The mission of the SAP is to provide a full range of community based before and after school and summer programs that provide a safe, supervised, and healthy environment for children ages 5/6-12. The SAP supports success in school and promotes multicultural appreciation, literacy, recreational and leisure activities, community involvement, and the arts

AIR FORCE SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS

Air Force School-Age programs (SAPs) are operated under the requirements of DODI 6060.3, School-Age Programs; DODI 1402.5, Criminal History Background Checks; AFMAN 34-251, AF School-Age Programs; and AFI 34-249; Youth Programs. The DODIs, AFMAN, and AFI were written to provide guidance for implementation of the Military Child Care Act of 1989/96 and the Crime Control Act of 1990. Air Force programs are accredited through the National After School Association (NAA). Air Force Services has established standards for all Child and Youth Programs activities including SAPs. These can be found on the Air Force Services Agency’s Website. Our programs are housed in Youth Program buildings or stand alone facilities especially for SAPs on Air Force bases world-wide for the convenience and peace of mind of military and DoD civilian parents. The SAPs are within the Child and Youth Programs Flight in the Services Squadron or function at each base.

PHILOSOPHY

Air Force SAPs provide safe, enriching, supervised environments for children and youth during out of school time. Individual interests, experiences, abilities and needs guide the programming. Children have the right to be heard, listened to and influence decisions. We promote experiences and opportunities that enhance rather than duplicate the school day. Our programs maintain an atmosphere that encourages flexibility and allows for freedom of choice within appropriate guidelines. We strive to reinforce family values and emphasize the uniqueness of each child by promoting positive attitudes and validating self-worth.

GOALS

v Personal Development – supporting positive self-concept, fostering independence and life skills, encouraging responsibility
v Social Development – establishing friendships, learning social skills, gaining social support, developing a sense of community and teamwork
v Physical Development – building physical and recreational skills, appreciating the ability to rest and relax
v Cognitive Development – advancing success in school, exploring new ideas and facts

CURRICULUM

Each program implements developmentally appropriate activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children enrolled. All programs have a Training and Curriculum Specialist who provides staff training on implementation of the curriculum and other safety, health, and child abuse prevention requirements in accordance with Air Force and DOD requirements.

ELIGIBILITY FOR USE

Eligible patrons include active duty military personnel, DOD civilian personnel paid with either appropriated funds (APF) or non-appropriated (NAF), reservists on active duty or during inactive duty training, and DOD contractors. Priorities for care, are set by the base for use by eligible patrons of the programs. Dual and single working military and DOD civilian parents are given a higher priority for care than other patrons.

ENROLLMENT

To request care parents must complete the DD Form 2606, Request for Care Record or equivalent. This form is available on-line and may be sent to the base before the parent arrives so their child may be placed on the waiting list. An AF Form 357, Family Care Certification, or the equivalent from the other services is required to be on file at the SAP for children of single and dual military parents. Information on other forms and the immunizations/tests required is available from the SAP on each base. Parents and children are given an orientation when they are first registered in a program and are encouraged to meet with the staff as often and possible.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Each SAP has a Parent Advisory Board composed only of parents using the various child development programs on the base (Child Development Center, Family Child Care, and School-Age Care). The board acts in an advisory capacity only and representatives of the programs attend the meetings to provide support and answer questions. Parents are given opportunities to be actively involved and staff and parents talk about the program and the care of their children on a daily basis.

STAFF

Our programs employ staff who have the qualifications and training required to protect the health and safety of children and provide a program of developmentally appropriate activities. Each program is provided oversight by the Child and Youth Programs Flight Chief and under is under the direction of a School-Age Coordinator. Coordinators must have a 4-year degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. The degree must be in child development, early childhood education, or a related field including, but not limited to education, social work, home economics, or psychology. Qualified staff are employed as School-Age Program Assistants (SAPAs) to provide direct care and support children’s healthy development in the domains listed under “Curriculum.” SAPAs must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent among other requirements.

TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED

BEFORE & AFTER CARE/SUMMER CAMP

Before & After Care (B&A) and Summer Camp (full-day care) are offered on a weekly basis for full-time working parents and parents enrolled in school full-time. Care provided during the school-year is defined as B&A as programs typically offer care for school-age children before, after or before and after school. The care provided during Summer Camp may not exceed 10 hours a day unless a waiver is approved by the Mission Support Group Commander for times when parents are required to work extended hours, i.e., 12 hour shifts. Parents using the B&A and Summer Camp programs have a contract with the SAP so they are ensured a care slot as long as they remain in full-time work or school status.

HOURLY CARE

Hourly Care may be offered at SAPs on bases when slots are available. Even when the enrollment is at capacity, programs sometimes have hourly care available when regular enrolled children are on away on vacation or for other reasons. Hourly care is designed for non-working parents who need hourly care for their children during times when they have appointments or for other reasons. Children in hourly care receive the same care and provided with the same activities and curriculum as children in full-time care and at most bases are included with children in regular care.

GIVE PARENTS A BREAK AND PARENT’S NIGHT (DAY) OUT

Several bases offer a “Give Parents a Break Program” to provide care for parents who are under increased stress for any reason. The program is sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS). The AFAS pays for the cost of care for parents referred by base agencies such as, the Family Support Center, Chapel, Family Advocacy Office, Hospital, First Sergeants, Commanders, and the Child and Youth Programs Flight.

OVERNIGHT CARE

Overnight care is not provided in Air Force SAPs. If overnight care is needed during exercises or deployments the program refers parents to Family Child Care providers who may provide that type of care. (See Family Child Care on this Web site)

FEES

Weekly fees for full-time care are set by each program within the ranges as determined by the Department of Defense on an annual basis. Fees are based upon total family income. Fees include meals and snacks, which are provided at least every three hours when the facility is open. Hourly fees are set by each base at a cost that is equal to an hourly rate for full-time care.

INSPECTIONS

The Military Child Care Act of 1989/96 and DODI 6060.3 require four annual unannounced inspections for military child development programs. Base personnel conduct annual Comprehensive Fire, Safety, and Health inspections. A team of experts including parents from all programs completes a base level Multidisciplinary Team Inspection s. In addition to these, In addition, trained youth specialists from Higher Headquarters conduct an annual unannounced inspection.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES

Many SAP employees are military or civilian spouses and are able to transfer their training and benefits from one base to another when the family has a permanent change of station (PCS) due to the military members military commitment. Check with your local base Youth Program, Civilian Personnel Office, base level Human Resources Office, or the U.S Office of Personnel management for job opportunities.