News

AF Respite Program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Raising children can be a challenge. The Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care is now available at Dover AFB and can be used by military parents with special-needs children.

"The advantage for the family is they get a break," said Sonya Dyer, 436th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer/exceptional family member program family support specialist. "Parents who take care of special-needs kids often don't ever get a break."

For up to 12 hours a month, respite providers will watch and care for their children, who can be cared for at a specialized location or even in their family home. Care will also be provided for the special-needs child's siblings who are 12 years old or younger.

Families stationed throughout the world have children who require child care services. Some children have special-needs that require unique child care considerations. Finding and paying for quality child care for children with special-needs can also present significant challenges for military families. Respite Child Care is specially designed for Air Force families who have children diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs.

There is a criterion that you must meet to be eligible for AF Respite Care. The family member must be enrolled in the EFMP and the EFM child is 18 years or younger in age. The child must also be diagnosed with severe or moderate special needs. Finally, the Airman must be active duty, including activated Air National Guard and Reserve, if activated for at least 31 days.

If you are interested in utilizing the AF Respite Program, please contact Child Care Aware, toll-free at 1-800-424-2246 or visit their website at www.usa.childcareaware.org/air-force-EFMP. Child Care Aware staff will provide the eligibility forms and connect the family with their local partner agency. The partner agency will assist families to find a respite care provider to meet their child's needs.