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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 24, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT:
Federal Policies Targeted to Children in Their
Earliest Years
Over the past few years, scientific research has demonstrated
that the earliest years of life -- before children reach
school-age -- are critical to cognitive, emotional, and
physical development. We know that emotional nourishment,
intellectual stimulation, parental and community support,
good nutrition, proper health care, quality child care,
and safe housing during the first years of life form the
foundation for a child's ability to learn, thrive in school,
work productively, and contribute fully to society.
Across the Federal Government, we are making great strides
to enhance development during the earliest years of life
by investing in research, educating parents and caregivers,
and supporting programs that provide early intervention to
disadvantaged families. I am committed to accelerating our
efforts to target the earliest years of life. We all have a
stake in ensuring that every child is given the opportunity
to fulfill his or her God-given potential.
Today, I am directing the heads of executive departments and
agencies to report to me within 30 days with:
1. a comprehensive list and assessment of existing projects
and programs funded by your agency that target the earliest
years of life -- including any existing qualitative or
quantitative evidence of success, as well as current
funding levels and number of clients served -- and a
description of any proposed improvements to such projects
and programs.
2.
a comprehensive list and assessment of any planned
projects and programs of your agency that target the
earliest years of life, including projected funding
levels and number of clients to be served; and
3.
specific proposals for additional projects and programs
this year that could be undertaken to improve the earliest
years of life that do not require new spending or that fall
within the proposals in the FY 1998 Budget, or that could
be developed for consideration in the FY 1999 Budget,
within the limits of my Balanced Budget Plan.
I am also directing the establishment of a senior level
interagency working group to share, examine, and develop
these assessments and proposals.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
# # #
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
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marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
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scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE
Divider Title:
Clinton Presidential Records
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marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
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digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Divider Title:
DEFT
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
TREASURY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20220
1784
March 24, 1997
REPORT ON EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
Child Support. Treasury is working with HHS to implement the Child Support Enforcement
Executive Order issued by the President last August. The executive order allows Treasury's
Financial Management Service to utilize the powers of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of
1996 to offset certain federal payments to individuals with delinquent child support obligations.
Treasury and HHS will soon issue a notice to individuals who owe child support in at least seven
states, indicating that there will be portions of vendor payments, retirement checks and other
benefits taken from these individuals and given to the states for child support payments. Treasury
will continue to work with HHS to encourage more states to participate in the program, in part by
making them aware of the potential fiscal benefits.
Adoption. Treasury has been participating in an interagency working group on adoption that
has been working on ways to encourage families to adopt young children. In accordance with the
President's December 14, 1996 Executive Order on Adoption, Treasury and IRS will issue and
distribute a publication describing the adoption tax credit in two to three weeks. By aggressively
disseminating the information about the tax credit, Treasury hopes to make more families aware
of this effort to ease the financial burden on families adopting a child.
Child Tax Credit. As part of discussions over the FY 98 budget, Treasury is working to enact
the President's targeted, $500 per child tax credit that will ease the burden on families trying to
raise young children.
Children's Health Care. Treasury was involved in helping to design the health care initiatives in
the President's FY 98 budget. These include two major initiatives that will help young children:
1) guaranteeing health insurance coverage to millions of children who are now uninsured; and 2)
helping an estimated 3.2 million families with unemployed workers keep their health care
coverage for up to six months. This new initiative will benefit 700,000 children.
Firearms Safety. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), in conjunction with
Treasury's Office of the Undersecretary of Enforcement, continues to enforce firearms regulations
and remove dangerous weapons from our streets and neighborhoods. These efforts, of course,
are designed to protect children and adults of all ages.
In addition, as part of the anti-gang legislation unveiled in February by the President, Treasury
contributed the new requirement that federally licensed gun dealers sell "child safety locks" with
handguns to reduce accidental gun deaths and injuries.
MHR-24-1997 17:23
EXEC. SEC. TREASURY DEPT
202 222 0073
1.03/03
Safe and Drug Free Schools. Though this particular program is administered by another
Department, ATF's Gang Resistance Education and Training ("GREAT") program is
another school-based program designed to keep violence and drugs out of schools. The GREAT
Program trains local uniformed police officers to help children set goals for themselves, make
sound judgments, learn how to resolve conflicts without violence or drugs, and understand how
gangs, drugs, and youth violence negatively impact on the quality of their lives. To date, 1,300
officers from over 530 law enforcement agencies, representing 45 States, the District of
Columbia, and military personnel from overseas bases have been trained to present the core
curriculum in elementary, junior high, and middle school classrooms. Since the program's
inception in 1992, over 2 million children have received the GREAT Program training.
TOTAL P.03
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Divider Title:
DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE
OUR CHILDREN,
AMERICA'S FUTURE
OF DEFENSE
A
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Department of Defense:
Our Children, America's Future
Honorable William S. Cohen
Secretary of Defense
This report, "Department of Defense: Our Children, America's Future," reflects our commitment
to the development, education and well-being of our children and families. We are very proud of our
efforts in support of young children and appreciate the opportunity to share our accomplishments and
vision for the future.
Our Child Development Programs have long been considered a model for the nation. We maintain
levels of accreditation of our child care centers and staff that are unsurpassed in the industry. We are
particularly proud of the New Parent Support and Early Intervention Programs. These programs facilitate
effective adaptation to parenthood and provide assistance to families having children with special needs.
The Department of Defense Education Activity, through the Department of Defense Dependents Schools
and the Department of Defense Domestic Elementary and Secondary Schools, operates developmental
preschools and other programs aimed at preparing children to enter school "ready to learn."
With the unique challenge of deployments and parent-child separations, the Department has
developed a number of creative ways for separated parents to keep in touch with their young children.
These deployment programs have yielded significant benefits by reinforcing the bonds between parents
and their children.
The Department of Defense has a strong tradition of instilling America's core values into its
members. These values drive our commitment to our children. By doing all we can to maintain and pass
on these values, we will ensure our children are prepared to help build America's future.
William A.Con S.
OF MERIC DEFENSE
Department of Defense
Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness)
Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy)
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Personnel Support, Families and Education)
Department of Defense:
"Our Children, America's Future"
Defense Policies and Programs Targeted to
Children in Their Earliest Years
The Office of Family Policy
4015 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 917
Arlington, Va 22203
With appreciation to all who contributed
to the development and production of this report
March 1997
INTRODUCTION
"Our first challenge is to cherish our children and strengthen our families."
President William J. Clinton
State of Union Address
January 1996
Military service imposes unique demands on
or new schools. Other family members will be
the men and women who volunteer to defend our
separated from the service member, and may face
Nation as members of America's Armed Forces.
stress and anxiety while apart. Whatever the
circumstances, military family members have an
Frequent separations require self-reliant
unmistakable need for policies and programs
families
which give them the support systems they need to
reach their full potential while coping with the
Rapid deployments/frequent separations
stresses of military service. The Department of
require families to be prepared for unexpected
Defense recognizes that its responsibilities for
contingencies
families begin even before conception and ac-
cepts an open-ended challenge to meet the needs
Relocations impact spouse employment,
of all of its members and their families.
family finances, sense of belonging/security
"Department of Defense: Our Children,
Moves/distance impact on family support
America's Future" describes the policies, pro-
networks
grams, plans, resources, and future initiatives
targeted to children in their earliest years. The
Life in a military family is rewarding and
Department considers children to be an important
challenging, but not always easy. In 1997, DoD
component of the total DoD "Family." Support-
will relocate nearly 350,000 personnel. Many
ing the care and development of children is a
will be sent to foreign countries, some to life
responsibility which the Department willingly
threatening assignments. Some family members
assumes in return for the loyal dedication and
will be given the opportunity to accompany the
sacrifice which our military service members
service member to new and exciting places where
make in defense of the Nation. The Department's
they can meet new people, experience new cul-
policies and programs emphasize development,
tures and expand their own personal horizons.
health, safety, and wellness, plus early identifica-
With these opportunities, however, come the
tion of developmental delays. This approach
challenges of relocating, leaving friends and
supports the National Goals for Education 2000,
extended families, and starting over in new jobs
strengthening the role of fathers, and promoting
family-friendly workplace practices.
strategies which strengthen families, promote
communities, and nurture children.
The Department of Defense has a great
legacy as a military force. This legacy is a result
Our commitment is to continue to improve
of consistent improvement, refinement, and use of
this tradition of cultivating an environment in
the most effective military practices. We likewise
which young children can grow and families can
have a great legacy of strong families, a deep
thrive. The sowing of the seeds which contribute
sense of community and concern for the health of
to these goals will yield a considerable harvest for
our children. This, too, is a result of constant
military families, communities, the Nation and
improvement, refinement, and practice of those
future generations of American children.
"Today's Army is committed to quality Child Develop-
ment Services for our families. In fact, child care is a
readiness issue for Army personnel. Soldiers need to
know and be assured that their children are in good
hands so they can accomplish the mission-the mission
of being ready to defend their country."
General Dennis J. Reimer
Chief of Staff of the Army
CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER 1
CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
1
A.
DoD's Children
1
B.
Maternity/Paternity Policy
2
C.
DoD's Developmental Philosophy
3
D.
DoD's Child Care Programs
3
E.
Parental Involvement
6
F.
Nutrition and Health
7
G.
Child Development Centers
8
(1) Personnel
8
(2) Oversight and Evaluation
10
(3) Affordability
11
(4) Facilities and Playgrounds
12
H.
Family Child Care
13
(1) Training
14
(2) Oversight and Evaluation
15
(3) Subsidies
15
1.
Developmental Preschools
16
(1) Sure Start
17
(2) Head Start
19
J.
Research
19
CHAPTER 2
PARENTING
21
A.
DoD's Parents
21
B.
New Parent Support Programs
23
C.
Family Programs
24
D.
Deployment Programs
26
E.
Research
28
CHAPTER 3
HEALTH, NUTRITION AND SAFETY
31
A.
Services of Special Needs Children
31
B.
Child Abuse Prevention
32
C.
Environmental Safety
34
D.
Prenatal Care
35
E.
Immunizations
36
F.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
36
G.
Research
37
CHAPTER 4
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
41
A.
Libraries - Resources and Programs for Young Children
41
B.
Fitness Activities
43
C.
Military Family Resource Center
43
D.
Chaplain Activities
44
CHAPTER 5
FUTURE INITIATIVES
47
A.
Planned Projects and Future Initiatives Requiring Additional Funding
47
B.
Initiatives and Projects Requiring No Additional Funding
48
A.
DoD's CHILDREN
Each year there are approximately 109,000 children born to service
members. In 1996, the Department had 1.29 million children who were
18 years of age or younger. Of that number, 345,000 were three or
Chapter 1
under.
AGE AND GENDER OF MINOR
THE OF DEPENSE
CHILDREN OF ACTIVE DUTY
Pre-School/Kindergarten Children
Ages 0 - 2
Ages 3 - 5
TOTAL
ENTERNATION of THEREY
Rank
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
E1-E4
51,567
49,166
35,085
34,214
86,652
83,380
E5-E6
48,319
45,658
67,507
65,590
115,826
111,248
Child
E7-E9
7,479
7,015
13,503
12,971
20,982
19,986
Development
W1-W5
1,147
1,070
1,600
1,603
2,747
2,673
01-03
14,760
13,946
12,175
11,979
26,935
25,925
and Education
04-010
5,996
5,725
9,438
8,939
15,434
14,664
TOTAL
129,268
122,580
139,308
135,296
268,576
257,876
These youngest members of the DoD family live in large urban
population centers, rural areas, and remote locations in the United
States and countries around the world.
Why DoD Invests in Children
The change in DoD demographics has been one of the driving
forces behind the development of many of our programs for children,
most notably the Military Child Development Program. DoD's child
care policies have evolved over the last 25 years as the military services
moved from conscription to an all volunteer force. What was once a
child care program run by volunteers to support family members during
social events and recreational activities is now a sophisticated system
of child development options which support readiness and retention.
In the early 1950s, only 35 percent of the force was married.
Today over 59 percent are married. Also, during the late 1970s, policy
Our Children, America's Future
I
changes allowed women
children who have special
These are
to continue on active duty
Frends"
needs find child care
after childbirth. Now, 62
especially difficult to find
percent of the military
in many civilian communi-
force has family responsi-
ties. Through a systematic
bilities, and approximately
approach to child care,
B
65 percent of military
families are able to find
spouses are employed
care for their special needs
outside of the home.
children. Last year DoD
Because the mobile lifestyle requires military
Child Development Programs provided care for
families to move away from their extended fami-
4,300 children with disabilities and special health
lies, their reliance on the Military Child Develop-
care needs.
ment Program continues to increase, especially
when they are transferred to foreign countries.
With approximately 15 percent of DoD's
military adolescents seeking a military career, and
The typical military family is young, at the low
34 percent considering a military career, an
end of the military pay scale and has few re-
investment in quality early childhood programs is
sources. For example, 51 percent of military child
an investment in the future of our military force.
care users' total family income (including housing
and subsistence allowances) falls in the lower
income levels on the DoD fee scale.
B.
MATERNITY/PATERNITY POLICY
Military Child Development Programs accom-
Maternity leave is very important to military
modate parents' needs for infant/newborn care.
members after the birth of a child. Since 1974,
While civilian centers typically begin providing
the DoD no longer separates military service
care at six months of age or, more commonly, two
women who become pregnant, and every service
years, a significant number of DoD child care
woman who gives birth to a child is granted six
spaces (approximately 40 percent) are devoted to
weeks of maternity leave. In addition, DoD
infant and toddler care. If infant care is available
Instruction 1341.9 allows commanders discre-
through commercial providers, rates can be two
tionary authority to grant leave to military par-
to three times higher than in a Military Child
ents who are adopting a child to allow them time
Development Program and a family can end up
to bond with the child and make arrangements
spending up to 30 percent, or more, of its income
for child care.
on child care.
The Marine Corps authorizes and encourages
Because military deployments place special
commanders to grant 10 days of leave to Marine
demands on families, DoD relies on an extensive
fathers after the birth of a child. In remote areas
Family Child Care program to ease parental
where there are no military medical facilities,
responsibility at this critical time. Families with
Marines may be authorized up to 30 days of
2
Department of Defense
leave to assist and support their spouse just
or experiences are appropriate at different stages
before and immediately after childbirth.
of development
what is known about the strengths, inter-
ests, and needs of each individual child
C.
DoD's DEVELOPMENTAL
knowledge of the social and cultural
PHILOSOPHY
context the child lives in to ensure learning experi-
ences are meaningful, relevant, and respectful of
The Department of Defense views quality,
the child and family
developmentally appropriate early childhood
programs as a top family priority. Wherever and
Whether they are full-day child care, part-day
whenever children are entrusted to our care, the
enrichment pre-schools, early intervention or
emphasis is on quality, safe, and developmentally
Head Start/Sure Start programs, all eligible
appropriate early childhood experiences.
military early childhood programs are seeking
accreditation by the NAEYC.
The DoD has supported a developmental
approach to early childhood programs for over
15 years and, along with the Military Services,
D.
DoD's CHILD CARE PROGRAMS
endorses and subscribes to the guidelines in the
National Association for the Education of Young
Department of Defense Child Care
Children's (NAEYC) Developmentally Appropri-
System
ate Practice for Early Childhood Programs.
The DoD Child Care System serves over
200,000 children (ages birth to 12 years) daily.
The increased demand for early childhood
Known as the Child Development Program, it
education services is due in part to the increased
includes Child Development Centers, Family Child
recognition of the importance of experiences
Care homes, School Age Care programs, and
during the earliest years. All programs offered to
Resource and Referral services. Through these
children under three are both individually-and
delivery systems, DoD offers full-day, part-day,
age-appropriate to meet each child's unique
and hourly child care, part-day preschools, before
growth patterns.
and after school programs for school-age children,
Developmentally
and extended hour care which includes nights and
appropriate
weekends to accommodate shift workers. Today,
programs are
there are approximately 1.2 million children (ages
based on:
birth to 12 years) of active-duty personnel. Based
what is
on this number and a projected military force of
known about
1.4 million, DoD needs 299,278 child care spaces.
how children
Our goal is to provide at least one affordable child
develop and
care option for each member who needs it.
BRANDON
learn and what
activities, materi-
als, interactions,
Our Children, America's Future
3
The demand for child care is high. We cur-
Child Development Centers (CDCs)
rently meet 56 percent of the need. Our goal is to
Child Development Centers at over 300
meet 65 percent by 1998. As of 1996, there were
locations provide care for children from age six
166,322 available spaces.
weeks to 12 years of age. Facility capacities
range in size up to 305. Rather than operate
THE DoD NEED FOR CHILD CARE SPACES
these facilities around the clock to meet unusual
1996
work hours, DoD has developed an extensive
USA
USN
USAF
USMC
DoD
network of Family Child Care Homes to support
this need.
Available
70,488
37,970
47,468
10,396
166,322
Needed
109,814
80,488
85,927
23,049
299,278
Family Child Care (FCC)
% Met
64%
47%
55%
45%
56%
Family Child Care programs consist of in-
home care provided by certified providers living
in government owned or leased housing. These
Who We Serve and Why
providers are generally spouses of active duty
personnel. Currently, 9,730 licensed and trained
The purpose of the Military Child Develop-
FCC providers are available to provide night,
ment Program is to "assist commanders and
weekend, and unusual hours care. To ensure
families in balancing the competing demands of
comparable quality of care, FCC programs must
family life and the military mission and improving
meet the same standards for inspection, training
the economic viability of the family unit." Priority
and background checks as center programs.
is given to working parents, both military and
civilian. Eligible patrons include active duty
military personnel, DoD civilian personnel, reserv-
School Age Care Programs (SAC)
ists on active duty, and DoD contractors. First
School Age Care is offered for children (ages
priority is always given to child care for active
three through 12 years) before and after school,
duty military and DoD civilian personnel.
and during holidays and summer vacations. A
1995 Secretary of Defense budget initiative
Child Care Users
funded over 20,000 new SAC spaces.
Enlisted
78.0%
Resource and Referral (R&R) Programs
Resource and Referral programs are available
at most military bases. Many offer referrals to
Civilian
7.0%
child care in the local community as well as to
on-base programs. Since it is impossible to meet
Officer
all child care needs in installation facilities, R&R
15.0%
services are critical in referring families to quality
off-base child care.
4
Department of Defense
The total DoD budget for all child care
DoD's Developmental Philosophy for
programs, including SAC, is $273.3 million.
Infant and Toddler Programs
Every aspect of military Child Care Programs,
The Military Child Care Act of 1989
from facility design to the food program, is care-
A series of highly visible child sexual abuse
fully planned to have a positive impact on
cases in military child care centers during the
children's growth and development. All programs,
mid-1980s resulted in Congressional hearings
regardless of setting, enhance and support
during the summer of 1989. These inquiries
children's physical, social, emotional, and intellec-
culminated in the Military Child Care Act
tual development.
(MCCA) which required much closer oversight
of the entire Child Development Program. The
Facility design plans incorporate both the
Act sought to improve the quality, availability,
indoor and outdoor learning environments and
and cost of child care for military families.
provide a balance of activities such as noisy and
Changes were made to funding and staffing
quiet, adult-directed and child-initiated, and
requirements, fee policy, child abuse prevention
individual and small group.
efforts, and inspection procedures.
Child Development management personnel
The Department of Defense Instruction
recognize the importance of early stimulating
6060.2, Child Development Programs, dated
experiences, and provide activities and environ-
January 19, 1993, implemented the MCCA and
ments that foster children's individual develop-
established minimum standards for Child Devel-
ment. Direct caregiving personnel and providers
opment Programs. Standards include ratios of
are well-trained, understand the developmental
adults to children, minimum training require-
stages of young children, and have realistic expec-
ments, and child abuse prevention standards.
tations of children's behavior.
DoD issues overall policy and minimum stan-
dards and the individual Military Services issue
The DoD Child Development Program pro-
the regulations and basic operating procedures.
motes literacy for children in a variety of ways.
Infant and toddler activity areas have comfortable
The Government Accounting Office has
reading sections where these young children can
reviewed military child care on three separate
select favorite, age-appropriate books and bring
occasions. Their audits focused on three areas:
them to a primary caregiver for reading or looking
fees and fee discrepancies, availability of child
at the pictures. Songs, fingerplays, and stories are
care and waiting lists, and overall program
part of the daily activities. Infant's cribs are
quality. In addition, the DoD Inspector General
labeled with their names and photographs.
conducted an inspection in 1989 and issued a
report which contained 53 recommendations for
The DoD Child Development Program is on
improvements in the Child Development Program
the cutting edge of infant and toddler environment
and essentially required more standardized
design, promoting children's cognitive learning at
programs across the Department.
the earliest ages. Since "hands-on" learning
Our Children, America's Future
5
experiences stimulate all senses and magnify
sory Council at each military installation makes
learning, environments are colorful, tactile, and
recommendations for program improvements to
stimulating. Infants don't stay in cribs when they
the commander and staff. All Child Development
are awake; they are always able to explore their
Centers and Family Child Care Homes have an
environment to encourage growth and develop-
"open door" policy to encourage parents to visit
ment. There are soft crawl areas that feature
their child's program, meet with staff and provid-
mirrors and other interesting items for infants to
ers, and participate in their child's daily activities
look at, feel, and explore. Pictures at infants' and
and special events such as the Month of the
toddlers' eye level are placed around the room.
Military Child, field trips, and holiday celebra-
Caregivers place different surfaces such as fine
tions.
sandpaper, smooth tile, corduroy, velvet and felt
swatches, and a variety of different colorful
Parents receive daily feedback keeping them
fabrics on furniture and walls for babies to feel.
informed about their child's activities. This is
These fabrics draw children to touch and experi-
especially important for infants and toddlers.
ence different textures. Built-in infant "cruise
Newsletters and notices on parent bulletin boards
rails" around the room allow children to pull
in centers and family child care homes also keep
themselves up and walk around to look at inter-
parents informed.
esting, stimulating things in the environment.
Rather than high chairs, older infants and toddlers
Special Parental Programs
are fed at low tables that foster peer interaction
and encourage early talk. Even young infants
There are special circumstances in the lives of
make sounds at one another that predict later
military families which may make parenting of
conversation.
young children even more challenging than for
other families. These stress-producing conditions
include frequent moves, living away from ex-
E.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
tended families, deployments or temporary duty
travel for one or both parents, extended working
Parents are an integral part of DoD's Child
hours, and parents at risk in performance of
Development Program and are encouraged to
military missions. These challenges may make it
participate in significant aspects of the program
difficult for parents to sustain a positive approach
which include: having access to their children at
to parenting, and they can have a negative impact
any time, observing their children within the
on marriages. To help young families cope with
program setting, serving as volunteers, and
the demands of parenting and have some time
providing advisory input on administrative policies
apart from their children, the Air Force, with the
and programming issues.
support of the Air Force Aid Society, has devel-
oped several support services which are
A parent involvement program is established
summarzied below.
at installations to encourage parent participation
and center/home partnerships. The Parent Advi-
6
Department of Defense
Parents' Night Out
Child Care for
Volunteers
The Air Forces'
on-base Child Devel-
This program is
opment Center is
designed to enable
opened for a few
parents of young
hours during the day
children to volunteer
on weekends or in the
in community activi-
evening to provide
ties. It is funded by
short-term hourly
the Air Force Aid
child care. This
Society which pur-
program is very
chases child care
popular and may
from licensed Family
attract as many as 50
Child Care providers
children per day or night at one base. The par-
on the base. Having this free care available
ents pay a fee of $2 to $3 per hour, and no
makes it possible for parents of young children
appropriated funds are used. Approximately
to volunteer, have a break from parenting, and
100,000 clients are served each year.
contribute to their communities. Many of these
parents provide valuable services to young
children through their volunteer work in hospi-
Give Parents a Break
tals, dental clinics, schools, and other installation
The Air Force Aid Society, which is spon-
activities. More that 100,000 hours are pro-
sored by Air Force members, provides funding so
vided each year at 54 bases around the world,
that on-base child development centers can be
and this service benefits over 20,000 volunteer
opened one or more times a month for children
parents of young children.
of active duty Air Force members. A few hours
of free child care are offered to enable parents to
take a break from the demands of parenting. To
F.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH
participate in the program, parents must be
referred by their commander or an installation
Nutrition and Meal Service
agency involved in child development. More
All meals and snacks served in DoD Child
than 150,000 hours of child care are provided
Development Programs meet United States
each year at 81 bases around the world, and
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and
approximately 300,000 clients are served. The
Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards
Air Force estimates that about $500,000 will be
for children's meals and daily nutritional require-
provided by the Air Force Aid Society for this
ments. It is DoD policy that all eligible Child
program in FY 97.
Development Programs enroll in the CACFP.
Military programs overseas are not eligible for
enrollment. Last year 277 centers and 4,895
providers were enrolled in CACFP. CACFP
Our Children. America's Future
7
reimbursements help offset food costs and ensure
operated in a sanitary manner which supports
children are served nutritious meals and snacks.
good health practices. FCC homes are inspected
annually, and homes are observed for established
DoD child care programs often provide up to
standards of cleanliness and orderliness on a
75 percent of a child's daily nutrient intake.
regular basis by FCC staff.
Therefore, policies are designed to enhance and
support healthy eating habits which will last a
lifetime. Specific feeding and nutritional criteria
G.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
promote total child development (especially
important during the first three years of life when
The Child Development Center's program-
both body and brain are developing at a faster rate
matic objective is to provide the children of
than at any other time during life).
military and civilian families a quality child
developmental and learning environment.
Health and Sanitation
Staff receive specialized training on food and
Personnel -The Key to Providing Quality
nutrition focused on sanitary food handling and
Child Care
child nutritional requirements, which vary greatly
Recognizing that the key to quality early
from what adults require.
childhood experience lies in the training and
compensation of those who work with our
All Military Child Development Programs
children, DoD has focused significant resources
have rigorous policies concerning health and
in these areas. Military Child Development
sanitation practices, especially in infant and
Programs employ over 19,700 personnel and
toddler areas because of the frequency of diaper
certify another 9,730 Family Child Care provid-
changing, exposure to germs, and the potential
ers. Prior to 1989 and passage of the Military
spread of disease.
Child Care Act, training was inconsistent,
DoD has adopted the Centers for Disease
Control methods of hand washing and diaper
changing. These methods are posted in Family
Child Care homes and center child activity areas
This center is PROUD
as a visual reminder of the importance of follow-
to be ACCREDITED by the
ing these procedures. Staff and providers are
NATIONAL ACADEMY
trained in universal health precautions, medication
of EARLY CHILDHOOD
dispensation, and disease recognition. They are
PROGRAMS
also trained on procedures to minimize the risk of
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Child Development Center health inspections
are conducted monthly to ensure centers are
8
Department of Defense
caregivers were paid minimum wage, and the
tion, child development, and related fields are
annual turnover rate was over 300 percent in
recruited through college visits, job fairs, and
some locations. This constant turnover contrib-
early childhood conferences.
uted to safety and health deficiencies in many
Child Development Centers, not to mention poor
To support the development of professionals
caregiving practices.
in early childhood education, the Air Force has
implemented an early childhood management
The Military Child Care Act required DoD to
improvement program. Individuals currently
add 3,700 additional general schedule (GS)
employed in Air Force Child Development Cen-
positions to improve the training and staffing of
ters, family day care programs, and school age
Child Development Programs. This brought the
care programs who have not completed an under-
number of authorized GS positions to 4,922.
graduate degree are encouraged to complete
One of the positions mandated by the law was a
course work equivalent to a major in early child-
Training and Curriculum Specialist with appro-
hood education or child development. Some of
priate credentials in early childhood education for
these credits may be gained through correspon-
each Military Child Development Center.
dence courses or distance learning. In some
cases, funding for tuition or release time is pro-
vided to help individuals complete these credits.
The Military Child Care Act also required
DoD to test a program to increase the compensa-
Individuals selected as interns complete a
tion of child caregivers to improve the quality
comprehensive three-year training plan at one or
and stability of the workforce. This compensa-
more stateside training locations. During their
tion package was linked to training and demon-
training, they work in an Air Force Child Devel-
strated competency working with young children.
opment Program in an entry-level management
The test proved highly successful, and turnover
position. Upon completion of training, the man-
rates dropped below 40 percent in all Military
agement trainees are guaranteed a position in an
Services, where they remain today. Although this
Air Force Child Development Program as a Child
appears high by national standards, nearly 75
Development Center Director, Assistant Child
percent of the caregiving staff are spouses of
Development Center Director, or Training and
active duty military who relocate on an average
Curriculum Specialist.
of every three years. These transfers account for
nearly all of our current turnover and many of
Training
these personnel transfer to other military bases
and are employed by child care programs at these
The training that caregiving staff receive is a
new locations.
key indicator of quality care. DoD has developed
a comprehensive training program for center
The Air Force is helping to develop manage-
caregiving staff. The DoD training program was
ment professionals through its Child Develop-
the model for commercially developed early
ment Management Trainee program. College
childhood training used nationally by early child-
graduates with degrees in early childhood educa-
hood trainers.
Our Children, America's Future
9
There are over 500 professional Training and
Competency-Based Training and the
Curriculum Specialists available to implement and
Child Development Association (CDA)
Credential
support the training program. All newly hired
caregivers complete orientation training before
In the late 1980s, the Army established a
they work directly with children. This orientation
partnership with the Council for Early Childhood
covers topics such as:
Professional Recognition. The National
Credentialing Program results in the awarding of
child abuse identification, reporting, and pre-
the CDA credential. All training provided to
vention
caregivers and providers including orientation
first aid and CPR procedures
and entry level, skill level, and ongoing annual in-
age appropriate activities
service training is consistent with and focused on
guidance and discipline
fulfillment of national CDA program competency
health and sanitation procedures
requirements.
parent and family relations
applicable Service regulations
Although not a specific requirement, military
caregivers are eligible to apply for the CDA at the
Building on a Navy initiative, all Services
completion of their training. To date, over 1,895
military caregivers have received CDA certifi-
adopted competency-based training modules
cates.
specifically developed for use within DoD. There
are modules specifically designed for:
Oversight and Evaluation
Infant/toddler caregivers
The Military Child Care Program has been
Preschool age caregivers
singled out by leaders in the field of early child-
School-age caregivers
hood education. Contributing factors are com-
Family care providers
pensation accreditation, establishment of stan-
dards for staff training tied to increased wages,
All center staff complete competency-based
and development of career ladders for staff which
training following the 13 functional areas of the
result in greater professionalism and high quality
nationally recognized Child Development Associ-
ate Credential Program. Caregivers complete 13
age-specific training modules, one for each of the
DoD ACCREDITATION RATE BY
MILITARY SERVICE
CDA functional areas. The CDC modules address
care for specific age groups: infant, toddlers, and
Service
Eligible Centers
Accredited Centers
Percent Accredited
pre-school. Caregivers are observed for demon-
strated on-the-job competency. Working at their
Air Force
145
143
98%
own pace, center staff usually complete the
Army
154
126
82%
training modules within 18-24 months. Annually
Navy
135
58
42%
thereafter they attend 24 hours of training.
Manne Corps
31
10
32%
DoD
466
337
72%
10
Department of Defense
programs. As of March 1997, 72 percent of all
Unannounced inspections are carried out at
eligible Military Child Development Centers were
each Military Child Development Program at least
accredited by the National Association for the
four times annually. Three inspections are carried
Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
out by installation personnel and include at least
one comprehensive health and sanitation inspec-
The accreditation process combines an
tion, one comprehensive fire and safety inspection,
internal and external review of the quality of the
and one inspection lead by a command representa-
center's developmental program. It includes an
tive. This third inspection employs a multi-
in-depth self-study that builds upon staff, parent,
disciplinary team with expertise in various health
and management communication and teamwork,
and safety standards prescribed for child care.
in addition to review of the program by an
external validator and a commission of early
At least one unannounced comprehensive
childhood professionals.
inspection is conducted by a higher level of com-
mand, either a major command or higher head-
A 1994 RAND study, Examining the Effects
quarters. This inspection includes a review of the
of Accreditation on Military Child Development
curriculum, staff, and training and also assesses
Center Operations and Outcomes," reported that
the safety and appropriateness of indoor and
the most significant effect of accreditation was
outdoor equipment. Parent interviews are con-
evidenced in appropriate caregiving activities.
ducted as a part of the program evaluations.
Accreditation also resulted in activities better
suited to particular age groups, such as infants
Inspection reports are sent to DoD along with
and toddlers. Better defined goals, higher-quality
the Service's recommendation for DoD certifica-
care, and more innovative programs have re-
tion. Deficiencies must be corrected immediately,
sulted from accreditation.
or in cases of serious violations, the program will
be closed. In addition, each Military Service must
DoD Certification
inspect at least one program in each command
The Department of Defense Child Develop-
each year. Finally, random inspections are con-
ment Programs are not subject to state and local
ducted by representatives of the Office of the
child care licensing. Instead Military Child
Secretary of Defense to ensure compliance by the
Development Programs must meet comprehen-
Military Services.
sive certification standards established by DoD
and the individual Military Services. DoD certifi-
Affordability
cation provides a thorough review of programs,
Making sure that quality child care is afford-
but has a different emphasis than the NAEYC
able to military families is a high priority. Fees are
accreditation criteria. Certification standards are
established on a sliding scale, with low income
organized to correspond with the provisions of
parents paying less than high income families
the Military Child Care Act and place special
regardless of the age of the child. Child care is a
emphasis on staffing, health and safety, and
physical environment.
Our Children, America's Future
11
DoD 1996 - 1997 FEE RANGES
Unique features of the infant activity room
include a crawl area, an area for sleeping and
playing, a diapering station, and a food prepara-
Income Category
Total Family Income
DoD Weekly Fee Range
tion area.
I
$23,000
$36-49
II
$23,001 $34.000
$46-59
Toddler rooms feature an open area for play,
III
$34,001-$44,000
$56-71
a bathroom equipped with pediatric-sized toilets,
IV
$44,001-$55,000
$69-80
a diapering station, an art/sensory area and a
motor/music area.
V
$55,000 +
$81-92
All activity rooms include features that help
life cycle issue. While parents of infants usually
keep staff and children safe. Large vision panels
generate less income, children remain in care
in walls and doors enable parents and supervisory
during their preschool years and often continue in
staff to observe interactions between children and
before/after school programs when parental
caregiving personnel. They also serve as a deter-
income is usually higher. The civilian sector, on
rent to child abuse.
the other hand, usually charges fees based on the
age of the child with infant/toddler care costing
Play Area Concepts
parents considerably more than care for a pre-
The Army has taken the lead in developing
school age child.
Standard Designs for Child Development Center
(CDC) Outdoor Play Areas which are designed
Facilities and Playgrounds
to the highest standards of safety for a supervised
DoD and the Military Services have developed
outdoor play area. The Consumer Product Safety
Standard Design Requirements for Child Develop-
Commission (CPSC) guidelines are used as
ment Centers. The key elements of the designs are
references in the Standard Designs.
a series of standard classroom modules, sized and
furnished for each age group of children: infants
The outdoor play environment is divided into
(six weeks to 18 months old), toddlers (18 months
individual play areas to accommodate the differ-
to three years), and preschool age (three to five
ent age groups. Each age group playground
years). Between 1980 and 1997, 326 child care
contains a variety of activity areas which were
facilities were approved by Congress for major
renovation/new construction utilizing the standard
designs.
DoD centers are designed to care for infant/
toddler age groups and contain features which
provide for a safe, secure, and age appropriate
environment for infants and toddlers.
12
Department of Defense
selected to reinforce the developmental require-
Toddler Play Area
ments for that group. Each area has different
Toddlers are 18 months to three years. At
types or sizes of play elements and components
these ages, children are rapidly learning and
which support children's developmental needs.
exploring their environment. Therefore, the
environment is set up with many types of play
Infant Play Area
spaces and activities for playing alone, playing in
The infant play area is designed to provide a
pairs, and playing in small groups. Activity
variety of stimuli for children six weeks to 18
zones include: a wheeled toy path, a play village,
months. This environment is shaded and provides
a quiet sand play area, a fantasy play area, a
a surface where it is safe to crawl and play. The
composite structure, swings and a multipurpose
infant area is accessible by the CDC path network
area.
that allows caregivers to take infants out in
strollers.
It is DoD policy to integrate children with
disabilities into the classroom and the outdoor
play environment with their appropriate group.
This is best accomplished by providing a diver-
Joint Services Training
sity of play opportunities and equal opportuni-
T
he Military Services' Child Devel-
ties for all children regardless of ability.
opment staffs have been involved
for almost two decades in joint train-
ing, an effort designed to save re-
H.
FAMILY CHILD CARE
sources and maximize training avail-
ability and effectiveness. An example
DoD has a large network of over 9,730
of joint-service collaboration is the
Family Child Care (FCC) homes to support the
Association of Young Children Europe
unique demands of the military lifestyle for
which consists of all Services' child
families with young children. The FCC program
care personnel, DoDDS teachers.
comprises approximately 35 percent of the DoD
private school staffers, and parents.
child care program. FCC providers are spouses
The Association conducts semi-annual
of military members and live in government
training in a central European loca-
housing. Because providers are independent
tion, and has had attendance as high
contractors, they are able to offer flexible child
care services individualized to families' needs.
as 1,500 for weekend workshops. The
goals of this organization are to unite
Many providers offer specialized care for in-
fants/toddlers and children with disabilities or
early childhood efforts throughout
Europe, share ideas, promote dialogue,
special health care needs. FCC also supports
and provide information and training
families' needs for child care during extended
for people interested in the care and
duty hours and during deployments. During
well-being of young children.
recent military conflicts, a number of providers
Our Children. America Future
13
assumed guardianship for children of active duty
members.
MANY
Department of Defense
Three categories of FCC homes are available:
Parents' Guide
Multi-age homes for children six weeks to 12
years. These homes offer full-day, part-day, and
to
hourly care. The ratio is six children to one
Quality
provider. The group may include no more than
Child Care
two children under the age of two years, and the
provider's own children under the age of eight
count in the ratio. These homes offer a family
atmosphere with children of different ages playing
and learning together.
Newborn homes for infants up to six weeks.
Providers receive specialized training and over-
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense
sight while caring for the very youngest children.
Force Management & Personnel
Age specific homes. Providers care for a
specific age of children, e.g., toddlers, pre-school,
or school age.
13 functional areas. A Training and Curriculum
Specialist works with providers in one-on-one
Training
training and small groups settings. Providers are
All FCC providers attend basic orientation
observed working with children and are tested on
training before caring for children. Training topics
their core knowledge of the modules.
include:
child abuse identification, prevention, and
Annually, providers attend 24 hours of train-
reporting
ing offered by the FCC staff, installation, and
first aid and CPR
off-base agencies that support families with
how children develop
young children. FCC staff conduct home visits
working in a multi-age setting
monthly. During these monitoring visits, FCC
fire, safety, and health procedures
staff conduct home inspections, observe provid-
business practices and
ers working with children, and conduct
applicable Service regulations
one-on-one training. In addition to in-home
technical assistance, each FCC program has a
resource library for providers equipped with
Like the center training program, DoD has
child-sized furniture (cribs, mats etc.), fire extin-
developed 13 training modules specific to the
guishers, multi-age toys, books and a variety of
multi-age setting found in FCC homes. These are
supplies needed to operate a safe and healthy
also based on the Child Development Associate
FCC home.
14
Department of Defense
Oversight and Evaluation
As part of the Child Development Program
The Military Services are exerting leadership
improvement plan, the Military Services are now
in the emerging professionalization of family child
actively supporting accreditation for FCC
care by encouraging providers to earn additional
homes. FCC accreditation will provide an
professional qualifications such as a Child Devel-
objective look at FCC homes and provide
opment Associate (CDA) and professional
recognition for quality care.
accreditation. The CDA credential is awarded to
the individual provider (much like a degree), but
The accreditation process is seen as the
accreditation is awarded to a FCC home. FCC
capstone of the DoD FCC improvement plan.
accreditation includes a thorough assessment
The Military Family Child Care Home Accredi-
both of the FCC environment and management
tation (MHA) is currently under development.
procedures and the provider's interaction with
This accreditation initiative is composed of an
children, curriculum implementation, and interac-
individual provider accreditation and a FCC
tion with parents.
system accreditation process. Initiated by the
Army, and later joined by the Navy and Marine
DoD has developed a comprehensive certifi-
Corps, the individual provider accreditation will
cation process, similar to state licensing for FCC
be available in 1998.
homes. This process includes: screening, train-
Subsidies
ing, home inspections by base fire, safety and
health officials, and monitoring by professional
FCC subsidies support four key goals:
FCC staff. Providers undergo comprehensive
availability, affordability, quality and provider
background investigations, and checks are also
retention/professional development. The Mili-
conducted on family members over the age of 12.
tary Child Care Act of 1989 authorizes the use
FCC staff conduct in-home interviews, and a
of direct cash subsidies as a means of expanding
health assessment is conducted on each provider.
the availability of care, to ensure providers offer
comparable quality to that offered by CDCs, to
promote adequate compensa-
Outsourcing Child Development Services
tion for providers' work, and to
keep fees affordable for service
T
he Military Services are constantly seeking ways to
members. Low provider
improve availability of Child Development services
compensation contributes to
while controlling costs. One promising initiative is a Navy
high turnover and reduces the
test of contracting for spaces and "buying down" rates in
FCC system's quality and
NAEYC accredited child care centers near five large fleet
efficiency.
locations: Norfolk, Jacksonville, Seattle, San Diego, and
Pearl Harbor. Under this program, sailors pay a fee, com-
At some installations, it is
parable to the cost of on-base care, and the Navy pays the
difficult to attract sufficient
difference. This effort is particularly targeted to gain
numbers of FCC providers to
additional infant/toddler spaces.
meet installation child care
Our Children. America's Future
15
availability goals, particularly in the area of infant
dums of agreement with local state licensing
and toddler care. The FCC system offers subsi-
agencies to train and monitor off-base providers.
dies as an incentive to attract additional providers.
To be recognized as an off-base DoD provider,
the home and the provider must meet all state or
FCC subsidies represent a considerable cost
host nation licensing standards, have liability
avoidance. FCC homes help defray the capital
insurance, and complete the same training as on-
costs of building additional Child Development
base providers. Off-base providers will have
Centers (CDCs). As an example, an FCC director
access to the FCC resource library, which con-
can recruit, train, and monitor 40 FCC homes
tains supplies and equipment for the care of
with a potential for 240 child care spaces in
young children. They will also be able to attend
contrast with the $3 million cost of building an
DoD-sponsored training and workshops at no
additional CDC for the same number of children.
cost. In return, providers must agree to care for
DoD children. Off-base providers trained under
To attract and retain FCC providers, indirect
the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps FCC pro-
subsidies in the form of start up kits (fire extin-
grams will be eligible for direct cash subsidies.
guisher, first aid kit, electrical safety sockets, and
With approximately one-third of all DoD families
other materials) assist with providers' start-up
living off-base, this initiative will expand quality
costs and ensure children's safety. Indirect subsi-
affordable child care options for families living in
dies defray providers' child care costs during FCC
civilian communities.
training as well as supply homes with appropriate
toys and equipment, and consumable materials
such basic art materials, books, etc. These indi-
I.
DEVELOPMENTAL PRESCHOOLS
rect subsidies act as program incentives and help
new providers avoid large start-up costs.
The DoD Domestic Dependent Elementary
and Secondary Schools (DDESS) system pro-
vides preschool programs at all of its 18 military
Increasing the Availability of Child Care
Through Off-Base Family Child Care
installations in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky,
Homes
North Carolina, New York, South Carolina,
Virginia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
The availability of child care is a quality
of life issue that impacts readiness. The
demand for child care is high and competi-
tion for space is great. On-base FCC homes
are close to achieving maximum growth.
Consequently, DoD is also promoting
certification of military family members and
civilians living in communities near military
bases as a means of expanding the availabil-
ity of DoD child care options. Installation
FCC programs are developing memoran-
16
Department of Defense
The preschool program
is a second language,
serves four-year-old
availability of DoD Child
children and is designed
Development Centers or
to provide developmen-
suitable host-nation
tally appropriate educa-
programs, operational
tion to preschoolers
tempo of the local com-
enrolled in DDESS.
mand, local command
support, and the availabil-
The DDESS schools
ity of suitable DoD facili-
follow developmentally
ties and services.
appropriate practices
established by the National Association for the
The DoDDS has been allocated fiscal and
Education of Young Children.
personnel resources with which to establish an
additional 38 Sure Start Programs, or other
Preschool programs for typically developing
suitable early childhood programs, by the end of
four-year-olds and three- or four-year-olds
School Year (SY) 1998-99. Tentative plans are to
requiring special education services are estab-
open 10 additional programs in SY 1996-97 and
lished at all DDESS locations.
14 each in SY 1997-98 and SY 1998-99.
FY 97 funding level:
$12.1 million
The DoD Sure Start program is based on the
Head Start Child Development Program and
Sure Start
provides high quality preschool opportunities for
the children of service members stationed over-
Goal 1 of the DoD Education Activity Com-
seas. The program was originally conceived to
munity Strategic Plan is to assist children to
meet the needs of families whose young children
become ready for school. Through Sure Start, the
do not have access to the same educational re-
DoD Dependents' Schools System (DoDDS)
sources and early experiences overseas as can be
pursues this goal at overseas military installa-
found in the United States. This lack of resources
tions. The goal of Sure Start is to meet the needs
is further exacerbated by: family isolation, lan-
of families whose young children do not have
guage barriers, limited early childhood education
access to the same educational resources and
programs, loss of extended family support, in-
early experiences overseas that they would in the
creased impact of cost of living in overseas areas,
United States. This objective is realized by
and limited access to educational programming on
allocating additional resources to existing
television.
DoDDS schools to allow them to develop special
programs for selected children. Selection criteria
Sure Start follows a four-component delivery
for community participation in Sure Start con-
system for services: education, health, social
sider community demographics including: family
services, and parent involvement.
income, education level, number of single parent
families. the presence of families in which English
Our Children, America Future
17
Education Component
Early Intervention Services
Ensures that the program meets or exceeds
Department of Defense policy mandates that
standards for quality programming and curricu-
each Military Department shall develop and
lum, physical environment, staff, parent involve-
implement in its assigned geographic area a
ment, and supportive climate.
system of early intervention services (EIS) for
eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities, from
Health Component
birth through two years of age, and their families.
The Military Departments are required to provide
Provides children with health services includ-
Child Find procedures, administration and super-
ing medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional.
vision of EIS, identification of resources and
coordination of resource providers, and proce-
Social Services Component
dures to provide timely services for infants and
Ensures parent participation in the Sure Start
toddlers with disabilities and their families.
classroom, provides for home visits by the
teacher, makes parents aware of community
All Department of Defense Dependents
services, and establishes an outreach and recruit-
Schools overseas conduct Child Find activities
ment program to identify and enroll eligible
and provide services to eligible three-year-old
children.
children with disabilities. Children aged three
through five determined to have a delay in one or
Parent Involvement Component
more areas, physical, communication, cognitive,
Ensures parent participation in local program
social/emotional or adaptive/self help develop-
policy and operation.
ment, are eligible for preschool services for
children with disabilities (PSCD). The PSCD
services are provided in a variety of settings such
Evidence of Success
as the school, home, and child care provider
General studies conducted by the Department
facility. The goal of the PSCD program is to
of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) regard-
provide the necessary services to a child in the
ing the effectiveness of Sure Start indicate that the
most appropriate setting utilizing the child's care
program goals are being met and that the compo-
providers, both parents and professionals. School
nents of the program support Goal 1 of the
case study committees coordinate with the EIS
DoDEA Community Strategic Plan which states
providers so that young children can effectively
that all children will start school ready to learn.
transition into school programs. Transition
There are 580 students currently enrolled in the
meetings involving the EIS providers, PSCD
DoDDS Sure Start program at 29 locations
teachers, and parents are scheduled prior to the
overseas, with plans to add up to 34 additional
child's third birthday. There are 1,263 children
programs by FY 1999.
aged three through five currently enrolled in the
DoDDS PSCD programs.
FY 97 Funding Level:
$8.665 million
FY 97 Funding Level:
$2.491 million
18
Department of Defense
Head Start
Department's efforts to support children and
families. RAND's work has included three
Fort Belvoir, an Army installation, has a
partnership with the United Cerebral Palsy
studies, summarized briefly below.
Council of Washington, D.C. and Northern
Virginia for a pilot Early Head Start Program in
The first project examined the delivery of
one of two Child Development Centers (CDC).
military child care prior to the implementation of
Twenty-five infant/toddler CDC spaces were
the Military Child Care Act of 1989 (MCCA).
opened in September 1996. The project is
Based on interviews and secondary analyses,
funded for five years with Head Start in the
RAND suggested, in a 1992 report, ways to
Department of Health and Human Services.
better meet miliary and family needs through a
Qualifying families receive no-cost child care and
more systemic approach to the delivery of
family support services.
miliary child care. In particular, it recommended
that the goals of military child care be clarified
Fort Shafter, Hawaii, also has an agreement
and efforts be made to address these goals
with Head Start to operate an hourly care and
through Child Development Services (CDS)
part-day preschool program in one CDC. Hawaii
operations and priorities. RAND urged the
provides the CDC space, and Head Start funds
standardization of measurement of demand for
the program.
child care, and called for a systematic assess-
ment of youth activities. It focused particularly
An Air Force Head Start initiative at Travis
on Family Child Care (FCC) and strongly
Air Force Base, California, provides space in a
encouraged closer integration of FCC with
state-of-the-art CDC for an enrichment program
CDCs. In particular, the report called for the
which is free to the 38 children ages three and
strengthening of FCC provider training and
four from eligible low-income families. Head
oversight, marketing of FCC care to parents and
Start funds the staff, equipment
commanders, selective subsidiza-
and supplies, as well as a
tion of FCC care, reduction of
parent education program at no
FCC provider disincentives for
cost to Travis families. Head
providing care, and targeting of
Start gains space which enables
FCC and CDC services so that
it to expand the program to
family and military needs are better
include infants.
served. These findings led to a
number of important improve-
ments in the delivery of military
J.
RESEARCH
child care.
Since 1989, The RAND
A provision of the MCCA
Corporation has worked
required that at least 50 military
closely with the DoD to pro-
CDCs be accredited in accordance
vide research findings that
with the standards of a national
would contribute to the
Our Children, America Future
19
accrediting body for early childhood programs.
examined the multiple provisions of the act and
Accreditation of these 50 centers, to be completed
analyzed differences across services in MCCA
by June 1, 1992, would create a "demonstration
implementation. The final report of this study
program" from which other CDCs could learn
will be issued later this year.
about best practices. An independent organization
would evaluate the effects of CDC accreditation
Army Child Care Research
on child outcomes and report the results to Con-
gress. Study data would clarify the desirability of
A mid-1980s Army-sponsored Family Child
mandating that all CDCs be accredited.
Care (FCC) research study found that most FCC
home providers reported an annual income of
Delays in passage of the MCCA made the
$4000, or less, and typically provided child care
June 1 accreditation deadline unrealistic. To meet
for 11 hours per day. Even when adjusted for
it, a disproportionately high number of already
inflation, these figures clearly suggest FCC
high-quality and exemplary CDCs were included
providers are not well paid. The study also found
in the initial accreditation group. DoD and
that most FCC providers believe the child care
RAND staff, working together, concluded that
training they received helps them become better
this over- representation of already good centers
parents.
in the demonstration program would undermine
any conclusions about the effects of accreditation
Parents indicated the two most important
on child outcomes. A more limited study that
reasons for selecting an FCC home rather than
excluded child measures was designed and imple-
another child care option were the flexible sched-
mented instead.
ule and physical location of the FCC home.
Parents of infants and toddlers indicated a strong
Installation visits and a worldwide mail survey
general preference for child care in an FCC home
of CDS personnel revealed that the most signifi-
over all other options. Increased job productivity
cant effect of accreditation was evidenced in
was also reported as related to the features of
caregiving activities, particularly more child-
FCC home care. Sixty-two percent of parents
initiated and child-controlled activities better suited
reported missing fewer hours of work due to
to particular age groups. Most CDC personnel
child care problems since placing their children in
believe accreditation led to substantial increases in
FCC homes. Increased opportunity for spouse
the quality of care and that caregivers had a better
employment was also cited as enhanced by the
understanding of child development and children's
availability of FCC home care.
needs. These findings led us to recommend universal
accreditation of CDCs. The report of study find-
The study concluded that FCC homes play a
ings, delivered to Congress in 1994, lent support
critical role in meeting the child care needs of
to expansion of CDC accreditation and universal
military parents. The need for more child care
accreditation mandates in the services.
spaces in general and infant/toddler spaces, in
particular, suggests that strategies, such as
A final RAND child care study has focused on
providing FCC subsidies, be developed to recruit
the implementation of the MCCA. This study
and maintain FCC homes.
20
Department of Defense
A.
DoD's PARENTS
The DoD has undergone significant demographic and sociological
changes over the past three decades. In the past 28 years, with the
advent of an all volunteer force in 1973, the proportion of married
Chapter 2
service members has increased significantly from 46 percent in 1968 to
59.3 percent in 1996.
OF DEPLAYE
MARRIED ACTIVE DUTY
Today family members
60
outnumber uniformed
members, married and
THEREA
Percent
40
single combined, in DoD's
or
active duty component.
20
0
Parenting
55
'60
65
70
75
'80
'85
'90
'95
Year
The Department's junior
PROPORTION OF FAMILY
families tend to have children at
MEMBERS TO ACTIVE DUTY
a younger age than their civilian
counterparts. Over 150,000
Uniformed
military personnel become
Members
40.1%
parents for the first time at age
20 and under, and almost
100,000 become parents for the
first time at age 19 and under.
Also, more service members
who already have children are
being recruited.
AGE AT TIME OF BECOMING A PARENT FOR THE FIRST TIME
19 and under
20 and under
Service members
98,841
153,902
Spouses
111,303
165,136
Our Children, America's Future
21
Demographic changes have significantly
Another sociological change reflected in the
altered the Department's personnel profile and
military family is the steady increase of spouses in
impacted policies and programs. As in the rest of
the workplace. In the seven years between 1985
society, the Department has witnessed an increase
and 1992, the last date for which data are avail-
in the number of single-parent military members.
able, the number of spouses in the labor force
Today, seven percent of military members are
increased by 10 percent. Seventy-one percent of
single parents, both men and women.
spouses of enlisted personnel with a child five
years and younger reported a child care problem
SINGLE PARENT MILITARY MEMBERS
(availability, acceptability, convenience, and cost)
when looking for a job, while 61 percent of
15.8
officer spouses reported a similar difficulty.
16
14
12.2
12.5
12
Percent
-9.7
9.8
10
SPOUSES IN LABOR FORCE
8
6.4
6
6
4
2
1985
1992
0
Army
Navy
Air
Manne
Total
Force
Corps
Not in labor force
46%
35%
Service
Female
Male
Total
Seeking Employment
10%
11%
Employed
44%
54%
The increase of women in the military has also
impacted policies, procedures, and programs.
Currently, women make up 13 percent of the
The notable shifts in DoD's personnel profile
active duty force compared to 2.5 percent in
and concurrent sociological changes over the past
1973. The Clinton Administration has opened
few decades have compelled the Department to
many non-traditional career fields in the armed
develop new policies and programs and modify
forces to women, thus increasing assignment and
existing ones to accommodate the evolving needs
training opportunities. Some of the women who
of families and children. To maintain military
now fill these positions are also mothers.
readiness and sustain successful personnel reten-
tion programs, the Department had to address the
increasing number of parents and children, the
DISTRIBUTION OF WOMEN BY SERVICE:
192,469
expanded role of women, the increasing number
Manne Corps
4%
of single parents, both men and women, the
young age at which members become parents for
Army
35.6%
Air Force
the first time, and the increased number of mili-
33.3%
tary spouses employed outside of the home.
Navy
26.6%
The Department's parental profile, while not
DMDC. Sep. 1996
that different from civilian counterparts, does
22
Department of Defense
have distinguishing differences created by the
of the programs provide prenatal support,
military mission and working environment.
parenting education and infant care classes. parent
Military parents have two formidable obligations:
support groups, home visits for parent support,
(1) their military commitments and (2) their
information and referral, and crisis intervention.
families. The military lifestyle sometimes causes
The Military Departments provided services to
challenging conflicts between the two. With over
approximately 63,100 families at 156 installations
half a million military children aged five and
worldwide in FY 95, with approximately 33,100
younger, the responsibility for these youngest
families receiving home visits.
members of the DoD family is significant. It is in
this context that policies, programs, and services
discussed in this report are presented.
"Being a parent is one of the toughest
jobs around. Mayport's New Parent
Support Team is a wonderful asset to
B.
NEW PARENT SUPPORT
the base and highly supportive."
PROGRAMS
Captain Scott T. Cantfil, USN
Commanding Officer, Naval Station Mayport, Florida
Research findings suggest that the single most
effective strategy for preventing child abuse is to
The programs are voluntary, focus on first-
provide parents with education and support,
time parents, and promote father involvement.
including support offered in the home, around the
For example, the Marine Corps has 58 percent of
time their first baby is born. In July 1990, the
its new fathers involved in some New Parent
General Accounting Office (GAO) released a
Support activity. The programs especially im-
report titled: "Home Visiting, A Promising Early
prove the quality of life of junior enlisted person-
Intervention Strategy for At-Risk Families,"
nel who are young parents, and some of whom are
citing evaluations that showed that early inter-
single parents, parents with disabled or premature
vention programs employing home visitors, plus
infants, or parents who have bicultural or isolated
community services, produced a range of positive
families.
outcomes for families and children. The GAO
report strongly supported prior recommendations
Services are provided near work sites when-
of the National Committee to Prevent Child
ever practical and accommodate parents' work
Abuse to establish more prenatal and postnatal
schedules to the maximum extent possible. At
home visiting services for high risk women and
many installations, services are provided in the
infants.
evening, and some communities offer programs
during duty hours so that service members can
The Congress appropriated $20 million in FY
participate in home visits and meetings with
95. $25.6 million in FY 96, and $20 million in FY
service providers. At certain installations, expect-
97 to assist DoD and the Services in establishing
ant fathers' groups meet during the lunch hour, a
or expanding New Parent Support Programs. All
schedule which promotes increased participation.
Our Children, America's Future
23
Participating parents are screened for
programs provided by every center is Family Life
parenting adequacy and family environment.
Education. Programs on relationships, parenting
Families with special needs and high-risk families
and other family life issues provide knowledge,
are referred to the appropriate community support
skills and support to enhance self esteem,
program for additional services.
strengthen interpersonal relationships, and pro-
vide educational activities appropriate for the
A Marine Corps program assessment revealed
individual and family roles, tasks, and responsi-
that fewer than 20 percent of Marine Corps
bilities. These programs range from prenatal
families who were at high risk for new incidents of
health care and strategies for dealing with infants
child abuse and who had participated in the
and toddlers to dealing with teen-age children
program for more than a year had new child abuse
and enhancing communications between couples.
incidents. In addition, high risk families' scores on
Programs address virtually every aspect of family
standardized measures of child abuse potential,
life.
depression, marital satisfaction, and maternal
social support all improved. An Air Force assess-
Agency Support of Family Programs
ment has shown similar risk reductions.
A growing number of military installations
and Defense agencies are establishing parenting
DoD Model of New Parent Support
support groups and sponsoring family informa-
tion seminars tailored to the unique needs of
In 1996, a joint Service working group re-
viewed the implementation of New Parent Sup-
Operation Stork
port programs in DoD to develop a consistent
framework for these programs and to ensure the
V
olunteers at Scott Air Force Base,
programs are cost effective. The average case of
Illinois, provide parenting informa-
child abuse in DoD costs at least $2,000 and costs
tion each year for newborn infants of
can range up to $7,200 for initial intervention and
junior enlisted service members, along
legal proceedings, with long term treatment
with over 300 layettes These collec-
costing significantly more. By contrast, New
tions, which typically include blankets,
Parent Support cases cost an average of $251 per
quilts, bibs, booties, shirt and pants
birth.
sets, and many other needed items are
distributed by volunteers working in the
FY 97 Funding Level:
$20 million Con-
obstetrics ward of the local medical
gressional Insert.
treatment facility. Volunteers at other
military bases, including Fort Polk,
Louisiana, and Fort Drum, New York,
C.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
provide similar services to ensure that
needy families having their first baby are
The DoD operates 284 Family Centers around
provided new clothing for their child's
the world designed to assist families with the
trip home.
unique challenges of military life. One of the core
24
Department of Defense
service members, civilian employees, and their
infants. It is equipped with desks, computers and
families. For example, the National Imagery and
other typical office furnishings, but also contains a
Mapping Agency plans to expand its seminars to
changing table, crib, and padded area where
include fatherhood workshops and information
babies can play. The room has its own restroom
about leave options for new fathers. This
and refrigerator, and employees may sign an
Agency is also developing a Human Resources
agreement scheduling its use.
home page on the Internet which will include
information about community outreach activities
Outreach Managers Programs
relevant to families, such as child care and
Air Force Outreach Managers (OMs) offer
telecommuting opportunities. The On-Site
programs and services which focus on life man-
Inspection Agency offers a range of programs in
agement skills, education, and parental skill
the workplace, including single parent support
development. The OMs sponsor prevention
groups and family budgeting.
activities including classes, group sessions, and
briefings customized to meet the unique needs of
Nursing Mothers Program
local communities. Programs commonly offered
For mothers of newborn infants who are
are:
interested in breast feeding, the National Security
Agency offers the Nursing Mothers Program.
Parent Universities - workshops for parents,
This program, established in 1981, is the product
frequently co-sponsored by elementary schools.
of an informal grass roots movement. It has
Moms, Pops and Tots - play groups co-spon-
received national recognition and is now being
sored by youth centers.
used as a model for other Federal Agencies
Parents Encouraging Parents - parents sup-
including the Centers for Disease Control, the
port groups.
Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense
Intelligence Agency, and the Central Intelligence
These programs and activities reach an esti-
Agency. The Nursing Mothers Program cur-
mated 9,000 parents with children ages three and
rently has 125 participating mothers who use 11
below.
designated rooms in nine buildings.
Relieving Family Isolation
New Parents Work Room
Each of the Military Services provides many
The Army Training and Doctrine Command's
local outreach initiatives to relieve the isolation of
Analysis Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas is
families. Many young service members and
experimenting with a concept that allows parents
spouses are living away from their parents' homes
to bring their infants to work several days a
for the first time. Consequently, they may be
week, an accommodation which allows some
separated from friends and extended families who
employees to return to work from maternity
previously provided a supportive safety net. For
leave earlier. A special work room has been set
military families living off-base, the physical
up for employees with very young, immobile
isolation and loneliness for familiar surroundings.
Our Children, America's Future
25
families, and friends may be exacerbated by local
Recognizing the impact parental separation has
customs, language, and cultural barriers. Military
on young children, Family Centers have devel-
communities offer many programs and services
oped excellent deployment programs based on
for these families. Among them are: shuttle bus
age-appropriate activities targeted to young
transportation to shopping and other American
children.
facilities, organization days and family picnics,
family meals in military dining facilities, sponsors
Pre-deployment
who provide advice and assistance, and support
groups composed of other families living in similar
For young children, pre-deployment pro-
circumstances.
grams include puppet shows which are catalysts
for children to talk about their parent being gone.
Children express their feelings in different ways,
D.
DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
and outward behavior is not always a good
indication of how they feel about their parent's
Military duty requires service members rou-
deployment. Children often have fears which
tinely to deploy for extended periods of time.
they do not know how to articulate. Creative
Deployment programs are very important in
activities such as puppet shows encourage them
preparing families for spousal and parental separa-
to talk about fears of the parent's deployment and
tion. Special programs conducted by the Military
helps relieve some of their anxieties.
Departments deal with a wide range of issues
surrounding deployments. An important planning
Parents are encouraged to include their
consideration is preparing children, since deploy-
children in assembling a survival kit for the
ment represents a disruption in their lives which
departing parent. Kits include family photos,
can threaten their sense of security. Each of the
stationery, books and a special memento that the
Services conducts workshops targeted at children
child selects to accompany the parent. Another
to help them understand why their parent has to
important pre-deployment activity for small
be gone for awhile and how to cope with their
children is for the departing parent to take the
feelings of loss. For the deploying parent, the
child out separately from other siblings for a
programs offer numerous creative techniques for
shared activity such as a walk or trip to an ice
keeping in contact with their children while away.
cream store. During that informal time, the
In this way, the parents can be "present" in their
parents can explain simply and honestly what is
children's minds, even though they are not physi-
going to happen, talk about where the parent is
cally there. Deployment programs are critical in
going, what he or she will be doing, and also
keeping parents involved in their children's lives
what the child will be doing during the separa-
and have been highly successful in helping chil-
tion. The important outcome is for the child to
dren cope with parental absences.
talk and for the parent to reassure the child of his/
her love and that the upcoming separation will be
Family Center staff are skilled in dealing with
only a temporary one. Young children should
the family dynamics associated with deployment.
also be included in the farewell at the point of
26
Department of Defense
departure. Letting
Reunion
children see their
Recognizing that
parents depart gives
re-integration into the
them a greater sense
family can be challeng-
of reality and reduces
ing, the Military Ser-
fantasies. Command-
vices have developed
ers often allow family
excellent programs to
members aboard
assist service members,
ships or airplanes to
spouses, and children to
see how the parent
reunite. For example,
will travel. This helps
dedicated teams regu-
a child better under-
larly ride back aboard
stand where his/her parent will be in the near
Navy ships returning from a deployment to pre-
term.
pare the sailors during the transit for reunion with
their families. Each of the Services conducts
Deployment
reunion briefings prior to the return of their
During deployment, there are many initiatives
personnel. Special sessions are given to first-time
that parents can use to stay connected with their
fathers whose babies have been born while on
young children. Some representative activities
deployment. These sessions help prepare the
include:
service member for changes that a newborn will
Displaying pictures of the deployed parent at
bring into his/her life. Topics such as the impor-
the child's eye level in a frequently used part of
tance of bonding, parenting skills for newborns,
the home.
and even how to hold an infant are presented.
Putting a picture of the child with the sepa-
rated parent in the child's bedroom.
Other sessions include briefings for parents of
Having the child draw pictures for the parent
young children in whom developmental changes
and mail them in a special envelope which the
occur quite rapidly. The briefings help the parents
child has decorated.
understand better what changes have likely oc-
Having the deployed parent make video or
curred during their absences. For example, a
audio tapes of favorite stories and personal
returning parent may think his/her two-year-old is
messages for the child.
totally spoiled because the toddler says "no" to
Keeping a calendar of the time the parent
everything. The sessions point out that "no" is a
will be gone and marking off each day.
favorite word of two-year-olds and that such
Going to the library and finding where the
behavior is completely normal. Also, young
parent is in books or on maps and investigating
children may need "warm-up" time before be-
the culture in which the parent is currently living.
coming fully comfortable with the returning
parent. Knowing these normal behavioral charac-
teristics in advance can prevent family tensions
and undue parental stress.
Our Children, America's Future
27
Returning parents are encouraged to "re-
parenting programs which focus primarily on first
connect" with each of their children individually.
term, or initial enlistment, service members and
Although there may be anger and insecurity in
their families is posted on the Family Center
some children as a result of the separation, there
Intranet.
are helpful ways to deal with these emotions, and
a slow, gradual reunion is one way. Parents are
Military communities worldwide have devel-
also encouraged to spend time with their family,
oped innovative and highly effective deployment
without outsiders, in the beginning. This allows
programs which promote communications be-
time for bonds to be restored, children to become
tween deployed parents and their small children.
more comfortable, and the family to reestablish its
Each new deployment, such as the recent deploy-
routine.
ment to Bosnia, yields even more creative ways
of maintaining parent/child links. We plan to
While separation can be difficult for children,
collect information on local programs which have
Family Centers have developed numerous creative
proven most effective and disseminate it Depart-
ways to address the resulting issues. Parental
ment-wide through the Military Family Resource
evaluations of these programs are consistently
Library and the Family Center Intranet home
high and support parents with the formidable
page.
challenge of raising healthy, secure children
amidst a cycle of parental absences.
The Department has conducted or commis-
sioned considerable research on various aspects
of parenting. Some studies which have been
E.
RESEARCH
completed or are ongoing include:
The Family Centers sponsor parenting pro-
"New Parent Support Program Study, by the
grams as one of their core missions. However,
University of Maryland School of Social Work
other organizations and certain individuals such as
and the U.S. Marine Corps, 1996. This evalua-
the Child Development
tion studied a professional
Programs and installation
home visitation intervention
chaplains also conduct family
program for the prevention of
life/parenting programs. DoD
family violence.
plans to establish a working
group to identify and study all
"Evaluation of the Mili-
of the various parenting
tary First Steps Program, by
programs now being offered
Cornell University and the
to determine which programs
Army, 1996. First Steps is a
are most effective.
primary prevention program
that uses trained volunteers to
Information about a
provide services to expectant
number of Family Center
and new mothers.
28
Department of Defense
report, presented as part of a symposium "Down
to the Seas in Ships: A Study of Father Ab-
sence," described a program designed to mini-
mize the effects of separation on Navy fathers
and their children.
"The Military Single Parent Family: Focus
On The Child, by Eli Berger. This study
reports on the effect of parental loss according
to which parent was lost and the age of the child
at the time of loss. "Loss" includes separations
Deployment Research
caused by death, divorce, deployment, spouse
"The Impact Of Navy Deployments: Devis-
employment, and legal means. The article also
ing Effective Interventions," by Alice I. Snyder.
presents research results on the effect of father
This study described the programmatic responses
loss on boys versus girls and the results on the
to the deployment cycle developed by the Navy's
effect of mother loss.
largest Family Services Center located in Nor-
folk, Virginia and also discusses the findings of
"Children's Reactions To The Desert Storm
the Eastern Virginia Medical School's Deploy-
Deployment: Initial Findings From A Survey
ment Study. The Deployment Study validates the
Of Army Families, by Leora N. Rosen, Joel
concept that the best time to prepare for home-
M. Teitelbaum, and David J. Westhuis. This
coming is before deployment begins and empha-
study investigated the impact of the Operation
sizes reworking programming to further reduce
Desert Storm deployment on soldier/family well
the stress of reunion.
being and the effectiveness of Army and com-
munity resources in assisting and supporting
"Minimizing The Impact Of Deployment
these families.
Separation On Military Children: Stages,
Current Preventive Efforts, And System Recom-
"Children In The Military, by Jon A. Shaw.
mendations, by Daniel G. Amen, Linda Jellen,
This article examined psychosocial stressors
Edward Merves, and Robert E. Lee. This study
associated with military life that affect the
covers factors influencing adjustments by chil-
developmental and life experiences of children in
dren in military families to periodic and pro-
the military community. The adaptation of
longed parental absences. It delineates interac-
children to these psychosocial stressors is
tional patterns between family members that
discussed within the context of crisis theory.
affect children during the pre-deployment, de-
ployment, and post-deployment stages.
"When Parents Go To War: Children In
The Aftermath Of Desert Storm, by Gerald M.
"The Problems Of Father Absence: A Pre-
Croan. This report presents findings from a
ventative Program, by Lenard J. Lexier. This
study on the effectiveness of Air Force family
Our Children, America's Future
29
assistance programs during Operation Desert
report, the second volume of a two-volume
Shield/Storm for single parents and dual- military
report, presents the results of a study on the
couples.
impact of Operation Desert Shield/Storm (ODS/
S) on Navy families and the effectiveness of
"Study Of Impact Of Operation Desert
family support programs in ameliorating effects
Shield/Storm (ODS/S) On Navy Families And
of the operation on affected families. A similar
Effectiveness Of Family Support Programs In
study by the same author was also conducted on
Ameliorating Impact - Volume II: Final Report"
Marine Corps families.
by Caliber Associates, Fairfax, VA. This final
"It comes back to readiness. That happy family, that
tight family creates a stronger Marine who is on the
line ready to go, and the family is cheering right be-
hind him or her. That's what it's all about."
Lieutenant General George R. Christmas, USMC Former Deputy Chief
of Staff, HQMC, Manpower and Reserve Affairs
30
Department of Defense
OVERVIEW
The value of effective programs which ensure the wellness of
DoD's children is universally recognized throughout the Department.
Many members of the military community are actively engaged in
monitoring health and safety issues, educating parents and children to
Chapter 3
known risks, identifying infants, toddlers and children with special
health and educational needs, and providing preventive and corrective
measures.
OF DEPLAYE
For example, all meals and snacks served in DoD Child Develop-
ment Programs meet United States Department of Agriculture Child
ENTERNATION
THERIES
and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards for children's meals
or
and daily nutritional requirements. DoD policy also requires that all
eligible Child Development Programs enroll in the CACFP. Although
overseas programs are not eligible, 277 domestic centers and 4,895
Health, Nutrition,
Family Child Care providers in the United States were enrolled in
and Safety
CACFP last year. Monetary reimbursements are given to child devel-
opment centers and family child care providers who participate in
CACFP to help offset their food costs and ensure that
DoD's children are served nutritious meals and
snacks.
A.
SERVICES OF SPECIAL NEEDS
CHILDREN
The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the
Military Services support inclusion of special needs
children in all programs. Observations have shown
that quality child development programs in which
special needs children continually interact with typical children is an
effective way of stimulating growth and development of children with
special needs.
Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with
Developmental Delays
In response to the requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA). the Defense Department's Education Act of
Our Children, America's Future
31
1978, and 10 U.S.C. 2164 (f) the Departments'
DoD presently provides EIS to approxi-
Military Health Systems have designed and
mately 1,400 infants and toddlers. The DoDDS
implemented Early Intervention Services (EIS) to
provide special education to over 1,500 pre-
meet the individual needs of an infant or toddler in
school children and DDESS to 200 preschool
any of the developmental areas in which the child
children.
is delayed (physical, cognitive, communication,
Transition
social/emotional or adaptive).
As required by IDEA, the Military Health
The developmental services provided include,
Service System and DoD overseas and domestic
but are not limited to: family training, counseling,
schools are developing standard procedures to
and home visits; special instruction; speech pa-
ensure the smooth transition of toddlers into the
thology and audiology; occupational therapy;
school environment. These procedures will allow
physical therapy; psychological services; service
children to transition from one system (health
delivery coordination; medical services only for
care) to the other (schools) with minimal disrup-
diagnostic or evaluation purposes; early identifica-
tion to either families or children. As an ex-
tion, screening and assessment services; vision
ample, both agencies currently are developing a
services; and social work services. They also
joint system that will negate the need for a family
include assistive technology devices and assistive
to re-establish eligibility for services when leav-
technology services; health services necessary to
ing EIS to enter school. In essence, DoD is
enable the infant or toddler to benefit from EIS;
developing a single portal of entry for children
and transportation and related costs necessary to
with developmental delays.
enable an infant or toddler and the family to
receive early intervention services.
B.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
In the United States, DoD provides early
intervention services to infants and toddlers from
The DoD Family Advocacy Program was
birth through two years of age living on a military
established in 1984 to address the problem of
installation served by a DoD Domestic Elemen-
family violence and its adverse impact on person-
tary and Secondary School (DDESS). In overseas
nel and unit readiness, retention, and overall
locations, DoD directly provides EIS and special
quality of life. These programs seek to prevent,
education to infants, toddlers and young children
identify, report, intervene in, and treat all aspects
in all locations served by the DoD Dependents
of child abuse and neglect and spouse abuse.
Schools (DoDDS). Additionally, any infant,
There are Family Advocacy Programs at approxi-
toddler, or child who is eligible to attend a DoD
mately 300 worldwide installations with com-
school, but whose DoD sponsor is assigned to a
mand-sponsored families.
location not served by a DoD school, is also
eligible for early intervention and special educa-
Prevention
tion services. Early intervention services are also
available to overseas-assigned DoD civilian
DoD uses various approaches to prevent
personnel on a fee-for-service basis.
child abuse, including parent education and home
32
Department of Defense
how to report suspected incidents, and how to
The Seasons of Children's
cooperate with any resulting investigation and
treatment.
Lives Should Be Safe
Intervention in Child Abuse Cases
Allegations of child abuse are investigated and
assessed through a multi-disciplinary approach
involving the installation's health and mental
health professionals, the legal office, local civilian
child protective services agencies, and law en-
forcement agencies. Substantiated reports are
maintained in a DoD central registry as well as in
Summer is time for Carefree play.
Service registries. Family Advocacy Programs
If you suspect child abuse. child neglect, or safety violations in your Child
provide victims and accused abusers rehabilitation
Development Center. Family Day Care Home, or Youth Activities Program.
report them to your installation Family Advocacy Program. Safety Officer,
and treatment, although abusers may also receive
or call the Department of Defense Child Abuse/Safety Violation Hotline.
appropriate administrative and disciplinary action.
Installation Family Advocacy Office
Lostallation Safety Officer
Department of Defense Hotline 1-800-336-4592
(Conue, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico)
Guars
01-800-164-8003
Pageres
01-800-111-0058
Since 1990, DoD's annual rate of substanti-
Germany
0130-81-2702
Philippines
001-800-111-9034
Italy
1678-70-134
Spain
900-99-1107
ated child abuse reports has remained nearly
Japan
0031-11-1821
United Kingdom
0800-89-7478
Korea
008-1800947-6278
constant at less than seven incidents per 1,000
children of active duty service members, which is
visitation support for first-time parents. Classes
half the civilian rate of 14 per 1,000 children. One
include topics such as stress management, anger
of the reasons for this relatively low rate of child
control, and financial management. In addition,
abuse in military families is DoD's prevention
counseling is offered to parents who refer them-
efforts.
selves when they feel they might be about to
endanger their child. Special attention is given
In addition, when a case of multiple victim
to the times just before deployment and just after
child sexual abuse occurs in out-of-home care, the
the service member's reunion with the family,
installation commander convenes a
since the stresses involved with the change in
multi-disciplinary task force to manage the case.
family roles is higher during these periods.
DoD assists by sending a Family Advocacy Com-
mand Assistance Team to augment an
The Family Advocacy Program also seeks to
installation's task force when requested.
prevent maltreatment of children when they are in
DoD-sponsored or sanctioned out-of-home care
programs. The Family Advocacy Program staff
Background Investigations for Child Care
Providers
works with Child Development Center employ-
ees, Family Child Care providers, and DoD
The Crime Control Act of 1990 requires that
school personnel, to ensure that they know how
three types of criminal history background checks
to recognize and prevent child abuse and neglect,
Our Children, America's Future
33
be conducted on all employees and prospective
Think First — Child Safety
employees who provide services to children. To
comply fully with the Crime Control Act, DoD
T
he Navy sponsors a program in
Instruction 1402.5, "Criminal History Background
Milton, Florida to provide low-
Checks on Individuals in Child Care Services,"
income families with both child safety
was issued in 1993. This Instruction establishes a
restraint seats that protect children in
standardized and comprehensive process for
case of accidents and proper training in
screening applicants for all positions involving
using them. The program is designed
child care services on DoD installations and in
for women who are pregnant or have a
DoD activities. The process involves procedures
child aged three years or younger. This
for conducting background checks for Child
outreach effort operates county wide
Development Program employees, Family Child
with a mission to distribute 600 car
Care providers, DoD school employees, foreign
safety seats to economically disadvan-
national employees in overseas locations, tempo-
taged families. Trained volunteers
rary employees, health-care personnel, contract
conduct workshops for applicants on
employees, volunteers, and any other persons
the proper use of safety seats, and
involved in contact with children.
upon completion of this mandatory
training. participants may receive a
DoD Child Abuse and Safety Hotline
seat for the cost of the $5 application
fee.
To ensure that parents have options for re-
porting child abuse and safety issues in DoD-
C.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
sponsored child care, youth, and educational
activities, the Office of Family Policy maintains a
Childhood is the most dangerous stage of life,
hotline with a 1-800 call-in capability from any
and accidents are the leading cause of injury and
location worldwide where DoD sponsors pro-
mortality to very young children. The awesome
grams. Parents can call the hotline anonymously
responsibility for safeguarding and enhancing the
to report safety violations in child care programs.
safety of our children is shared by every member
Hotline calls are followed up within 24 hours, and
of the DoD family. Parents rightfully bear the
the appropriate Military Department must investi-
brunt of this responsibility, but many individuals
gate and report on the matter within 30 days.
and organizations in the military community
This allows parents an option "outside the chain
support and assist them. A number of policies,
of command" to ensure objectivity in investiga-
procedures, and programs also focus on child
tions. In some cases, hotline calls are used to
safety. One representative example follows.
determine where and when unannounced inspec-
tions might be necessary.
Lead Based Paint (LBP)
Research results released publicly in the early
1990s concluded that lead poisoning was the
number one environmental hazard to American
34
Department of Defense
children, affecting one out of six children under
elevated blood lead levels was 98 percent or
the age of six. These studies revealed that lead
higher. Under this current policy, military medical
poisoning is widespread among young children
professionals are allowed discretionary authority
and that exposure to lead caused more serious
to continue routine screening of children living in
health effects than previously believed. In re-
specific locations where a lead poisoning threat is
sponse to this threat, the DoD established a
known or believed to exist. In addition, they are
policy to assess the health risk from LBP and
cautioned that suspension of universal, mandatory
control LBP hazards in DoD housing and related
blood lead screening is not to be interpreted nor
structures such as Child Development Centers,
used to preclude or substitute for any diagnostic
Family Child Care homes, schools, playground
or therapeutic decision of a competent health care
equipment, and other facilities frequented by
provider concerning childhood lead poisoning.
young children. To implement this policy, facility
managers in the Military Departments quickly
The unified and coordinated actions taken in
designed an LBP control program which prohib-
response to the LBP threat are characteristic of
ited introduction of additional LBP and pre-
the care and attention with which DoD pursues
scribed removal procedures of LBP from existing
every issue affecting our children's safety.
structures and equipment. That effort continues
today and has been expanded to include full
disclosure of potential hazards to occupants of
D.
PRENATAL CARE
military family housing as an essential part of a
comprehensive LBP management program.
Prenatal care is an important benefit at most
military medical treatment facilities. A variety of
educational classes and services are provided
In addition to LBP management, the
including: teen clinics, high risk obstetrics (OB)
Department's medical treatment facilities insti-
clinics, OB orientations for couples, physical
tuted universal medical screening for lead poison-
therapy evaluations, first-time parents programs,
ing of all children as part of the 12-month well-
great beginnings, parenting classes, and childbirth
baby visit. That program remained in effect for
preparation classes. The Air Force reports an
over three years until accumulated screening data
average of 9.2 prenatal visits per patient and a
showed a very low overall prevalence of pediatric
neonatal mortality rate which is 70 percent lower
lead poisoning. For example, the Air Force
than the national average.
tested over 76,000 children between 1992 and
1996 and found that less than one percent of
them had elevated blood lead levels. Conse-
Reproductive Health
quently, DoD's requirement was modified to
In addressing the health of infants even before
permit suspension of universal blood screening of
they are born, the National Security Agency
low risk infants in communities where screening
(NSA) has declared that safeguarding reproduc-
of large populations had found no evidence of
tive health is essential in the workplace, and that it
elevated blood lead levels and the percentage of
is one of the most important concerns in occupa-
high-risk children screened with no evidence of
tional health. The Agency's policy takes a preven-
Our Children, America's Future
35
tive approach to maintaining reproductive health
2.306 physicians for the Army, Navy, Air Force
in both male and female employees. All personnel
and US Public Health Service. The University
working in areas with known or suspected risks to
has awarded Masters and Ph.D. degrees to over
reproductive health are informed of these poten-
450 nurses and scientists, and its graduates
tial health hazards and may voluntarily participate
include 381 family practitioners, 169 pediatri-
in a reproductive monitoring program.
cians, and 103 obstetrician/gynecologists.
Other matters pertaining to prenatal and infant
Pediatric training is an important component
care are presented in Chapter 3F.
of military medicine. It prepares military physi-
cians to support healthy families and normal
development of children on military installations
E.
IMMUNIZATIONS
around the world by understanding and respond-
ing to family stress during deployment, frequent
Immunizations are important defenses against
moves, overseas living, and separation from
the effects of common childhood diseases. The
extended family.
Military Departments use immunization guidelines
developed by the Centers for Disease Control and
In addition to the comprehensive general
the American Academy of Pediatrics, and immuni-
pediatrics training program, fellowships are
zations are available to children DoD-wide.
provided for training military pediatricians in the
However, a DoD-commissioned study conducted
subspecialties of neonatology, pediatric infectious
by Marywood College of Pennsylvania recently
disease, pediatric gastroenterology, and pediatric
reported that almost a quarter of the respondents'
endocrine diseases.
preschool children did not meet CDC recommen-
dations for immunizations. This is of particular
Admiral Mike Boorda Institute
concern since immunizations are free and are
The University is establishing an Admiral
available through well-baby clinics and all military
Boorda Institute to address the health, social-
medical treatment facilities.
emotional, and educational needs of military
children with special health care needs and
disabilities and their families.
F.
UNIFORMED SERVICES
UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH
The Institute's proposed activities include
SCIENCES - PROGRAMS
establishing toy libraries at remote duty stations
TARGETED TO CHILDREN IN THEIR
and overseas to enable parents who cannot afford
EARLIEST YEARS
toys to borrow developmentally appropriate toys
for their children and to receive help in learning
The Uniformed Services University of the
how to use the toys in play.
Health Sciences (USUHS) is the nation's only
fully accredited federal school of medicine and
Respite care is unavailable for many families
graduate school of nursing and has produced
who need a short break from the 24-hour respon-
36
Department of Defense
sibility of caring for
The USUHS conducts
a child with special
ongoing research
needs or disabilities.
focusing on children's
The Boorda Institute
health issues such as
will provide training
the following:
and support to
communities that
Research on the
choose to develop a
Health of Newborn
Infants
respite care pro-
gram.
Understanding that
amino acid metabolism
The Boorda
during the transition
Institute will train and sponsor parents as faculty
from intrauterine to extrauterine life is important
at the University and at conferences for military
for infants who are stressed during delivery.
health care providers. The Institute will also
Understanding how overwhelming infection
collaborate with military managed care providers
leads to lung damage and designing therapy to
to ensure that the needs of children with special
prevent this damage will save the lives of many
health care needs and disabilities are met in a
infants.
cost-effective manner. In addition, it will train
Studying the dynamics of cerebral blood flow
medical students to be sensitive to the unique
will help prevent and treat infants with cerebral
needs of infants and toddlers and to provide care
hemorrhages.
to those with special health care needs and
Determining the mechanism of injury from
disabilities in ways that improve the communica-
breathing a high concentration of oxygen will help
tion and collaboration among families and health
prevent serious complications of management of
care providers.
premature infants.
Piloting the use of telemedicine to provide
The Institute is funded with interest earned
subspecialty consultation to newborns in intensive
on voluntary contributions. Formal activities will
care allows expert advice to be more widely
commence when adequate funding is available.
available.
Analyzing outcome data now available from
DoD delivery rooms and nurseries will contribute
G.
RESEARCH
epidemiologic information to the description of
best clinical practices promoting healthy pregnan-
The DoD conducts and sponsors a wide
cies and safe deliveries.
variety of research pertaining to young children.
Studying the effect on children's motor devel-
Much of the research conducted within the
opment of sleeping on their backs (the American
Department is done by the Uniformed Services
Academy of Pediatric's Back to Sleep sudden
University of the Health Sciences (USUHS).
infant death prevention campaign) will contribute
DoD-sponsored research is generally conducted
to an understanding of why some parents choose
by civilian agencies and colleges and universities.
not to follow the Academy's recommendations.
Our Children, America Future
37
Research on Children's Health Issues in
Developing a successful Food and Drug
Endocrinology
Administration approved and licensed method of
Studying a very large cohort of thyroid cancer
immunizing infants against a virus that commonly
in children will identify risk factors and appropri-
causes pneumonia will save many infants' lives.
ate treatments.
Developing new ways of making childhood
Understanding the effect of growth hormone
vaccines that will improve their efficacy and
on bones will aid in the treatment of children with
lower their cost, making them more to accessible
short stature.
for all children.
Evaluating the usefulness of magnetic reso-
nance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of common
Research on Gastroenterologic Diseases
endocrine conditions will lead to more cost
in Children
effective use of resources.
Understanding how intestinal motility is
Studying the molecular control of adrenal
altered when the bowel is inflamed will lead to
steroid hormone synthesis will allow for more
better treatments for many diseases.
effective treatment of disorders of sexual differen-
Developing an effective vaccine against
tiation.
common viral diarrheas in children will be impor-
Investigating the role of melatonin in the
tant for children's health around the world.
sleep-wake cycles of children with visual impair-
ment will provide a treatment for this troubling
disorder.
Research on the Delivery of Health
Understanding the immunologic deficits of
Services to Children
newborns and young children and developing
Using parents of children with special health
appropriate vaccines will provide techniques that
care needs and disabilities as essential allies of
can be used around the world.
faculty in teaching medical students and residents
Studying the effect of proteins and parasites in
the intestinal tract of young children and designing
treatments will be important for treating serious
Active Duty Prenatal Class
diarrhea in childhood.
Developing innovative therapies for the
T
he Navy requires that all active
treatment of children with serious viral infections
duty women with confirmed preg-
will save the lives of many children who would
nancies be provided counseling. A local
otherwise die from these infections.
program in Mayport, Florida covers
Evaluating the best diagnostic and treatment
parenting skills, child safety, family
options for children with inflammatory muscle
advocacy services, and how to manage
disease will spare children pain and disability.
the simultaneous demands of parenting
Understanding the ways that inflammatory
and military service. One three-day
cells are involved in asthma will lead to the design
session is held quarterly with class size
of more effective treatments for this common
limited to 15 and family members in-
disease.
vited to attend.
38
Department of Defense
about the central role of parents in the care of
demanding work schedules and family separation
children will improve health delivery systems.
may impact eating patterns. Three modifiable
Using parents to develop a questionnaire on
behaviors impacting preschoolers (three to five
the health-related quality-of-life of their children
years olds) were studied: eating habits, patterns of
will provide a highly credible outcome measure
physical exercise, and exposure to tobacco in the
of the effect of managed care on children with
home.
special health care needs and disabilities.
Preliminary results indicate cause for concern
Research on Children's Issues in
in three areas: immunizations, physical activity,
Microbiology
and TV viewing. Almost a quarter of the respon-
dents' children did not meet CDC recommenda-
Studying the development of the immune
tions for immunizations. Initial results reported
system in fetuses using gene targeting techniques
that the following percentages of pre-school age
will aid in understanding the development of
children have not received the required immuniza-
allergies and immunity.
tions: polio - 22.8 percent; Hepatitis B - 38.9
percent; H. Influenza b (Hib) - 29.8 percent; and
Also, the USUHS Graduate School of Nurs-
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) - 18.8
ing is conducting research on the effects of a
percent.
father's absence on the cognitive development of
three-year-old children.
These statistics are of particular concern as
immunizations are free and available through well-
DoD Sponsored Research
baby clinics and all military medical treatment
facilities. Other areas of concern are TV viewing
The Department of Defense Appropriations
Act, 1992, provided a $10 million grant to the
and low physical activity levels among pre-school
Military Family Institute at Marywood College,
age children. DoD children watched more TV
Scranton, Pennsylvania to conduct research that
than comparable civilian children-up to four
is "of major importance to the Department of
hours a day-and engaged in less than three hours
Defense" and "make a contribution to the na-
of physical activity daily. To address these findings
tional scientific and technical posture." The
we plan to develop a DoD policy for parent
Health and Nutrition of Children in Military
education. The policy will emphasize collabora-
Families Study was one of the first collaborative
tion with all agencies who serve families with
projects between DoD and MFI. The study grew
young children.
out of concern for the nutritional well-being of
children enrolled in the DoD Sure Start program
Military Departments' Research
at overseas bases. Since the food habits of
The Military Departments also sponsor child-
children are formed in the family, it made sense to
hood research which is usually conducted by
look at the family as a functional unit when
private corporations or colleges and universities.
studying the health and nutrition of children,
An example of one of these studies follows:
particularly in the context of the military where
Our Children, America's Future
39
"Outcomes and Mediating Characteristics in
completed the programs reported decreased child
Air Force Child Abuse Prevention, by the Air
behavior problems, reduced risk for future child
Force Family Advocacy Program and Boys Town.
physical abuse, and improved relationships with
This study was presented during the 104th Con-
family members.
vention of the American Psychological Associa-
tion in August, 1996. Five hundred fifty three
Thus, DoD's children are the beneficiaries of
(553) parents participated in a collaborative child
much research. Through a combination of in-
physical abuse prevention project designed by the
house research conducted largely by the USUHS
U.S. Air Force Family Advocacy Program and
and studies conducted by private corporations,
Father Flanagan's Boys' Home (Boys Town).
colleges, and universities, the Department con-
Participants were active duty Air Force parents
tributes to these scholarly efforts, and the findings
and their spouses who completed Boys Town's
and results directly benefit our children.
Common Sense Parenting. Overall, parents who
"Learning begins in the first days of life. Scientists are
now discovering how young children develop emotionally
and intellectually from their very first days, and how
important it is for parents to begin immediately talking,
singing, even reading to their infants."
President William J. Clinton
State of the Union, February 4, 1997
40
Department of Defense
OVERVIEW
Military communities are the local organizations through which
many support services are delivered to both military and civilian par-
ents and their children. Every component of a community is tailored to
Chapter 4
the unique characteristics of its residents, and many activities focus
specifically on the needs of young children. Medical facilities provide
information, education, prevention, and treatment needed to sustain
OF DATEN
personal health and well-being. Law enforcement officials are con-
stantly vigilant to provide physical and psychological security against
the threat of crime and accidents. Safety officers work to establish and
maintain a healthy environment free of hazards. Recreation offices
EMER or THERE
sponsor fitness activities, entertainment, and travel programs. All of
these, plus many other community service providers, exist to meet the
individual and collective needs of military families. Some of their
Community
official functions are augmented and extended by donations of time and
Support
materials by many volunteers who share a common concern for the
developmental needs of young children and for the improvement of
their community.
A.
LIBRARIES
COMING
One of the community resources which provides valuable services
HOME
for families and young children is the library. All of the Military De-
REALLY
partments operate general purpose libraries in their communities and
S
aboard ships. These libraries contain materials for all age groups
S
PECIAL
including items for infants and young children, as well as subject matter
related to parenting skills, child care and development. They have
children's picture books which are frequently used by parents, library
staffs, and Child Development Center staffs for reading to very young
children. Some libraries have rooms or sections dedicated to children.
In addition to books suitable for young children, libraries have pup-
pets, toys, games, and audio and video cassettes of children's stories.
Along with educational materials, most libraries also offer planned
programs for very young children which include story time, parents
reading aloud to children, family story hours, traditional story telling,
Our Children. America's Future
41
dial-a-story, puppet shows based on children's
number of ships participating in Stories for
literature, finger play, and felt board activities.
Children and replenish existing storybook collec-
Libraries also offer information for parents pro-
tions.
moting the importance of reading to children and
recommending books appropriate for various age
Theme Boxes in Port Hueneme,
groups. As available resources permit, commu-
California
nity libraries support child care centers by lending
A local librarian has designed 20 different
them children's materials and by conducting
theme boxes for children up to 10 years of age.
special activities for them such as story hours.
Themes cover topics such as holidays, seasons,
transportation and schools, and each theme box
Many innovative library programs are avail-
contains a puppet or toy, games, crafts, and a
able to military children. A notable characteristic
variety of books. Boxes contain materials on
of local library operations is their active support
several interest and reading levels and include
by donations of time and resources from various
items for infants and very young children. The
individuals and community organizations inter-
boxes may be used by the local day care center
ested in the welfare of children. Current and
and borrowed by individual patrons.
planned initiatives such as the following Navy
programs and valuable contributions of volunteer
Planned Projects and Programs
'Friends of the Library' groups supplement the
paid resources in our libraries.
The Military Departments generally plan to
continue locally supported and funded programs.
Stories for Children, a Ship Library
They have also proposed some additional funding
Multimedia Resource Center
which would allow installation libraries to pur-
chase books, magazines, and audio and videocas-
Ships have the option of receiving a collection
settes suitable for use by young children and
of storybooks and equipment so that sailors at sea
parents. In addition, the Navy plans to develop
can video and/or audio tape themselves reading
and produce a series of bookmarks for distribu-
nursery rhymes, poetry, and stories to send to
tion in mass quantities to each ship and shore
their children. This program is already in use
library. These bookmarks will cover various
aboard 20 ships. For FY 97, 127 additional ships,
topics such as recommended readings for young
out of 292 eligibles, have requested this service.
children, listings of parental resources on child
This is a very significant response considering the
rearing and safety, and evaluations of commercial
limited space aboard ships and the fact that re-
products for infants and toddlers. The Navy is
sources devoted to this program are subtracted
also developing a submission for consideration in
from general library funds available for all acquisi-
the FY 99 budget to provide an outlay of
tions (reference, general interest and entertain-
$25,000 for development and distribution of a
ment CD-ROMs, adult books on tape, musical
brochure to ship and shore libraries to help
compact discs, informational videos, and
parents select home library acquisitions for their
children's books). The Navy plans to expand the
preschoolers.
42
Department of Defense
B.
FITNESS ACTIVITIES
rudimentary dance movements to toddlers. When
carefully controlled and properly conducted, these
activities enhance coordination, build confidence,
Complete body fitness is an essential element
and provide an invaluable outlet for expressing
of combat readiness for all members of the active
creativity and relieving stress.
duty and reserve forces. Consequently, it is only
natural that service members pass their love of
Additional Projects
sports and knowledge of various fitness activities
along to their children. Installation recreation
Besides continuing the preceding programs,
departments which provide off-duty activities for
the Marines are planning: (1) "Breakfast with
active-duty members also include many activities
Santa," a variation of a Christmas party in which
especially for children, and some of these activi-
children join Santa for breakfast, and (2) "Wacky
ties are also suitable for the very young. Fitness
Winter Olympics," an event that would have
activities depend on volunteers for much of their
young children participating in selected winter
support. In most communities, a large percent-
competitions.
age of the adult population is actively involved in
organizing, sponsoring, leading, and coaching the
C.
MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE
games, events, and activities in which their
CENTER
children participate. The following are only a
few of the fitness activities for young children
In order to make family-related resources
conducted by the Marine Corps which are repre-
available to DoD families, Defense components
sentative of the many activities also provided by
have established libraries and resource areas
other Defense components.
where employees can access family-related infor-
mation. The Military Family Resource Center
Swimming Classes
(MFRC) is an operational arm of the Office of the
Classes such as "Water Babies" introduce
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Personnel
Support, Families and
young children to water
Education, Office of
with the goal of drown-
proofing them early,
the Assistant Secretary
of Defense (Force
thus enhancing their
safety during all future
Management Policy).
participation in water
The MFRC publishes a
quarterly Military
events.
Family Newsletter and
operates the Military
Gymnastics
Family Clearinghouse.
Creative movement
classes teach tumbling,
rolling, balancing, and
Our Children, America's Future
43
Military Family
able statistics pertaining to active duty military
The 12-page Military Family Newsletter is
members, their spouses and children. MFRC also
circulated quarterly to approximately 13,000
produces topical digests featuring current issues
policy makers, program managers, researchers,
and new Clearinghouse acquisitions and calendars
and service providers worldwide who work with
listing conferences and special events.
military members and their families. The purpose
Access to these materials is provided for
of the newsletter is to present current DoD quality
professionals in the field and for military members
of life and family support policy and to inform
and their families by mail, telephone, fax, and
readers of current research, model programs, and
reading room visits. An increasing number of
advancements in all relevant fields, a number of
MFRC materials will also become available
which deal with early childhood.
through DoD Internet capabilities.
Clearinghouse
The Military Family Clearinghouse maintains a
D.
CHAPLAIN ACTIVITIES
comprehensive collection of research information
on military families and contains materials appro-
Another valuable community resource is the
priate to design, support, or expand programs and
chaplaincy. Military chaplains provide compre-
activities and to study most aspects of military
hensive programs for very young children. Virtu-
quality of life. The Clearinghouse maintains the
ally all military chapels provide weekly Sunday
latest information on parenting programs from
school, children's church, youth choirs, "the
early childhood to the teen years and makes it
children's moment" with the pastor, priest, or
available to service providers. The Clearinghouse
rabbi, and numerous other opportunities to
is used widely by Family Center and Child Devel-
educate, affirm, and strengthen the children's
opment staffs in developing parenting programs.
spiritual development. Annual and periodic
vacation Bible schools have long been a mainstay
The Clearinghouse maintains a database of
of military chapel programs in support of chil-
over 10,000 records related to military family
dren, with many chapels including age-specific
issues, including early childhood development.
programs for various times of the religious and
The database contains bibliographic records of
civic calendar.
books, pamphlets, film abstracts, professional
journal articles, military reports, dissertations,
technical reports, legislation, and other written
Chaplains, in cooperation with Family Cen-
material, from both civilian and military sources.
ters and Family Life Centers, now focus on pre-
Annotated bibliographies of each document are
deployment and post-deployment programs for
available by subject area or other customized
the youngest members of the military family.
request identifiers.
Chaplains also cooperate with Family Life Cen-
ters and Family Centers in providing marriage
MFRC produces the Military Family Demo-
enrichment retreats, personal growth, parenting,
graphics Report. an annual compilation of avail-
communications and stress reduction training, a
44
Department of Defense
portion of which is intentionally focused on
Chaplains routinely provide family pastoral
parents of young children.
counseling, and in the numerous commands
without Family Centers or Family Life Centers,
The more remote the duty station, the greater
chaplains are almost always the first point of
the focus on children by chaplains and chapel
contact for domestic issues involving young
programming. For example, a Navy Muslim
children. Chaplains also serve routinely as key
chaplain was recently sent to Guam to provide
advisors to ombudsmen, family support groups,
chaplain support to Kurdish refugees temporarily
and other key unit volunteers involved with
residing there. The portion of this ministry
family life issues.
dedicated to displaced Kurdish children was a
key factor in its success.
"People are our most important resource
We're focus-
ing on key areas such as child care, housing and family
support. We provide quality child care for 45,000 families
each day and subsidize almost 50 percent of costs for
junior enlisted members. We can do more."
Sheila E. Widnall
Secretary of the Air Force
Our Children. America's Future
45
46
Department of Defense
A.
PLANNED PROJECTS AND FUTURE
INITIATIVES REQUIRING ADDITIONAL
FUNDING
Chapter 5
New Parent Support Program
Current funding for the New Parent Support Program only allows
the Military Services to reach a small portion of all "at risk" families.
OF DEFENY:
The Department will consider this program for inclusion in the FY 99
budget.
The projected cost of this initiative is $27.4 million annually.
AMERICA
OF
Child Care Facilities
Future
While the Military Services have made significant progress in
increasing availability of child care, the shortage of care for infants
Initiatives
and toddlers is quickly reaching a crisis stage. Over 75 percent of the
unmet need for care is for infants and toddlers. The Office of the
Secretary of Defense and the Military Services are
developing a strategic plan to expand this part of the
child care program. To ensure that this need is met,
DoD will review all future Military Construction
Program submissions to ensure that adequate infant/
toddler space is included.
The construction costs are included in the
Services' Military Construction Programs.
Family Child Care
A cornerstone of our efforts to expand availability of infant/toddler
care is the Family Child Care program. DoD will work with the
Military Services to increase funding for targeted subsidies for family
child care providers who are willing to provide infant/toddler care.
This initiative will target military family members living off the
installation and will require memorandums of agreement with various
state, county, or host nation licensing agencies.
Our Children, America Future
47
When fully implemented, the projected cost to
B.
INITIATIVES AND
provide direct subsidies to Family Child Care
PROJECTS REQUIRING
providers to meet the need for infant/toddler care
NO ADDITIONAL
will be $30 million annually. This additional
FUNDING
funding would increase the number of available
spaces by 20,000 and achieve the DoD goal of
meeting 65 percent of the child care need.
Improving Child Development Program
Management
Food Programs
In an effort to attract and retain qualified
Research supports the importance of nutrition
early childhood management employees, DoD
during the early years. Approximately one fourth
will follow the lead of the Air Force in develop-
of military Child Development Programs are
ineligible for the Department of Agriculture's
ing a professional intern program to attract
highly qualified college graduates into Military
(USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program
Child Development Program management
because they are located outside the continental
United States (OCONUS). Also, military fami-
positions. In addition, DoD will develop a
lies based overseas are ineligible for the Women,
competency-based training program to ensure
Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food
that all management personnel, including
Program. The DoD Dependent Schools are the
training and curriculum specialists, demonstrate
only OCONUS activities eligible for USDA
the skills and knowledge required for quality
programs. The Department will continue to work
program development, implementation, and
to expand these programs to OCONUS military
oversight.
families by seeking amendments to the School
Lunch Act to make OCONUS Child Development
The minimal costs associated with this
Programs eligible.
project will be absorbed through existing
operating budgets.
The potential cost to expand the Child and
Adult Care Food Program to include Child Devel-
Accreditation for Family Child Care
opment Programs overseas is $7.0 million, and
Providers
the cost to implement the WIC Program is $1.8
The Military Services have a very sophisti-
million.
cated Family Child Care system complete with
transferable training programs and excellent
support systems. DoD will support develop-
"Families and family matters are among
ment of a national accreditation system similar
the highest priorities that we have."
to the National Association for the Education of
General Ronald R. Fogelman,
Young Children's accreditation program for
Air Force Chief of Staff
centers for Family Child Care providers and
48
Department of Defense
will secure college credits for completion of
There are no additional costs to the DoD for
required training. This program will target
this initiative. This project will seek corporate
10,000 providers in the DoD system.
sponsorship as a means of procuring books.
The minor costs associated with this project
Immunizations
will be absorbed in existing operating budgets.
Although DoD provides free immunizations
through military medical facilities, a recent
Child Care Availability for Service
survey of children ages three to five indicates
Members Away from Military
that many of them had not received recom-
Installations
mended immunizations. DoD will work to
The current Military Child Development
ensure all children are properly immunized.
Program is a model for the nation; however, for
service members to use the program, they must
There are no additional costs for this initia-
be physically located near a military installation.
tive. The cost of immunizations is already
There are many service members, most notably
included in the Health Affairs budget.
recruiters, living in expensive urban areas far
from a military base who do not have access to
affordable, quality child care. DoD will take the
USDA Extension Program
lead in working with other Federal programs
DoD will initiate an agreement/partnership
through the General Services Accounting (GSA)
with USDA similar to one already started by the
child care program to make care available for
Army to expand services to parents through the
these families.
Agricultural Extension Program. Emphasis will
be placed on parenting and education, nutrition,
balancing work and family, and other areas
There may be some cost sharing for this
project; however, the actual amount is unknown
specifically targeted to family support.
at this time and will need to be determined.
There are no costs associated with this
initiative.
Literacy Program
To improve literacy rates among military
Bonding with Newborns
children, the Military Services will develop
through the library system a "Promoting Lit-
Recognizing the need for early bonding
between parents and their newborn infants, the
eracy and Early Learning" program which will
provide children's books for parents to read to
Marine Corps has implemented a policy which
and with their infants, toddlers, and young
allows new fathers, subject to military require-
ments, to take time off to be with their child
children.
during the first 10 days of life. While the Marine
Corps is the first Service to take this step, DoD is
Our Children, America's Future
49
developing a directive to implement this practice
the world. Inconsistencies exist in program
Department-wide.
services, design, and provider training. DoD is
working with the Services to standardize early
There are no additional costs to the Depart-
intervention services.
ment for this initiative.
There are no costs associated with this
initiative.
Parent Education Policies
Although numerous parent education pro-
grams are provided by the Military Services,
SUMMARY OF DoD's
there is no universal policy that establishes
COMMITMENT
criteria for parenting programs. DoD will pursue
development of a comprehensive parent education
The Department of Defense has a great
policy which includes minimum standards for all
legacy as a military force. This reputation was
programs, regardless of service provider. This
established, in part, through consistent, on-
will achieve a basic level of program consistency
going efforts to improve working and living
and assure program quality.
conditions for service members and their fami-
lies.
There are no additional costs to the Depart-
ment for this initiative.
Our commitment is to build progressively
on this tradition while continuing to cultivate an
Child Abuse Prevention
environment in which young children can grow
The Family Advocacy Program will refocus
and families can thrive. Sowing seeds which
the Department's child abuse and neglect preven-
contribute to these goals will yield a bountiful
tion outreach efforts to young families, especially
harvest for military families, communities, the
those living off the installation. Such prevention
nation, and future generations of American
efforts will be targeted to junior enlisted families
children.
where the greatest impact can be
achieved.
There are no additional costs to the
Department for this initiative.
Standardization of the Early
Intervention Program
The Services' Medical Departments
are responsible for implementing IDEA
in designated geographic areas around
50
Department of Defense
AMERICA of STATES UNITED
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Clinton Presidential Records
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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Divider Title:
Clinton Presidential Records
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indicated below.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Divider Title:
OF THE
United States Department of the Interior
U.S.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
MARCH 3, 1849
Washington, D.C. 20240
APR 7 1997
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Attention: Carrie Filak
Domestic Policy
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of Secretary Babbitt, we are pleased to respond to your February 24, 1997,
memorandum regarding Federal policies targeted to children in their earliest years.
Enclosed is a report of the information collected to date on the Department of the Interior
programs and activities targeted to children age 0-5. We expect to receive additional data
within the next week and will forward a supplemental report upon receipt.
If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Dolores Chacon,
Acting Director of Personnel, on 208-6403.
Regards,
for
Bonnie R. Cohen
Assistant Secretary
Policy, Management and Budget
Enclosure
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
POLICIES TARGETED TO CHILDREN IN THEIR EARLIEST YEARS
April 4, 1997
Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP) and Office of
Tribal Services offers the following early childhood programs:
The OIEP currently funds 22 Family and Child Education (FACE) Programs located in bureau
funded schools on reservations across Indian country. Congress has appropriated $5,471,000 for
the FACE program to operate during school year 1996-1997. This unique program is targeted
specifically to provide services to children ages 0-5 and their parent(s) or primary care giver.
Services are provided at home by trained parent educators, and at school by certified early
childhood teachers, assistant, and adult educators. Training and technical assistance for the
FACE program are provided by Parents As Teachers, the National Center for Family Literacy
and the High/Scope Foundation. The FACE program brings these three highly visible national
organizations into a first-ever partnership with the BIA.
The FACE program was piloted in 1992 at six schools. Through appropriations increases, OIEP
was able to increase the number of FACE projects each year until 1995. Due to congressional
budget cuts, OIEP has since been unable to increase the number of FACE projects, despite the
need and formal requests from tribes and schools for this program.
The FACE program has provided services to 9,300 participants. In the 1996-1997 school year,
there are 1,400 American Indian families being served through FACE. Current participation
documents 1,414 American Indian children receiving services at home through FACE. Four
hundred and fifty-eight children ages 4 and 5 are currently enrolled in the early childhood
program of FACE. It is evident that FACE makes a positive difference for the individual, family
and community in terms of increased literacy, employment, parenting skills and parental
involvement in the education of their children for those who are able to have access to and
participate in this unique program. It should be emphasized that for every child enrolled in a
FACE program, there must also be an adult enrolled. It is truly a parent and child program.
The OIEP proposes to increases the number of FACE projects to 44 schools which would double
the number of projects currently being funded. This would require the funding level to increase
to $10.5 million. At this funding level, FACE would be able to serve approximately 20,000
children and their parents.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Tribal Services, has identified three programs as having
impact upon children in their earliest years: the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program; the
child welfare assistance program; and the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence
Prevention Act program. These programs serve children of all ages and are not limited to those
in their earliest years. The program descriptions and funding levels are listed below.
2
The Bureau and tribal social services programs are mandated by Public Law 101-630 to respond
to all reports of child abuse and neglect in Indian country. In 1996, there where 26,000 referrals
for child abuse and neglect investigations to the more than 500 Bureau and tribal programs.
About 40 percent of the referrals involved some form of substance abuse. Over 500 Indian Child
Welfare Act (ICWA) programs deliver critical services to Indian children and families. Tribal
programs have increased effectiveness because ICWA was established as a permanent program
rather than one for which Tribes competed annually for funds. Tribal ICWA directors have
become central contact points for Tribes and families seeking assistance in temporary and
permanent placement of Indian children, and the resulting liaison between states and tribal court
systems has increased coordination and ensured better compliance with the Act, permitting
expanded tribal authority over Indian children in need of permanent placement.
The ICWA funds are used to pay administrative costs and provide direct services to children and
families in the following areas
Systems to license and regulate Indian foster homes and adoptive homes;
facilities for counseling and treating Indian families and providing temporary custody of
Indian children;
programs to train parents on how to care for children in danger of neglect or abuse;
programs to provide respite for parents in stressful situations; day care facilities;
after-school care programs for high-risk children which emphasize cultural, academic, and
social needs of children; recreational programs;
training programs for tribal court personnel in the implementation of the Act, and in the
provision of quality, court-related, child welfare services;
adoption subsidies which provide financial assistance to families for the maintenance or
special care of an adopted child, or for the completion of the adoption process;
and legal representation which provides counseling to families and consultation with Tribes.
The FY 1998 budget for this program is $14,092,000.
Minerals Management Service/U.S. Geological Survey
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with the
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) sponsor the Federal Children's Center (FCC) of Northern
Virginia, Inc., located in Herndon, Virginia.
The FCC was developed in 1990, with six participating Federal Agencies, primarily
to serve the child care needs of the participating organizations. Since 1990 three of the six
agencies are currently participating. Fifty percent of the child care slots are filled by the children
of Federal Government employees. When available, the remaining 50 percent or portion thereof,
may be filled by children from the private sector. The center was designed to meet the
emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs of children. Activities are offered each day to
help each child develop his or her potential in these areas.
3
The MMS and USGS contributed substantially to the development of this project by negotiating
and administering a contract with a provider to furnish the developmental toys, equipment,
supplies, furniture and services (e.g., teacher/director salaries) necessary for start-up of the FCC.
The MMS and USGS also provide assistance and broad management oversight through
employee participation on the Board of Directors.
Each Federal agency is responsible for a percentage of the overall operating cost which is based
on agency participation. For FY 1996, MMS's cost was $34,279 and USGS' cost was
approximately $90,000.
The MMS and USGS plan to continue as co-sponsors of the FCC and feels the center meets the
anticipated goals, listed below:
1. To help develop each child's sense of self.
2. To provide an environment rich in equipment and materials, where experiences are direct
and concrete, to build the foundation for later, more abstract experiences.
3. To provide movement experiences for development of physical and motor skills.
4. To promote growth in visual, auditory, and tactual perception -- to sharpen the senses.
5. To provide an opportunity to learn and practice patterning of all kinds, - visual, auditory,
kinesthetic.
6. To provide listening activities.
7. To provide many and varied opportunities for oral expression
8. To help the child develop problem solving techniques.
9. To help the child relate to others socially and be a part of the group.
10. To promote creative expression through art, dance, music, cooking, and story telling.
11. To help the child develop the habit of success.
Bureau of Reclamation
The Bureau of Reclamation (WBR) currently has a Work and Family Team (WAFT) consisting
of a cross section of Reclamation employees and supervisors whose function it is to study and
develop work and family programs. The Team is currently studying child care issues in general
and, specifically, a working parents' room to which parents can bring children to work in an
emergency. In addition, our Human Resources Centers maintain an inventory of child resources
available in the local communities, and we are planning a seminar for employees on child care
issues. We offer extensive flexible work schedules and work at home programs to accommodate
child care, and especially women post delivery to assist with newborn care and bonding. Our
current policy also allows up to 6 months leave without pay (LWOP) for this purpose. All of
these activities are open to 90 percent or more of all Reclamation employees, and the primary
funding is for the collateral duty time of 10 employees and supervisors to work on the WAFT.
Other funding includes some travel money for meetings, seminars and training. Miscellaneous
expenses include items such as printing, publications, office supplies, etc. Our total estimated
expenses for WAFT related activities in fiscal year 1996 was $100,000.
4
The WBR is continually studying and looking for new ways to support and help solve child care
issues and problems. However, we do not anticipate a need for a substantive amount of
additional funding, since most of these types of programs are low cost. An example is that of a
working parents' room, in which an excess computer can be used.
One area that WBR is exploring for possible funding in the future, is providing child care
assistance to employees who are hired and taken off of welfare rolls until they can fully provide
for themselves. An option that might serve this purpose is low interest loans.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Divider Title:
THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
20250-0100
APR 07 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: BRUCE REED, ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR DOMESTIC POLICY
FROM:
SECRETARY DAN GLICKMAN
SUBJECT: Department of Agriculture Programs Contributing to Early Childhood
Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers several programs designed to enhance
the nutritional health and wellbeing of children during their first years of life programs that
provide food assistance, nutrition research and monitoring, and nutrition education for parents
and child care providers. This fiscal year, USDA will spend over $12.4 billion on programs
improving early childhood development, reaching approximately 5 million mothers and 14
million infants and children.
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides
nutritious food, nutrition education, and referrals to health and social services to low-income
pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, and their infants and children from birth to the age
of 5. The program is targetted to those who suffer from or are at risk of conditions such as
iron-deficiency anemia, low weight, and obesity ailments associated with improper nutrition.
The food package supplements the participants' diet with coupons for specified foods, such as
iron-fortified infant formula, iron-fortified cereal, vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetable juice, eggs,
milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried beans and peas, tuna and carrots. WIC also encourages and
supports breastfeeding.
A substantial body of research demonstrates tangible health and cost benefits of the WIC
program in improving children's nutritional status, immunization rates, and cognitive
development. WIC prenatal participation reduces infant deaths, low birthweight, and premature
births, saving Medicaid from $1.77 to $3.13 for newborns and mothers over the first 60 days
1
following birth. The General Accounting Office estimated that, in 1990, prenatal WIC benefits
saved the Federal and State governments more than $472 million in Medicaid expenditures
during participating children's first year of life and will ultimately save Federal, State, and local
governments and private payers over $1.036 billion in medical costs over the participants' first
18 years of life.
Approximately 45 percent of all infants in the U.S. receive WIC benefits. In FY96, average
monthly participation among infants was 1.827 million and for children aged 1 to 4 years was
3.712 million. The FY98 budget request of $4.108 billion fulfills your commitment to fund full
participation in the WIC program. The budget provides adequate resources to support average
monthly participation of 7.45 million participants and a year end level of 7.5 million
participants. The budget also includes a request for $100 million in supplemental funding for
FY97 to sustain participation at current levels.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides Federally purchased commodities
to low-income childbearing women and their children from birth to age 6 as well as to the
elderly. CSFP monthly food packages include juice, cereal, nonfat dry milk, egg mix, dry beans
or peanut butter, canned fruits or vegetables, canned meat, tuna or poultry, and dehydrated
potatoes, rice or pasta. USDA recently completed a comprehensive review of the packages and,
as a result, has added cheese and increased the number of servings in the meat/meat alternate,
grains/pasta, and vegetable categories. Infants receive formula and rice cereal. CSFP currently
serves approximately 128,000 women, infants, and children in 18 States and on two Indian
Reservations each month. The FY98 budget provides $86 million for the program.
Food Stamp Program
The Food Stamp Program is the largest nutrition assistance program benefitting low-income
families with pre-school children. Currently, the program provides eligible households average
monthly benefits of $68 per person, about $2.25 per day or 76 cents per meal. The program
reaches over 13 million children, 5 million of whom are pre-school children, each month. Over
80 percent of all Food Stamp benefits -- $18 billion in FY96 -- went to families with children.
The FY98 budget provides $24.562 billion for the program -- an increase of about $1 billion
over the FY97 level.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides free or discounted meals and snacks
to children in child care centers, preschools, Head Start programs and family day care homes,
reaching over 2.3 million children each day. The FY98 budget provides $1.4 billion for the
program -- an amount $114 million below the FY97 level -- as a result of the welfare reform
bill's provisions for income testing in family day care homes and reductions in subsidies for non-
needy children in day care. These changes will go into effect on July 1, 1997, reducing overall
2
program costs in FY98 by $114 million.
Homeless Children Nutrition Program
The Homeless Children Nutrition Program provides nutritious meals to homeless children under
the age of 6 who are in shelters. In FY96, 115 emergency shelters participated in the program,
providing a total of 1 million meals. The FY97 funding level of $3.1 million will accommodate
the delivery of approximately 2.2 million meals; the FY98 level of $3.4 million will provide 2.3
million meals.
RESEARCH:
Two of the six USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) human nutrition research centers --
the Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston and the Arkansas Children's Hospital
Research Center in Little Rock -- are dedicated to investigating the nutritional needs of infants,
children and pregnant and nursing women. Their work emphasizes understanding the role and
importance of nutrition in the development of brain, motor and cognitive function during the first
3 years of a child's life.
The following examples demonstrate how this research contributes to improving maternal and
infant health:
Premature infants fed breast milk, fortified with nutrients such as calcium: 1) mature
more quickly and are able to tolerate regular feedings sooner; 2) have reduced bone
fragility common among low birthweight infants; and 3) experience reduced stays
in neonatal intensive care by an average of three days. Given that the daily cost
of neonatal intensive care is between $1,000 and $2,000, widespread application of this
intervention could significantly reduce health care costs, including Medicaid costs.
Scientists have been able to define precisely the energy needs of young infants
consuming either breast milk or infant formulas. The data showed that the actual
caloric needs of infants within the first year of life, particularly during the first 3 to 6
months, are significantly less than the amounts previously recommended by both
national and international health agencies. Based on this data, health standard experts
have revised recommendations for energy intakes for infants. This change may have
significant affect on the number of children who become obese during infancy
and childhood and, consequently, are susceptible to adult obesity.
In FY97, the Houston facility's research activities were funded at $10.756 million; the FY98
budget request is $11.756 million. The FY98 funding level for the Little Rock research center
is $1.878 million, an amount $1 million higher than the FY97 level. These increased levels will
help to fund research projects which focus on defining immediate and long-term consequences
of phytochemicals and other factors from breast milk, infant formulas and early foods,
determining the effects of mild to moderate malnutrition on the development of cognition and
3
behavior, and evaluating the relationship of key nutrients to the development of the immune
system in infants and young children.
USDA also conducts food consumption surveys which measure and report the kinds and amounts
of food eaten by Americans. These surveys are a primary source of continuing and timely food
consumption data utilized in food and nutrition related policies and programs.
For example, in 1993, the National Academy of Science (NAS) issued a report entitled
"Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children." That report expressed concern that current
food consumption data do not provide sufficient sample sizes to adequately assess pesticide
intakes by children. The FY 98 budget request for human nutrition research includes $6 million
for USDA to conduct a survey that will provide for the larger sample of food consumption by
children. The necessary data, which will be obtained through a dietary recall survey of 4,300
children from infancy to age 18, will be used by the Environmental Protection Agency to assess
pesticide exposure in this group.
USDA's Food and Consumer Service (FCS) conducts studies and evaluations on USDA's food
assistance programs and related issues to provide useful information to policy makers. The
following FCS studies concerning early childhood issues are expected to be completed during
the next two years:
The WIC Nutrition Education Assessment examines the impact of WIC nutrition
education on participants' knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and satisfaction with services;
the planning, management, evaluation and administration of the nutrition education
component of WIC in selected local agencies; and, the educational strategies used to
meet the needs of special populations such as teenage mothers, or low literacy
participants.
The WIC Nutrition Education Demonstration examines the effectiveness of innovative
WIC nutrition education programs in increasing prenatal participants' knowledge of
nutrition; determines if the innovative programs cost more, less, or the same as the
current programs; and, examines the effectiveness of a WIC nutrition education
program that works directly with young children.
The Infant Feeding Practices Study investigates feeding practices among WIC
participants. It examines pre and post-natal influences on practices; describes the
manner in which foods in the WIC package are being used; and, identifies attitudes
towards and potential barriers to the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
The Early Childhood and Child Care Study investigates the contribution of the Child
and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meals offered in family day care homes and
child care centers to participating children's dietary intake; determines the extent to
which the meal preparers' nutrition knowledge, food purchasing practices, and meal
preparation practices affect implementation of the Dietary Guidelines; and, describes
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characteristics of CACFP programs, children who participate, and their families.
NUTRITION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH:
WIC Program Nutrition Education
The WIC program is the largest Federally funded source of nutrition education for young
children. As an integrated component of WIC's benefits of nutritious foods, nutrition education
and referrals for health and social services, the 7.4 million participants receive at least two
nutrition education contacts during each approximately 6 month long certification period.
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES), in cooperation
with the land grant university system, provides nutrition education to low-income youth and
families with young children through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
(EFNEP). This training is delivered as a series of lessons, often over several months, by
community-based nutrition aides and volunteers, many of whom are graduates of the program.
Research has shown that, as a result of participation in EFNEP, intake levels for nutrients that
are often limited in the diets of low-income individuals increased, which is particularly important
in combatting iron-deficiency anemia -- a condition common in very young low-income children
-- and in improving cognitive development. Upon completion of the training, 87 percent of the
participants improve food resource management practices; 92 percent improve nutrition
practices; and 69 percent improve food safety practices. In FY96, EFNEP services reached over
200,000 families and 400,000 low-income children. The FY 98 budget provides a funding level
of $59 million -- the same level provided in FY 97.
Children, Youth and Families at Risk Initiative
In addition to nutrition research and education activities, USDA's Cooperative State Research,
Education and Extension Service provides funding -- in partnership with the land grant university
system -- to promote positive, productive and secure communities for children through the
Children, Youth and Families at Risk Program (CYFAR). Through the Federal, State and
county partnership, the program sponsored 53 projects last year. Following are examples of
USDA programs implemented in the States:
In Arkansas' Strong Families--Safe Communities Project, at-risk pregnant mothers are
enrolled in program activities to learn nutrition and dietary practices that will result in
the birth of healthy babies. In-home parenting classes offer training to families in
coping skills, nutrition, money management and child development principles.
Through Louisiana's Strengthening Programs for Children, Youth and Families at Risk
Project, paraprofessionals meet each week with approximately 80 families with infants
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and young children to provide training in parenting, nutrition and family resource
management.
In Oklahoma, the Home Visitation Program for Adolescent Mothers has a staff of
trained parent educators who make weekly home visits to 110 first-time mothers whose
mean age is 18 years. The in-home mentoring sessions concentrate on child
development, effective parenting techniques, and accessing community resources.
Since CYFAR's inception in 1991, community-based programs have served over 100,000
children and 17,000 parents in 600 communities in fifty States and two territories. Programs
are located in rural (53 percent) and urban (47 percent) areas and serve ethnically diverse
populations. The FY98 budget provides $12 million -- an amount $2 million higher than the
FY97 level.
Nutrition Education in the Food Stamp Program
The Food Stamp Program provides matching funds to States for nutrition education activities.
In FY96, 38 States provided nutrition education services, often in cooperation with the Sate
Cooperative Extension universities. Approximately $20 million in Food Stamp Program funding
matched equal State contributions to support this effort.
PLANNED ACTIVITIES:
Reauthorization of Child Nutrition Programs and the WIC Program
The authorizing legislation for the child nutrition programs and the WIC program expires in
1998 and the development of legislative proposals supporting reauthorization will begin in
earnest in 1997. This will be a major focus of USDA's legislative activity and it provides a key
opportunity to improve the nutritional wellbeing of young children.
Research on Welfare Reform
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; the Agricultural Research
Service; and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges will host
a national conference, "Meeting the Challenges of Welfare Reform: Research, Education, and
Extension," in Washington, D.C. April 28 through April 30. The conference will develop a
national research, education and extension plan of action: to enhance the well-being of children,
youth, families, and communities affected by welfare reform; to measure the social and
economic effects of welfare reform on children, youth, families and communities; and, to
monitor state and local responses.
The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) has planned a program of research to help States identify
effective and efficient ways to design and run programs using the new flexibility provided by
welfare reform. Key issues for examination include: identifying what works best in moving
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clients to self sufficiency; which State work programs are most effective in moving the able-
bodied into work; what new options States can take advantage of to increase child support
payments, encourage personal responsibility, and reward work; and, how the creation of a
means-tested, two-tiered system for family day care home meal reimbursements affect child day
care and the quality of meals provided to children.
FCS also plans to study the affect of welfare reform changes on the food security and nutrition
status of people the programs are intended to serve. Information on the effect will be provided
to the States so that they can refine their management decisions and improve program operations.
Completion of this research plan is contingent upon the restoration of funding for FCS studies
to $17 million, as requested in the FY98 budget.
Nutrition Education for Preschool Children
In recognition that eating habits are key in preventing disease and in promoting overall good
health, USDA has an integrated nutrition education program, "Team Nutrition," targeted to
children. The goal is to teach children how to make healthful food choices.
Through a cooperative effort with the National Association of WIC Directors, the Team
Nutrition concept will be expanded to preschool aged children participating in WIC. The
WIC/Team Nutrition Project will provide WIC nutrition educators a Tickle Your Appetite kit
which includes a video for in-clinic use featuring puppets, animation and real children vignettes
that teach lessons such as trying different foods, learning about the taste, touch and smell of
foods, and understanding how food grows. The kit will also provide materials for parents to use
at home to reinforce the messages of the video and clinic lessons. These materials will be
previewed in the WIC community in May, and will become available for use in WIC clinics this
fall.
Breastfeeding Promotion:
Research has shown that breast milk is the best form of nutrition for a baby during its first year
of life. The benefits of breastfeeding to both the mother and the infant include: initial
protection against infections and allergies; emotional bonding of the mother and infant; decreased
risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); and possible protection against breast cancer.
USDA's Food and Consumer Service will launch a national WIC breastfeeding promotion and
media project in August 1997 during "World Breastfeeding Week." Working with WIC State
agencies, USDA will initiate this new campaign with media promotional materials, such as
sample press releases and radio spots which are designed to improve acceptance of breastfeeding
as the preferred mode of feeding during an infant's early months.
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