FCC supports Month of the Military Child, beyond

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom Air Force Base Family Child Care recently hosted an event with the 40th Helicopter Squadron as a capstone for Month of the Military Child.

The static display of a UH-1N Huey offered Team Malmstrom children as well as spouses an opportunity to get up close and personal with the helicopter. Children were encouraged to climb inside the aircraft and ask any questions that came to mind about the operation and controls of the helicopter, which representatives from the squadron were there to answer.

The FCC, who coordinated with the 40th HS, regularly host an assortment of events throughout the year for families on base. They are an organization which strives to provide a more specialized type of child care to accommodate families where both parents work, or when care is needed at odd hours by allowing providers to open their homes to children.

"The providers and their families offer several events throughout the year," said Cynthia Berg, FCC chief. "They plan events individually, or as a group and the activities vary."

These activities allow families to network or get a break, have some time to themselves when they need it, and offers the children a welcoming place to have fun.

"It is a great home environment with smaller ratios," Berg said.  "(They offer) personalized care and somewhat flexible hours of care too."

The personalized care being provided is more than an average daycare, as opposed to what some may believe.

"I think there is a misconception that the FCC providers are 'babysitters'," Berg said. "They are not - they are professional child care providers."

The providers are required to complete and stay current on training regarding childcare and safety regulations year-round, as well as complete a thorough background check and home inspection prior to being accepted to the program.

The program is available to all active-duty members, Department of Defense employees, retirees and contractors with base access. It offers a wide range of coverage with care provided to children from two weeks old up to 12 years old, with part time, full time, drop in, overnight and extended duty hours available.

For Berg, the job is a labor of love, and she believes she gets just as much out of it as the families she supports.

"This is a very rewarding job that not only supports the mission here at Malmstrom, but it also is a great support for our families that are stationed here," she said. "We have a great group of caring and dedicated individuals here to support the families!"

For more information on the programs available, or to find out about becoming a provider, contact Berg at 406-731-2166.