Child & Youth Programs Registration

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The Department of Defense takes great pride in the variety and quality of services provided to children and youth on installations worldwide. While the services provided may vary by location, the standards and quality of services are consistent and meet established regulations.

Family Child Care

Family child care is typically available weekdays; however, evening, weekend, and flexible hourly care are also available.

Children, infants to 12 years of age, may receive care in the private home of a certified family child care provider living in government-owned or government-leased housing. Family child care is typically available weekdays; however, evening, weekend, and flexible hourly care are also available. Regulations limit the number of children who receive care at any one time to no more than six children under 8 years old, and no more than two children under 2 years old. Family child care providers must be certified by the installation to operate. Individual providers may voluntarily seek national accreditation from the National Association of Family Child Care and are provided local support, training, and materials to accomplish this goal.

Requesting Family Child Care

Military families may request family child care by visiting MilitaryChildCare.com. This Department of Defense online request for care system serves military families worldwide who are seeking child care through child development centers, school-age care programs and DOD certified family child care providers. Families may search for and request care, manage their requests, and update their profile online, simplifying the process for finding child care.

Child Development Centers

Child development centers, or CDCs, generally offer child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care and respite care. Child development centers vary in size and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

School-Age Care Programs

School-age care programs provide care to children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Care is offered before and after school, and during non-school days and summer vacations. School-age care programs may be located in Department of Defense youth centers, child development centers or in other suitable facilities. All programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the Council on Accreditation.

Youth Programs

Dynamic programs for youth ages 5 to 18 years are provided in military youth and teen program facilities worldwide. A wide variety of offerings includes activities in health and wellness, sports and recreation, the arts, education and career development, and leadership and service. Installation programs may also collaborate with other youth-serving organizations, like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and USDA 4-H programs.

RAF Mildenhall has established priorities for child care based on DoD requirements.

Priority 1: Child Development Center (CDC) and School Age Program (SAP) employees, Single & Dual Military Families (military married to military) and Reservists on active duty (with a family status Single Parent/Dual Military)
Priority 2: Single and Dual Military or Command Sponsored DoD Civilians with a full-time non-military working spouse (working 20 hours per week or is a full-time student)
Priority 3: Families with an unemployed spouse

Dependent children, 6 weeks old to 12 years of age, of active duty personnel, DoD civilian personnel, reservists on active duty or during inactive duty training, DoD contractors and Coast Guard personnel assigned to or living on the installation, are eligible to use the Child and Youth Program services.

This program is on hold due to Covid-19 Restrictions and Complications

The Air Force Aid Society program offers Air Force families up to 20 hours of free child care per child on a space available basis within 60 days of arrival or departure to/from the base. Early Reservations: Are highly recommended because slots fill up quickly. Reservations may be made up to 4 weeks in advance by the parent or sponsor of incoming personnel. Voucher Required: To receive the care for free, a PCS child care voucher must be obtained from the Military & Family Readiness Center and be provided to youth programs.