the military community.
Essential Requirements to Become an Air Force HCC Provider
To ensure the highest quality of care for children of Air Force families, prospective providers must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements are in place to guarantee the safety, security, and well-being of children under care. To be eligible as an Air Force Home Community Care program provider, you must meet the following mandatory standards:
- Valid State Child Care License: You must operate a currently licensed family child care home in your state, demonstrating compliance with state regulations and standards.
- Comprehensive Background Checks: To ensure child safety, FBI background checks and Child Abuse and Neglect Checks are mandatory for every individual over 18 years of age residing or working within the child care facility.
- Adequate Liability Insurance: Providers are required to maintain child care liability insurance of at least $500,000 to protect all parties involved.
- Current First Aid and CPR Certification: Certification in first aid and infant/child CPR must be current, ensuring providers are prepared for any emergency situation.
- Weekend Availability: Providers must be available to offer child care services from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday during designated military drill weekends.
How to Apply to the Air Force HCC Program
Becoming an approved Air Force Home Community Care program provider is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to begin your application:
- Complete the AF HCC Application: Access the application form online at Completed AF HCC Application. This application collects essential information about your child care home and qualifications.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Compile all necessary documents to support your application. These documents are crucial for verifying your eligibility and ensuring a smooth application process.
Required Supporting Documents for Your Application
To complete your application to become an Air Force Home Community Care program provider, you will need to submit the following supporting documents:
- State Child Care License: A copy of your current state child care license.
- Completed AF HCC Application: The application form completed online.
- Proof of Liability Insurance: Documentation verifying your $500,000 child care liability insurance coverage.
- First Aid and CPR Certification: Proof of your current certifications in first aid and infant/child CPR.
- State Licensing Inspection: A copy of your most recent state licensing inspection report.
- Educational Documents: A copy of your High School Diploma/GED or continuing education documents.
For existing providers with an Air Force Home Community Care program file, please email updated documents or inquiries to [email protected]. New providers should use the application link provided. Expect to be contacted by the AF HCC team within two business days of submitting your application.
Contact Information
For any questions or for documentation eligibility inquiries, please reach out to the Air Force Home Community Care program team:
Mail: Child Care Aware® of America 1515 N Courthouse Rd, 3rd Fl Arlington, VA 22201
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (571) 255-4904
Phone: 1 (800) 424-2246 ext. 406
By becoming an Air Force Home Community Care program provider, you are not just offering child care; you are providing crucial support to the men and women of the Air Force and their families, strengthening our military community and contributing to their mission readiness. Join the network today and make a difference!
