VCCUS allows free child care services to be provided by family members in one military unit or organization for family members in another military unit or organization, in exchange for similar services at a future, mutually agreed upon time. (AR-608-10 para 7-27)
Is there any type of training required to be involved in a VCCUS agreement?
Yes. All members of units or their spouses designated to provide care WILL attend a Special Program Services (SPS) orientation class prior to providing services. The class will be a minimum of 4 hours and will include developmental activities, positive discipline techniques, and basic health and safety practices. Course attendance is required one time only. (Minimum of 5 people is required to schedule a class.) (AR 608-10 para7-27d)
At what age can VCCUS (Volunteer Child Care in a Unit setting) train a volunteer?
A volunteer must be18 years or older to attend training. A spouse who is younger than 18, also takes the training.
Can Non-VCCUS trained volunteers watch children in order to meet correct ratios?
No.
Once the training is completed, who keeps a list with the names? Is a certificate awarded at the end of the training? Who will maintain a spreadsheet? If an inspector popped into a FRG meeting and saw that they were using VCCUS, what would the VCCUS folks be required to show as proof?
All VCCUS training will be acknowledged by a certificate. It will be stated when care is arranged who will be providing care and verified they have attended training.
What type of resources will be available for VCCUS sites?
Age appropriate toys and equipment will be available on a check out basis from the Special Program Services (SPS) or Family Child Care (FCC) resource/toy lending library located at6620
What are the child/caregiver ratios for VCCUS?
Children ages 6 weeks to 12 years may use VCCUS care. The ratio for adults to children is 1:4 for sessions where there are infants. Infant is defined as children 6 weeks to 12 months. For groups with children 13 months and older the ratio is 1:5. A ratio of 1:5 is maintained for mixed age groups.
Can you combine STACC personnel and VCCUS personnel if you have more children arrive than expected?
No, STACC is a paid program and VCCUS is strictly run by volunteers.