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Family Child Care

Elijah Heppler, son of Tiffany Heppler, a family child care provider, shows his painting April 11, 2014,in base housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Elijah enjoys painting with his mom and playing with the other children for whom his mom provides childcare. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jared Duhon)

Family Child Care

Tiffany Heppler, family child care provider, laughs with Ashley, left, her daughter, and Etienne during crafts time, April 11, 2014,in base housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Heppler is able to care for her own children while also taking care of other kids. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jared Duhon)

Family Child Care

Tiffany Heppler, family child care provider, and Elijah, her son, wash their hands after craft timeApril 11, 2014,in base housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Heppler enjoys being a provider because she can helpout other families by providing childcare. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jared Duhon)

Family Child Care

Published April 15, 2014
By Senior Airman Jared Duhon
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- A child being born, to some new parents, is the happiest but also the scariest moment of their life. Questions about finances and proper parenting techniques are sure to be on any new parent's mind.

But something that might not be in the forefront of the new parents' mind is childcare. What are the options for babysitters, daycare, and what programs do the Air Force provides? The many options might be overwhelming.

Beverly Henderson, 436th Force Support Squadron family child care coordinator, ensures new parents have a great option to fulfill their child care needs.

"My job is to help people become licensed to do childcare in their homes, on- or off-base," said Henderson. "I provide the proper training to meet the Air Force's requirements for childcare as well as answer any questions the providers may have."

Tiffany Heppler, FCC provider, furnishes child care from her home and has done so for the past year.

"I provide care for kids and help them have fun and learn during the day," said Heppler. "I also plan activities throughout the week such as crafts or games. Some think it's overwhelming, but once you set a schedule and the kids adjust, it's a fairly fun and easy time."

Kristin Warat, FCC provider, has been a provider for two years. Providers care for children of all ages and developmental abilities.

"I enjoy being a provider," said Warat. "As a provider I can care for as many children I feel comfortable with. I have flexible hours that I set and I also receive support from Beverly and the other providers."

The FCC coordinator holds monthly training for the providers to keep them up-to-date with requirements, training and information.

"This job is not always a walk in the park," said Warat. "We prepare meals, clean the environment the children will be working in and doing lesson plans. Another requirement is for us to have CPR training, an emergency plan and inspections from the fire marshal."

There is a long list of services that the FCC providers can offer to military families and Department of Defense civilian employees, but unfortunately with only two providers, Henderson cannot provide all those services. Because of this, Henderson is seeking more Family Child Care providers.

"The providers basically have a childcare business," said Henderson. "The Air Force doesn't dictate how many children a provider can have; they have a contract with the parents. The more providers we can get, the better we can help out the families."

For more information on becoming a provider click here