|
|
|
Customer submissions into the Interactive Customer Evaluation for the Family Child Care program prompted the need for clarification.
Parent Central is the first stop parents should make in their search for an FCC provider. Parent Central, located in the Resiliency Center at 600 Thomas Ave., refers parents of homes that meet their specific child care needs.
Parent Central can only give out the names of providers with openings in their homes. The openings must meet the parent’s need as described by the parent. Parent Central will give out a maximum of three names at a time. At times, Parent Central will provide fewer names for referral.
Typically, decisions in child care need to be made in a timely manner for both the provider and parent. For this reason, referrals are limited to three at time. If, after interviewing the three providers, the parent has not found acceptable child care, they can return to Parent Central for additional referrals.
Rates are capped by local policy for providers participating in the FCC Subsidy Program. The FCC Subsidy Program helps keep provider rates comparable to rates charged at the Child Development Center. Parents who fall into CDC fee categories 1 though 4 can request through their provider the Fee Equity Subsidy and pay the same rates as at the CDC.
Currently, provider fees are capped a maximum of $130 per week. FCC is awaiting final guidance from Installation Management Command on the fee policy to be implemented beginning Oct. 1. Once guidance is received, the cap may be increased and additional tier categories will be subsidized. KinderCare programs off the installation average $250 per week while other infant care providers are charging up to $175 per week in the local area.
Some providers allow a trial period to determine if the child and provider are a good fit. Parents must read the contract carefully. Once signed, the parent is obligated to abide by the terms of the contract. In some cases, a two-week termination fee is required. A contract holds a space whether the child is present or not; however, the parent is expected to pay for the child’s space based on the contract terms.
A start up or application fee may be required to offset the cost of the initial formalities required to be completed by the provider. Some providers will include formula for infants, food or other amenities in their contracts while many will not. All providers are required to enroll in U.S. Department of Agriculture food programs; however, not all participate in the infant portion. The contract will also state the hours of operation that the provider provides care. Many providers start their day before 6 a.m. and some will accept children on the weekend and over night. Many providers will provide hourly care as spaces are available.
As with registered day care providers off post, providers on the installation are considered independent businesses. They draft their contracts based on what services they feel comfortable providing in their home, however, they do not self regulate. Army Regulation 608-10 and the FCC Standard Operating Procedures provide clear guidance to providers.
Installation agencies ensure on-post providers meet and maintain the fire, safety and health standards set by regulation. Regulations also limit how many children are allowed in a provider’s home at one time. FCC-certified homes off post are licensed by the State of Kansas and receive oversight visits through the state. Providers both on and off post are also required to submit activity plans detailing the activities planned each day that they provide care. A lending library is available for providers who need supplies.
FCC homes are a viable option for care for military families. Providers must meet the same training requirements as the staff at the CDC or School-Age Services. Like center-based programs, they are required to plan developmental activities to meet the needs of the children in their home and track development. The FCC director and Child, Youth and School Services trainers provide assistance to constantly evaluate and improve their programs. Most providers go over and beyond what is in their contract to accommodate parents and their children. FCC providers offer individualized care in a family setting in their home. Many are willing to provide a higher level of flexibility in the hours they operate and special care of children.
Recently, a customer commented in an ICE submission, “I just wanted to say how awesome my FCC provider is and how well she is with my child. Every time I have an uncertainty in my hours she is always able to work with me. I also really enjoy her kind, caring attitude that she gives my daughter.”
LaKeeta B. Stevenson, the FCC director with Fort Leavenworth CYSS, is in room 53 of the Resiliency Center at 600 Thomas Ave. She can be reached at 684-5129.
The Interactive Customer Evaluation system is accessible online through various Fort Leavenworth websites. Any customer can click on the ICE logo to be forwarded to the Fort Leavenworth ICE website. Customers may also visit https://ice.disa.mil. The ICE system is monitored daily to ensure customers requesting a response receive their response within three working days.
The ICE system provides a voice for the customer and was established to determine if the Garrison is adequately providing for the needs of those who work, play and live on the installation. For more information, contact Angela Banks, program and management analyst in the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office, at 684-1750 or e-mail angela.banks2@us.army.mil.
Customer submissions into the Interactive Customer Evaluation for the Family Child Care program prompted the need for clarification.
Parent Central is the first stop parents should make in their search for an FCC provider. Parent Central, located in the Resiliency Center at 600 Thomas Ave., refers parents of homes that meet their specific child care needs.
Parent Central can only give out the names of providers with openings in their homes. The openings must meet the parent’s need as described by the parent. Parent Central will give out a maximum of three names at a time. At times, Parent Central will provide fewer names for referral.
Typically, decisions in child care need to be made in a timely manner for both the provider and parent. For this reason, referrals are limited to three at time. If, after interviewing the three providers, the parent has not found acceptable child care, they can return to Parent Central for additional referrals.
Rates are capped by local policy for providers participating in the FCC Subsidy Program. The FCC Subsidy Program helps keep provider rates comparable to rates charged at the Child Development Center. Parents who fall into CDC fee categories 1 though 4 can request through their provider the Fee Equity Subsidy and pay the same rates as at the CDC.
Currently, provider fees are capped a maximum of $130 per week. FCC is awaiting final guidance from Installation Management Command on the fee policy to be implemented beginning Oct. 1. Once guidance is received, the cap may be increased and additional tier categories will be subsidized. KinderCare programs off the installation average $250 per week while other infant care providers are charging up to $175 per week in the local area.
Some providers allow a trial period to determine if the child and provider are a good fit. Parents must read the contract carefully. Once signed, the parent is obligated to abide by the terms of the contract. In some cases, a two-week termination fee is required. A contract holds a space whether the child is present or not; however, the parent is expected to pay for the child’s space based on the contract terms.
A start up or application fee may be required to offset the cost of the initial formalities required to be completed by the provider. Some providers will include formula for infants, food or other amenities in their contracts while many will not. All providers are required to enroll in U.S. Department of Agriculture food programs; however, not all participate in the infant portion. The contract will also state the hours of operation that the provider provides care. Many providers start their day before 6 a.m. and some will accept children on the weekend and over night. Many providers will provide hourly care as spaces are available.
As with registered day care providers off post, providers on the installation are considered independent businesses. They draft their contracts based on what services they feel comfortable providing in their home, however, they do not self regulate. Army Regulation 608-10 and the FCC Standard Operating Procedures provide clear guidance to providers.
Installation agencies ensure on-post providers meet and maintain the fire, safety and health standards set by regulation. Regulations also limit how many children are allowed in a provider’s home at one time. FCC-certified homes off post are licensed by the State of Kansas and receive oversight visits through the state. Providers both on and off post are also required to submit activity plans detailing the activities planned each day that they provide care. A lending library is available for providers who need supplies.
FCC homes are a viable option for care for military families. Providers must meet the same training requirements as the staff at the CDC or School-Age Services. Like center-based programs, they are required to plan developmental activities to meet the needs of the children in their home and track development. The FCC director and Child, Youth and School Services trainers provide assistance to constantly evaluate and improve their programs. Most providers go over and beyond what is in their contract to accommodate parents and their children. FCC providers offer individualized care in a family setting in their home. Many are willing to provide a higher level of flexibility in the hours they operate and special care of children.
Recently, a customer commented in an ICE submission, “I just wanted to say how awesome my FCC provider is and how well she is with my child. Every time I have an uncertainty in my hours she is always able to work with me. I also really enjoy her kind, caring attitude that she gives my daughter.”
LaKeeta B. Stevenson, the FCC director with Fort Leavenworth CYSS, is in room 53 of the Resiliency Center at 600 Thomas Ave. She can be reached at 684-5129.
The Interactive Customer Evaluation system is accessible online through various Fort Leavenworth websites. Any customer can click on the ICE logo to be forwarded to the Fort Leavenworth ICE website. Customers may also visit https://ice.disa.mil. The ICE system is monitored daily to ensure customers requesting a response receive their response within three working days.
The ICE system provides a voice for the customer and was established to determine if the Garrison is adequately providing for the needs of those who work, play and live on the installation. For more information, contact Angela Banks, program and management analyst in the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office, at 684-1750 or e-mail angela.banks2@us.army.mil.
