Family Care Plan (FCP) [Merged]

[military granny]

Fusilier
Someone should post this on the military wives sites, as most of you guys will admit when you aren't around your better halves look after this kind of stuff

 

[glenndon]

Hi there,

Was searching through old threads trying to find some info, and didn't find very much. 

Was wondering what couples with children do about child care, when both spouses are on shift work, or one is away and one is on shift work, and their childcare needs don't fit the conventional 7am-4pm daycare setting.  What kind of added costs there are, etc. .

If there are other threads about this very topic that I didn't find, please point me in the right direction!

Thanks!

Glenn

 

[Michael OLeary]

Your best first stop will probably be to talk to your local MFRC.  They will probably have someone who has recently gone through a similar situation that you can compare notes with.  The MFRC advisors should also be aware of any support programs available.

 

[Springroll]

There are homecare agencies that do provide those types of services for children....homecare is not just for the elderly anymore.

Do as Mr O'Leary suggested and contact the MFRC. They normally have agencies they go through for the emergency respite care and they can give you a list of companies they deal with and recommend.

Good luck!

 

[Cansky]

We are a service couple with 3 kids.  We found that the MFRC didn't fit well into our work hours (I start at 730 and am usually at work by 7am).  So we went with a private day home setting.  We have excellent care and the price was great too.  Usually most of the private dayhomes will negotiate wages.  we pay $35 per day and double that if it is over night.  If we are running late then $5 per half hour.  Keep in mind this is a low price and other charge alot more.  The MFRC usually has a list of local daycares, private day homes.  Depending on where you are (edmonton for eg.)  the MFRC may require the persons to have a criminal record screening before they pass on the info regarding dayhome.  There is also the option of Nannies.  This can be pricey but you can have a Canadian citizen who either lives in your home or comes to your home.  You can also have a livin nanny from another country that you are sponsering while they get their citizen ship.  It can be very frustrating to find quality child care.  But it is out there.  Good luck.

 

[Shadow Cat]

I have friends that are service couples and they had to go with a private childcare provider as well.  Currently he is away on training and her military position requires shift work, so many days, so many nights and than so many days off.  Daycare and afterschool care was not an option for them due to the evenings (overnight) shifts that she has to do.

It is not easy on any one but if you can find the right sitter it can at least make life easier on yourself and more importantly the children.

 

[Serenity]

As both a parent and a Child Care worker, I can understand what a frustrating situation families find themselves in. 

As has been already stated, your best place to start is the MFRC.  But if their options don't work for your family what about networking with other parents?  There are bound to be many people in your situation and if they are unable to help you themselves then perhaps they can point you in a better direction. 

If nothing else, they can share in the never-ending tribulation that is working parenthood.

Good luck in your search.

 

[unarmedMelissa]

Thank you. I have also just applied to the Army so this is good to know.
Thanks again

 

[Cloud Cover]

Bump!!  Perhaps this is something for the CF to aspire to in order to retain members?

Reproduced from the Navy Newstand at the USN Naval Postgraduate School- i.a.w. copyright laws for discussion.

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28311

DoD Child Care Named No. 1 in the U.S.
Story Number: NNS070316-12
Release Date: 3/16/2007 12:51:00 PM



By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley Fleet Public Affairs Center Det Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- The National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies report card released March 1 stated DoD child care facilities scored better than all other state programs in the United States in every area rated.

The report card ranks every state and DoD child care program on 15 basic criteria related to the association's current child care center standards and oversight for a total of 150 points. DoD was ranked the highest at 117 points against an average score of 70 points.

“The Child Development Center staff are always interacting with my son and getting him to interact with other children," said Hospital Corpsman Johnlynn Rudy, Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor Medical Clinic. “I put trust in them because they are qualified in CPR and first aid.”

The 15 areas DoD and the states were scored on included training requirements, quarterly inspections, licensing and staff-to-child ratio.

“At Navy child care centers, personnel are required to complete 13 Navy standardized child care modules that consist of safety, nutrition, social development, professionalism, physical development and more,” said Victoria Ritterman, child development education technician of Jackson Park Child Development Center. “In order for an employee to keep their job they need to complete the training modules within 18 months of getting hired.”

Eight states and DoD addressed all 10 basic health and safety benchmarks including fire drills, administration of medication, prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, diapering, hand-washing and safe playground surfaces.

“On a scale of one to 10, I rate the DoD child care an 11 or 12,” said Opal Brekke, DoD civilian and mother. “I’ve lived in Mayport, Fla., Norfolk, Va., and now Silverdale, Wash., with my son attending several different Navy day cares. Every single one of them provided outstanding service with both the in-home care providers and the actual command day cares.

“The youth programs are outstanding,” added Brekke. “The facilities are always clean and well taken care of. I don’t think enough people take advantage of the care they give. The people are friendly and professional.”

Out of all 15 areas the DoD and states were scored on, DoD was ranked first in every category.

For related news around the fleet, visit the www.navy.mil.

 

[MS07]

I am just wondering if anyone knows if the Military accomodates families.  Will the military send both parents away I>E. Training / deployments.  This is one factor I am pondering in regards to joining the military. We do not have family in the immediate area to care for the child.  I appreciate any feedback.

 

[George Wallace]

Simple answer:  Yes the military will send both parents away at the same time.

More detailed answer:  The Military will try to accommodate military spouses as much as possible, but will not guarantee anything.  As both members are earning more than the single income military family, they should also budget for unforseen deployments, separations, etc. that may find one or both of them away from their dependents.  Perhaps, reading some of the other topics here in "The Home Front" will help you to better plan your future in the CF. 

There are many couples who are serving in the CF and married, so there will be lots of good advice on the pros and cons of such relationships and how they have managed to balance family and work.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

I know of a couple of cases in the navy where the spouse was deployed on Op Apollo and the other spouse was on the ship relieving them.

 

[MS07]

Thank you.  I am still going through the recruiting process, still waiting for OMD.  Thought I would ask a question I never heard anyone talk about.   

 

[Fusilier]

To All who have read previous versions of this.  I try to update as the regulations change to make this a useful document.  I appreciate comments and suggestions as I feel it only can improve the overall content.  Remember this is not any kind of official publication, just me trying to look after my guys & girls 

When I first posted this in 2005 may people found it useful, at that time I had a couple of tours under my belt and already lenghty service with the combat arms.  I have now been back from Afghanstan for a year, as chief clerk of the TF 1-06 Infantry Battle Group myself and my staff saw first hand how important things like PEN forms, SDB etc are. 

Please, please people, take the time to ask questions and fill these things out properly.  This document is intended as a guide, use it and ask questions of your admin staff.  It does not just apply to operational tours but your day to day service as you never know what may happen.

My son is currently going through BMQ, and hopes to become an infanteer in the regiment I served with and my husband served with.  We are very proud of him.  Before he left I sat him down and reviewed this document and he said "mom, I don't have a wife and kids yet" and I said "no, but you still have family, you can't put a PO box number as our address on your PEN form, how will the assisting officer find me if they need to?"  I know that in the future he will be going somewhere, maybe not to Afghanistan but most likely somewhere like it. 

All I can say everyone is, I've seen it from all sides.  Lost good friends and watched as things were more difficult for their families than they should have been.  Work with your admin staff, educate yourselves on your entitlements and what is available to you and ensure your documentation will stand the test at ALL times not just prior to deployments.

Good luck to you out there that are deploying now and in the future.  Hope this may help you no mater where you are; home or abroad - here is the 2007 version 

To the Army.ca staff thank you for the opportunity to post what I feel and hope you do too a useful tool

 

[Fusilier]

Posted previously - this is an updated copy

To All who have read previous versions of this.  I try to update as the regulations change to make this a useful document.  I appreciate comments and suggestions as I feel it only can improve the overall content.  Remember this is not any kind of official publication, just me trying to look after my guys & girls 

When I first posted this in 2005 may people found it useful, at that time I had a couple of tours under my belt and already lengthy service with the combat arms.  I have now been back from Afghanstan for a year, as chief clerk of the TF 1-06 Infantry Battle Group myself and my staff saw first hand how important things like PEN forms, SDB etc are. 

Please, please people, take the time to ask questions and fill these things out properly.  This document is intended as a guide, use it and ask questions of your admin staff.  It does not just apply to operational tours but your day to day service as you never know what may happen.

My son is currently going through BMQ, and hopes to become an infanteer in the regiment I served with and my husband served with.  We are very proud of him.  Before he left I sat him down and reviewed this document and he said "mom, I don't have a wife and kids yet" and I said "no, but you still have family, you can't put a PO box number as our address on your PEN form, how will the assisting officer find me if they need to?"  I know that in the future he will be going somewhere, maybe not to Afghanistan but most likely somewhere like it. 

All I can say everyone is, I've seen it from all sides.  Lost good friends and watched as things were more difficult for their families than they should have been.  Work with your admin staff, educate yourselves on your entitlements and what is available to you and ensure your documentation will stand the test at ALL times not just prior to deployments.

Good luck to you out there that are deploying now and in the future.  Hope this may help you no mater where you are; home or abroad - here is the 2007 version 

To the Army.ca staff thank you for the opportunity to post what I feel and hope you do too a useful tool

 

[armyvern]

Nice post Fusilier and good, useful info too.

 

[Fusilier]

Thanks Vern, I knw the last one was given the big blue thumb tack but I wanted to make sure the updated version is avail.

 

[armyvern]

Thanks Vern, I knw the last one was given the big blue thumb tack but I wanted to make sure the updated version is avail.

I just recommended the thumb tack for this one too. And now, off to shop.  ;D

Vern

 

[aesop081]

Big blue thumb tack status is set....

 

[IN HOC SIGNO]

Excellent post and an excellent document. You told your son that the AO has to find him but it is usually the Padre who has to find folks first and the AO who follows shortly after.....I understand now in the Army that the AO and the Padre are going together as a Notification team. As one who has spent a lot of time trying to decipher the chicken scratch on a PEN form in the middle of the night only to find out that the NOK moved a year earlier I can support your advice to your son to have the forms up to date. After reading your document I must say it's time I updated my will....kids are grown and gone now and I'm proceeding on IR in January so there are a few things that should be updated etc.
Thanks for this it's an excellent resource.