Child Care

EFMP Respite Care is designed to assist Department of the Air Force families with short-term, specialized child care (to help reduce the stresses associated with caring for an exceptional family member). The program provides 40 hours of care each month for both the EFMP child and siblings up to age 13. For those young adults, between 19-23 years of age, and they are identified as the Exceptional Family Member, Respite Child Care may be available on a case-by-case basis. For additional EFMP RCP information call, 701-747-5033 or 800-443-4828.

The Family Child Care Program at Grand Forks AFB, ND provides care for children 2 weeks to 12 years of age in the provider's home. Anyone providing care in base housing for another person’s child for more than 10 hours a week MUST be licensed. Training is free through the Child and Youth Programs. Orientation includes an extensive licensing process, CPR, First Aid, Curriculum Planning, Health and Safety procedures, Food Handlers certification, 15 training modules and business organization. Mandatory background and reference checks are conducted, all homes are inspected by Public Health, Safety and Fire as well as the FCC Coordinator before a license is issued. The MSG commander signs the renewable 1 year license after all requirements have been completed. Each provider can provide care of up to 6 children for no more than 2 under the age of 2 including his/her own. Monthly inspections of each home are conducted by the FCC Coordinator. Health records on all family members are maintained and each provider is required to have Liability insurance.

The FCC Resource Center is available to all licensed providers and includes supplies needed such as toys, materials and equipment, all of which can be switched out for other items.

FCC providers are self-employed and not government employees. Each FCC professional sets his or her own rates, hours, and contracts. For additional information on becoming a FCC provider, contact the Community Child Care Coordinator at 701-747-5033.

The Grand Forks AFB Child Development Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and certified by the Department of Defense, providing care for children between the ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. The practices of Air Force Child Development Programs are based on current knowledge of child development and early childhood education. The CDC implements developmentally appropriate activities through the Early Learning Matters curriculum that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of the children enrolled. A Training and Curriculum Specialist provides the child care professionals training on a variety of subjects ranging from safety, health, and child abuse prevention along with other requirements in accordance with Air Force and DOD requirements.

The Grand Forks AFB Child Development Center respects and supports the ideals, cultures, and values of families in their task of nurturing children, advocate for children, families, and the early childhood professionals within all programs.

Availability

There is currently a waiting list for all age groups.

Priority Care

Direct Care Staff & single/ dual military parents have first priority.

Fees

Charges and fees for CYP programs are based on total family income and are adjusted annually in accordance with the Military Child Care Act of 1996. Meals and snacks are included in the fee structure.

Special Needs Care

For families that have a child or children with special needs, concerns as to the child care professional’s ability to care for that child or children is a concern. Grand Forks AFB has an Inclusion Action Team that consists of professionals working in the field of child and youth development, early intervention, medical, legal, family support services, therapy, special and general education or related fields. The IAT, along with the parent, will begin a placement process. This process begins with screening questions related to the educational and/or medical needs of the child answered by parents when they apply for care. The IAT reviews all documentation to ensure accommodation of the child's need can be met. Parents can attend planning meetings, however, they are not considered part of the IAT. The base installation commander has the final say on placement in a DoD-operated child care program. For additional information on the IAT or the process, contact the Child Development Center at 701-747-3042.

Youth Sponsorship Program/Anchored4Life - Youth sponsorship allows youth ages 5 to 18 to have a point of contact for inbound "Defenders of Liberty" youth. The program "Sponsor Pen Pals" assist participants from other bases help make their move/transition easier by sending them a welcome letter and a sponsor kit. If you are interested in a Youth Sponsorship Application, please contact the Youth Center at 701-747-3150.

Youth Employment- Employment opportunities for youth on base are limited. Waiting tables, bagging groceries at the commissary, and fast-food positions are available through Non-Appropriated Funds, AAFES and the commissary. Youth summer hire programs may or may not be offered each year depending on funding.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• The AF YES (Youth Employment Skill) program for youth in high school
• Junior Staff Career Development Program for youth ages 11-18
• President's Volunteer Service Award (honors individuals, families and/or groups)
• The Congressional Award for ages 14-23.

Youth Center

The Youth Center at Grand Forks AFB offers a wide variety of sports, leisure, educational and social programs planned by teams of caring, knowledgeable professionals who plan developmentally appropriate programs responsive to the unique needs, abilities, and interests of children. These Grand Forks AFB Youth Center professionals are trained to foster a sense of independence, trust, and responsibility within each child through understanding and respectful interactions.

Activities and programs change monthly. Please call the Youth Center at 701-747-3150 for a current schedule of events. The professional and passionate staff plan programs that focus on both individual and group interests of youth and teens. All staff members are continuously trained in CPR/First Aid and youth development. Activities focus on sports and fitness, education and career development, the arts, health, life skills, and character as well as leadership development. A variety of regular activities include field trips, fun nights, specialty camps, pre-teen activities, instructional classes, clinics, and lock-ins.

Some of the activities offered throughout the year may include the following:

• Power Hour Homework Tutoring
• Youth Sports/Fitness Programs
• Talent Show
• Piano Classes
• Triple Play Tournaments
• Keystone and Torch Clubs
• Dances
• Waterworld Days
• Preteen/Teen Dances
• Youth of the Quarter/Year

The Youth Center is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is certified by the Department of Defense to operate the School Age Care Program and Youth Programs. The facility is an affiliate of the Boys and Girls Club of America. Youth are offered opportunities to participate in programs that build character and leadership development, support their education and career development, expand health and life skills, support emerging technological skills, and incorporate arts, sports, fitness, and recreation. These programs rely heavily on partnerships with the BGCA and 4-H to provide programming options, in which military youth can grow, learn, and thrive.

The Grand Forks AFB Youth Center complies with AFI34-144, the AF Youth Programs Inspection Criteria and with Council for Accreditation. Additional policies, immunization requirements and parent information can be obtained by calling the Youth Center at 701-747-3150.

Contact the Child Development Center at 701-747-3042 for current program status.

Weekly care is offered based on priority to all active-duty military and DOD civilians working on Grand Forks AFB. Weekly fees are based on the family total income. For more information on qualifications, please visit militarychildcare.com, or contact the Community Child Care Coordinator at 701-747-5033.

Hourly care is offered for $8/hour per child. Care is scheduled on a first come first serve basis, please call the Child Development center at 701-747-3042 for additional information. Even when the enrollment is at capacity, programs sometimes have hourly care available when regular enrolled children are away on vacation or out for other reasons. Reservations for hourly care may be made up to two weeks in advance.

The Give Parents a Break program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society and is designed to provide relief for active-duty Air Force parents who have family members deployed or TDY, have an emergency such as illness of family member, recently moved to base or other unique circumstances. Fill out the referral form given at the Airman & Family Readiness Center. Turn referral into the Child Development Center or Youth Center and fill out their registration packet. This requires a copy of the child's most updated immunization records to include the flu shot. Turn in your required paperwork to reserve a slot no later than two Wednesdays before the next scheduled GPAB. If you signed up for a GPAB and need to cancel you must do so by calling the CDC or YC at least 48 hours in advance (no shows will be charges the hourly rate for the hours of the scheduled GPAB). Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Child Development Center or Youth Center.

The Parents Night/Day Out Program coordinates with the GPAB program and is available to all military/DOD affiliated patrons. The program follows the same requirements and sign-up procedures as GPAB. The program is based on the hourly care rate of $8/hour and with a first come first serve bases. Turn in your required paperwork to reserve a slot no later than two Wednesdays before the next scheduled event.

The Open Recreation Program is offered for children 9-18. The program enables children to participate in a variety of activities, the 4 H club, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Programming as well as special events. The program has a gymnasium, Preteen Game Room (with pool tables, foosball, video games and air hockey), Teen Room, a TV Lounge Area, Computer Center, outside Playground, Basketball Court, a Youth Sports Complex, and an Ice Rink/Warming House. For more information about enrollment and program fees, please call 701-747-3150.

The School Age Program is offered for children in K - 8th grade. Children can participate in the Before School Care Program, the After School Care Program or both the Before and After School Care programs. Children are transported to the elementary/middle school on base. Childcare fees are based on total family income, and you can enroll on militarychildcare.com. Summer Camp is a program that offered during the out of school summer months that has a wide variety of activities and curriculum that includes swimming, field trips, roller skating and bowling. For more information and enrollment questions, please call 701-747-3150.

The Youth Center Torch Club is a chartered small group leadership and service club for youth ages 11 to 13. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to plan and implement activities in the following areas: Service to the Youth Center and Community, Education, Health and Fitness and Social Recreation.

The Keystone Club is a charter club for teens ages 14-18. Members elect their own officers, and the club is designed to assist teen members become productive citizens and leaders. The club focuses on 6 program areas: Service to Club & Community, Leadership Development, Education and Career Exploration, Unity, Free Enterprise, and Social Recreation.

The Youth of the Quarter and a Youth of the Year Program is for youth ages 14-18. Those selected for Youth of the Quarter will compete for the Base Youth of the Year honors. The winner of the Base Youth of the Year competes at the North Dakota State Youth of the Year Competition.

The Youth Employment Skills Program at the Youth Center is for eligible high school students. This program allows members to "bank" volunteer dollar credits toward their post-secondary education/training at a rate of $4 per hour volunteered on base. Students may accumulate up to 250 hours, for a potential $1,000.

Classes are ongoing and vary depending on age and skill level.

Registration costs for the classes vary and are paid monthly and may include the following:

• Weekly Triple Play Tournaments
• Roller Skating at Liberty Square during the winter months
• Preteen/Teen Movie Nights
• Switch Game Tournament
• AF Fit Factor/Fit Family Programs
• Jr. Career Staff Development for ages 11-18
• Boys & Girls Club and 4-H Activities
• Weekly Arts & Crafts Activities