Wounded warriors, surviving spouses get child care placement priority

  • Published
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Wounded warriors and the dependents of combat-fallen warriors now have priority placement privileges on child care waiting lists for Air Force child care programs. This includes child development centers, family child care homes and school-age programs.

In order to receive priority placement, Airmen must be enrolled in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. They will have to furnish a copy of orders reflecting their disability, illness or injury was received during combat duty in order to have their child's name placed at the top of the waiting list.

"This new policy will really help our wounded warrior families who often struggle with their child care needs and their hectic schedules," said Ed Heinbaugh, an AFW2 Air care manager. "It is just one more tool that will help them with their recovery and regaining a sense of normalcy in their lives."

Air Force wounded warriors who return to active duty shall maintain their place on the waiting list or in the program provided their spouse is in a full-time employment or student status. Wounded warriors who are medically retired will be authorized to use Air Force child care programs until their dependent child reaches age 12 if their spouse is in a full-time employment or student status. Weekly fees will be based on total family income unless a hardship waiver is grant by the installation's mission support group commander.

Dependents of combat-related fallen warriors can use Air Force child care programs until age 12 provided the surviving spouse is in a full-time student or employment status. The base casualty assistance representative can help with eligibility verification. Fees will be based on total family income.

Children unable to be accommodated in a child development center and school-aged children requiring care during the summer, nights, or weekends are authorized to use the Air Force's family child care subsidy in the interim.

If hourly space is not available in centers or school-age programs, the family child care expanded program hours may be approved for families not needing full-time care, but requiring short-term care hourly appointments.

For families unable to access installations, community-based child care subsidy assistance is available through the National Association of Resource and Referral Agencies website at www.naccrra.org/military or by phone at 800-424-2246.