Military commands have adopted systems that provide multi-layered services to keep service members connected to their Families; and to provide the education services Families need. Metro Graphics photo Army Senior leaders signed the Army Family Covenant pledging to support Soldiers' Families while they defend the nation.

This pledge has led to the establishment of two such programs within the Child, Youth and School Services designed to meet the needs of Wounded Warriors and their Families and to alleviate some of the financial burdens during their convalescence says Janice Green, CYSS Soldier and Family Assistance Center liaison.

Child, Youth and School Services worldwide provide benefits for Families of Wounded Warriors that include unlimited free hourly care for medical appointments, 16 hours of free hourly respite care per month per child ($2.00 each additional hour), Category One fees for regularly scheduled full/part day care, four free Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills classes per child, and Two Free CYSS team or individual sports per child.

This program, operated through Child, Youth and School Services, is designed to meet the needs of Families who are able to utilize child care services on the military installation.

Not all Families of Wounded Warriors are able to access services on a military installation.

The Army wants them to know that they have not forgotten these Families or the service rendered in defense of their nation.

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies has been contracted by the Army to provide child care subsidies to Families of Wounded Warriors needing care within their community setting. Wounded Warrior Families using licensed child care will be subsidized at Category One fees and may also receive 16 hours of free respite care per month per child. Assistance is also available for Families needing help locating licensed care within their communities.

Families using full or part day care, in any of these programs, are required to be looking for work, working or attending school.

Two Soldiers with the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Gordon recently discovered how this program could subsidize and relieve some of their child care expenses.

One sergeant first class has been using a licensed Family Child Care provider in Tennessee to provide before and after school care for his child. After inquiring about the program, completing a short application and having his physician sign a certificate stating he was a Warrior in Transition (WT), he noticed his child care fee reduced from $191 to $87 per month.

Another Warrior Transition Battalion sergeant has a child who is also enrolled in an after school program with a licensed child care facility in Louisiana. His child care fee was approximately $145 per month. He also completed the short application process and his child care expenses were reduced to $46 per month.

In the end, both will find their savings worth their effort. NACCRRA reports the national average full time child care fee for one infant ranges from $316 to $1123 a month. Category One fee for regular full time care is $196 per month. Depending on where you live the subsidy could put a lot of dollars back into your pocket.

If you would like to inquire about either of these programs, or if you have any child care issues that you need assistance with, you may come by SFAC: Building 333, Central Hospital Road or CYSS: Building 28320, Lane Avenue. Janice Green, CYSS SFAC Liaison, may be reached at (706) 755-6687.