A nonprofit organization has launched a pilot program to address severe child care shortages affecting military families in Okaloosa, with an emphasis on providing emergency and flexible care options.
- The Operation Child Care Project announced its HomeFront Help program, offering free training and certifications to individuals willing to provide child care services around Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.
“Access to quality child care is a nationwide crisis. This issue uniquely challenges military families due to frequent relocations, overflowing waitlists, and the non-traditional working schedules of service members,” said Kayla Corbitt, CEO of Operation Child Care Project and Army spouse.
The weekend-long program, scheduled for Nov. 16-17 in Shalimar, will train “Helpers” to exceed Department of Defense requirements for private caregivers. Participants will receive CPR certification, background checks, 40 hours of provider training, and special needs instruction. Those who complete the training will receive a $250 stipend.
- After certification, Helpers can work directly with families, assist those in the Operation Child Care Project’s case management system, or join a substitute provider list at partnering child care centers to help with short-term staffing needs.
The Department of Defense has identified both bases as having some of the highest demand and longest waitlists for child care among military communities.
The initiative, developed in partnership with The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast and the Air & Space Forces Association, is open to military spouses, early childhood education professionals, and local community members.
Interested individuals can apply by emailing homefronthelpfl@occproject.org.
