Child care provider program seeks new help

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  For Warren members interested in being a child care provider, the family child care office offers 'New Provider' orientations throughout the year.

The orientation provides interested people with briefings from base agencies such as safety, fire department, health representatives, family support specialists, tax experts and the United States Department of Agriculture.

"Being a new provider is a good way to run your own business," said Mara Lackie, FCC coordinator. "It allows you to stay in your own home and provide care for your own children while earning an income providing care for other children."

Not only does the FCC offer orientation classes, qualified providers are able to take advantage of a large collection of tools and resources necessary for every aspect of the job. Their "lending library" offers resources such as resting mats, toys, strollers, infant hardware, silverware and dishes, and outdoor play equipment; everything one would need to fully run a childcare business.

"I thought the class was great," said Samantha Flores, a child care provider. "I learned a lot of things I didn't know before."

Providers are required to have pre-licensing house inspections and are subject to unannounced inspections from the FCC and other inspectors checking for safety concerns such as fire and health.

"It takes a special person to run a business that's always prepared for inspectors appearing at the door," Ms. Lackie said.

She said providers who complete the orientation hear what the job entails without flinching and complete the prerequisites with little worry.

Warren currently has about 17 providers and is in need for more.

"One of the biggest benefits to the providers is the chance for them to get more ideas and a new perspective on taking care of their own children," Ms. Lackie said.

The next new provider classes are Nov. 13, 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call the FCC offices at 773- 3317 or 773-3357.