Family Child Care providers offer vital community resource

By Karl Weisel (USAG Wiesbaden)October 18, 2010

Family Child Care providers offer vital community resource
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - When most people think of child care they imagine day care centers around the community. But many parents rely on Family Child Care homes to take care of their children while they work, volunteer and accomplish other daily tasks.

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Currently there are 11 FCC providers in the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, but the community can always use more, as families continuously move in and out of the area, said Rilla Chatman, USAG Wiesbaden's FCC director.

"My golden number is 25," she said, explaining that Child, Youth and School Services officials work closely with those interested in providing Family Child Care to help them obtain the necessary training and certification required for the job.

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"One of the things right now is that we just want to recruit new providers," said Chatman. "Child care is always needed.

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"We offer free training, start-up kits, toys, equipment check-out and also subsidies to offset the cost of providing quality child care," she said, explaining that FCC training is equivalent to college credit. "What they are teaching in college, we are teaching in Army training modules."

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"I love kids," said Aukamm FCC provider Natasha Taylor, who recently was recognized by Dr. Robert Kandler for having completed provisional certification.

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Taylor, who got out of the military in July, said she began researching Family Child Care before leaving the military.

"I was in the military for 10 years and wanted to take the opportunity to work while staying home with my children. ... I actually started taking steps before getting out of the military - attending classes," she said.

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Taylor also underscored the transportability of a career in Family Child Care - "something you can do at any military community."

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"Family Child Care is a fundamental pillar in the entire range of services," said Kandler, while recognizing FCC provider Deirdre Gallimore with a certificate during a visit to her home in Aukamm Housing Sept. 23. "Thank you for what you do and keep up the awesome work."

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"My kids are grown and I thought it was something I could do to contribute to the community and take care of children," said Gallimore, explaining that as a teacher, Family Child Care was a natural extension of educating youths.

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Having young children in her home has been a treat, she said. "My husband and I love that."

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"There are many different circumstances where Soldiers and families need child care and we're trying to meet those needs," said Chatman, explaining that besides serving families, Family Child Care is a "great opportunity to learn how to run a business," spend time with one's own children, obtain valuable training and highly marketable job skills.

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Other FCC providers recognized with certificates during home visits in recent weeks include Ruby Wells, Julie Corpus, Belgica Scott, Folashade Adejumo and Dutchess Wilson.

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