Parent Handbook - MWR Fort Leonard Wood

strict health and safety regulations. FCC providers are independent contractors. They have the
right to determine some aspects of their work such their hours of operation.
Extensive background checks are conducted on all FCC providers, their sponsors, and all
children over 12 years old living in the home. There is an in depth home interview with the entire
Family to observe Family dynamics and to ensure that the entire Family understands and
supports the provider’s decision to become certified. All providers undergo an initial 60-hour
training program prior to certification. The benefits of FCC are flexible hours, home like
environment, low adult to child ratios, and long term/extended care.
Contracts. Each FCC provider must have a completed registration packet that is approved by
the CER before they can accept your child for care. Ask the provider for his or her Social
Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID Number for tax purposes. You must fill out a contract with
the FCC provider before care begins. Please read the contract and any addendum the provider
may require you to sign. Request a copy for your records. These forms describe what is and is
not available to you in their program. Read the contract carefully. If there is something within
the contract that you don’t understand, ask for clarification. If you do not agree with the
provider’s requirements, address the issues immediately. If you cannot come to an agreement,
do not sign the contract. If this occurs, you may contact the CER to obtain new names and
phone numbers of additional FCC providers.
Extended and Long Term Care. Providers offer care for children of parents who work
evenings, unusual hours, weekends, shifts, or over 12 hours per day (duty related) in order to
support the mission. A written statement from a commander or immediate supervisor stating that
extended hours are duty related is required prior to receiving extended and long term care.
Interview Tips. Your interview with a perspective FCC provider allows you the opportunity
to make the choice that fits your childcare needs and allows you to come to an agreement on
matters of importance to you and your child. Visits to FCC homes may take a bit more planning
than you might expect. Here are some helpful steps to ensure a successful FCC interview.
1. Call first and ask:
Is there an opening for my child?
What hours and days are you open (training and regular holidays or a particular time
that is important for you to have childcare)?
How much does care cost?
How many children are in your care?
What are their ages?
What meals do you provide?
How often do you take the children outside and for how long?
What type of receipts do I get for my childcare payments?
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
Do you arrange backup care for those days you are unable to keep my child?
What type of activities do you do with the children?
What type of discipline do you use?
What happens if my child is sick?
How much television do you allow the children to watch?
What happens if my work hours change?
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