Hours and fees
Hours of operation and fees charged by each FCC provider are a matter of private negotiation between the provider and the parents (unless the family is enrolled in the subsidy program).

Eligibility and participation
Children 2 weeks old to age 12 of any active duty or retired military members, DoD civilians and contractors employed on or supporting Hanscom AFB, are eligible for care under the FCC Program.

To request care fill out an application PDF

Family Child Care Subsidy

The FCC Subsidy Program assists working parents in finding quality, affordable childcare in FCC homes by sharing the cost of their childcare fees. Parents of infants, toddlers, and special needs children who are enrolled in FCC homes can pay their weekly fees according to their Total Family Income. School Age children who have been in a licensed FCC home throughout the School Year may also apply for the subsidy program during the summer months. The fees are the same a parent would pay if their child were enrolled in the Child Development Center.

In order to qualify for the Subsidy Program, a child must be enrolled in care at an FCC home at least 35-50 hours per week. The program is open only to active duty military and DoD civilian families. To register, please contact the FCC coordinator at (781) 225-6122 to schedule an appointment.

Finding care:

Our providers have completed background checks, safety and health requirements, and other training in order to provide your child the best quality care.

Providers and their homes are different and unique just as families are. Please arrange an interview with a potential FCC Provider to assure compatibility. The FCC Provider you select will play an important role in your child’s life. The provider will guide, teach, and nurture your child.

Here are some items to check for and questions to ask when interviewing a potential provider:

• Is the home kept clean?
• Is there room for children to play indoors and outdoors?
• Is there a place for naps?
• Is the home free of safety hazards?
• Does the provider seem to know a lot about child Development and childcare?
• Does the provider seem to truly like children and are they patient with the children?
• What training has the provider had?
• Visit the FCC home anytime during the day. Check to see what kind of care is being provided.
• Read their contract thoroughly. If there is something in the contract you disagree with discuss with the provider prior to signing.
• Don't be afraid to ask the provider any questions.
• Ask about the flexibility of hours.
• Clarify your expectations.
• Look for evidence of good hygiene, sanitary conditions, and health requirements.
• Don't feel pressured to say yes or no on the spot.

The FCC provider sets fees. Prior to starting care families must:

• Complete a written contract regarding fees and policies.
• Provide proof of immunizations and any medical information for each child including permission to treat emergencies signed by the parent(s), child's allergies, chronic illness and other known health problems.
• A completed AF Form 1181
• A completed AF Form 357 for dual/single military parent(s)

Here are some other points to remember when you find care:

• Visit your FCC home anytime during the day. Check to see what kind of care is being provided.
• Discuss your goals and the provider’s goals for your child and work together to accomplish those goals.
• Keep the provider informed about the health of your child. If your child is ill and will not be going to the FCC home, notify the provider as soon as possible.
• Pay for fees on time — the provider deserves your consideration.
• Be thoughtful and considerate of your provider — drop off and pick up your child on time
  or call if you are delayed.

Parent Advisory Board:

The Parent Advisory Board includes parents from all Family Member Programs: Child Development Center, Family Child Care and Youth Programs.

Purpose

The board functions in an advisory capacity, providing recommendations for improving services in all Family Member Programs areas.

• Improve staff and parent communications.
• Increase parent’s knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in FMP activities.
• Increase parent participation and involvement in FMP activities.

Responsibilities

• Meet with the FMP Flight Chief and activity managers at least quarterly.
• Meet with the Mission Support Group Commander at least annually.

For more information, the next meeting date or minutes from prior meetings, contact the Family Child Care coordinator at (781) 225-6122.

Enhanced Child Care Referral Services

Operation Child Care 
Designed to support the short-term child care needs of National Guard and Reserve members in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Dedicated child care providers from across the country pledged their support to Service Members returning home for rest and recuperation leave by donating a minimum of four hours of child care services. Their volunteer time allows service members to take care of family business, take a spouse out to dinner, and reconnect with family members.

Operation: Military Child Care (OMCC)
Child care fee assistance for Active-Duty Military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force) National Guard and Reserve who are activated or deployed and whose children are enrolled in non-DoD licensed child care programs.

Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCIYN)
Help support military families with the high cost of child care outside military installations by locating high-quality child care in local communities, subsidizing the cost of high-quality child care, and provide a subsidy for 60 days while a non-military spouse is looking for work.

Child Care Assistance For Families of Severely Injured Military Families
NACCRRA will coordinate with state and local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to help military families locate child care in the civilian community when a military program is unavailable. This will allow the spouse to be at bedside or to help with outpatient medical appointments. NACCRRA and the DOD will provide an offset to the civilian child care fees during the recovery period.

Special Programs:

Child Care for PCS
The Air Force Aid Society provides eligible active duty members up to 20 hours of free childcare per child while preparing to leave or arriving on Hanscom AFB. The Child Care for PCS program offers parents an opportunity to have their children cared for while packing, unpacking, in or out-processing, house hunting, etc. Certificates are issued to the active duty member or spouse with the PCS assignment orders at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Childcare is provided only in Hanscom licensed FCC homes. The certificate must be shown at the time care is provided to verify eligibility. Members are responsible for coordinating the date and times of child care with the FCC providers.

Child Care for Volunteers
The Air Force Aid Society provides eligible parents with the opportunity to have their children cared for while they are volunteering on base. Certificates are issued at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Please note: Not all volunteer activities are covered by this program - all volunteer activities must be pre-approved by AFAS. Upon approval, a certificate will be issued to the parent. Childcare is provided only in Hanscom licensed FCC homes. The certificate must be shown at the time care is provided to verify eligibility. Members are responsible for coordinating the date and times of child care with the FCC providers.

Extended Duty Child Care
This program enables Air Force members and civilians to extend their duty hours and/or cover child care support beyond normal services used without experiencing significant additional child care costs. Parents must be enrolled in extended duty care program to participate. EDC is provided by a licensed Family Child Care provider who maintains an AF funded contract to cover the cost of extended care. EDC can be provided during the day, evenings and weekends and is coordinated by the Family Child Care Coordinator. If care is needed on weekends, you can call the EDC temporary provider directly at (781) 538-5697

For more information on Extended Duty Child Care, please visit our webpage.

Returning Home Care
Free child care isn’t something that always comes your way. However, if you’ve just returned from a 30-day or more OPERATION Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) deployment or have a 2-week R&R, this program is just what you need to help reduce stress and readjust.

Eligible users are active duty members, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members assigned to or living on the installation. Guard and Reserve are eligible to use this program also under the Home Community Care Program in the civilian community during weekend care contracted time. The care is provided in the Extended Duty Care FCC homes and in the off-base civilian ANG/AFR Home Community Care contracted homes off-base.

If you think this might be for you, please contact your Family Child Care Office at (781) 225-6122. Please help us to help you by taking advantage of this great program, within 30 days of return from your deployment or upon arrival for your 2-week R&R.

For more information on Returning Home Care, please visit our webpage.

Waitlist Information:

The Child Development Center maintains a waitlist for eligible individuals who need immediate care for their child(ren).

• All families are required to submit a DD Form 2606, Request for Care Record
• Families will be placed on the waitlist according to the Center’s priority listing
• Families may place their name on the waitlist when 6 months pregnant or 90 days prior to arrival at Hanscom AFB (requires published PCS orders)
• A family’s position on the waitlist fluctuates according the number of families in higher priorities
• Families will be contacted periodically (at least every 2 months) to verify their childcare need(s). 
• It is the responsibility of the family to ensure that all information on their DD 2606 is accurate and updated especially contact numbers and email addresses. 
• The Child Development Program cannot guarantee a space for any child. We strongly recommend families seek other childcare options until offered an enrollment space at the Center. 
• Families are encouraged to complete the Waiting List Survey for the Family Child Care Program (included with DD 2606) and include an email address to be contacted about other child care options. The Family Child Care Program provides quarterly updates.
• Families will be notified when a space becomes available and will have 24 hours to accept.  If the family does not contact the CDC within 24 hours, the space will be given to the next family on the list. An acceptance fee of $50 is required in order to hold an enrollment space; this fee is applied to the first payment but is not refundable if a family should decline enrollment after acceptance. 
• Families are asked to contact the CDC if they no longer need care.

Becoming a Provider:

To initiate the process of becoming a Hanscom AFB Family Child Care Provider, call (781) 225-6122, email us, or stop by our office in the Child Development Center at Hanscom, Bldg. 1994 (behind the clinic).

The FCC is actively recruiting providers to watch children in their homes. The program offers a flexible schedule and the opportunity to earn extra income while staying home. The program is looking for providers to care for children with special needs, including children with asthma, allergies, cerebral palsy and physical ailments. The program is also actively recruiting providers who might offer swing and evening shifts. Call us at (781) 225-6122 for more information.

Provider Requirements:

• Spouse of an active duty or retired military member living on or off base.
• Are at least 18 years old.
• Have the ability to ready, speak, and write English.
• Are physically and mentally capable of providing care.
• Are willing and able to complete the required training and agree to the requirements of becoming an FCC provider.
• Are able to obtain the required insurance coverage.
• Participate in a home interview with your family members.
• Have no conviction of, admission to, or evidence of family violence, child abuse or neglect, alcohol abuse or use of illegal drugs.

Providers Receive:

• Pre-licensing and other required training.
• Monthly training sessions.
• Assistance with preparing curriculum and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Training on how to use appropriate guidance techniques.
• Assistance in earning a Child Development Associate credential.
• Assistance in becoming an Accredited Provider by the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC)
• Free Resource Center: supplies, outdoor play equipment, books, games, toys, safety gates, first aid kits, mats, child-sized tables and chairs, arts and crafts supplies, child-sized plates, cups, utensils and much more.

Please Note:

In accordance with AFI 34-276, Family Child Care Programs, Para 1.3: “Any individual caring for other families’ children a total of more than 10 hours a week on a regular basis must be licensed to provide care in on-base quarters.” Unlicensed childcare on Hanscom is a violation of base policy and may result in loss of base housing privileges. Applications and information on becoming a FCC provider are available through the FCC coordinator’s office.

Types of Licenses

Licensed Family Child Care Home
A home on base or in Air Force-Leased housing approved by the commander to provide child care following the requirements of Air Force Family Child Care Standards.

Licensed Affiliated Home
Off-base providers that are in compliance with the Air Force Family Child Care Standards and voluntarily submit to the same screening, training and inspection requirements as on-base licensed providers. Must be spouses of active duty or retired military members. Enjoy all the benefits of the Resource Center and all training. Must save on space for Military or DoD child. Affiliate providers must be first licensed by the state that they live in to be eligible to become an affiliate provider.

Licensed Accredited Home
A family child care provider who is Licensed though the Family Child Care program and who has been accredited by an external accrediting agency such as the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).