Opportunities knock for child care providers Published Feb. 3, 2012 By Amy Morris Marketing and publicity MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Family Child Care Program provides assistance to individuals interested in caring for children in a safe, loving environment. A Family Child Care home is housing on- or off-base in which care is provided for one or more unrelated children for more than 10 hours per week. Providers may have up to sx children between the ages of two weeks and 12 years, with no more than two children under the age of two (including their own.) Requirements for becoming a licensed provider involve interviews, background checks, training, home inspections, physical exam and immunizations. Military members who live off-base can become Family Child Care providers by receiving an affiliate license and meeting the same standards in safety, developmentally appropriate equipment and individualized attention as on-base settings. Affiliated providers have the same rights and privileges, such as checking out items from the lending library and advertising of child care openings. Off-base homes affiliated with Family Child Care are required to meet all Air Force standards and state licensing. Only licensed providers are authorized by the support group commander to offer child care services in family housing. Failure to comply with licensing requirements is a violation of base regulations, and individuals providing 10 hours of regular care on a weekly basis without a license will be required to comply with base regulations, cease providing child care services or face losing housing privileges. The program is available to help every step of the way. Call 953-2585 to get started.