Thursday, November 09, 2006

Childcare program thanks families, providers

“I think it’s a wonderful event,” said Tamiko Boles, childcare provider for more than two years. “It’s a great time for us to meet each other and come together.”

Participants enjoyed turkey, stuffing, corn, green beans and much more followed by a performance by the Untouchable Steppers, a step team made up of children affiliated with Fort Belvoir. Following the Untouchable Steppers performance, several participants received gift baskets.

FCC, an Army-wide program, provides child care for military family members and civilian and contracted workers of the Department of Defense from provider’s homes on and off post.

“There are homes all over the world, from Hawaii to Germany,” said FCC Director Evelyn Flores.

Providers are also affiliated with the military, and receive the same training as the Child and Youth Services staff who provide care in Fort Belvoir’s child development centers.

“It is a home environment and the ratio [of children to adults] is lower,” said Clarissa Fails, an off-post home care provider for the past 13 years, whose husband is retired from the Army. “I watch four children, but I am certified for five.”

Currently, there are providers located all over the area, reaching from Alexandria to as far south as Stafford.

“[Parents] don’t have to commute with their children,” Flores said.

Each provider must go through a 40-hour orientation training in order to qualify, which includes first aid, fire safety, business practices, nutrition and developmentally appropriate practices. In addition, each provider must complete a screening process before certification.

“It’s very convenient,” said Melinda Meurer, who has three children and lives on post. “The provider lives down the street from the preschool, its one mile from [the provider’s] house.”

The FCC provides care for children ranging in age from four weeks to 12 years, allowing siblings to stay in the same home. Most of the homes provide full-day, part-day and hourly care.

“They get that family environment,” said Lois Brigman, who has three children, two of whom go to a provider before and after school.