Child & Youth Programs

Providing more than just full day child care, the Child Development Program promotes active learning programs for children age 6 weeks to 5 years and has a vested interest in RAF Lakenheath’s future, our children. The physical environment protects children and supports a developmental program. Appropriate activities enhance the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children through the use of Creative Curriculum for children up to 3 years of age and Early Learning Matters for children over 3 years of age.

An adequate number of adults are provided to protect the health and safety of children and provide a nurturing environment. Meals and snacks are provided and served in a pleasant way to meet children's nutritional needs and instill good eating habits. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved; staff and parents talk regularly about the program and the care of their children. Fees for this program are determined using a sliding scale based on total family income, sanctioned by Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). In addition to full time care; hourly care and slot leasing may be available based on child absences from the program.

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RAF Lakenheath Youth Sports is proud to be a member of the National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS). All of our coaches are trained and certified members of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA). If you would like to volunteer to coach, please contact Youth Programs for the next NYSCA training date.

Family Child Care (FCC) provides an alternative to care at the Child Development Center. FCC providers are independent business operators and work under their own contracts with the parents of the children they care for. The FCC is available for active duty and DoD families. The children FCC providers care for range from infants to school-age with full-time, drop-in, evening or weekend care.

Our Mission: To assist DoD military and civilian personnel in balancing the competing demands of the accomplishment of the DoD mission and family life by managing and delivering a system of quality, affordable in home child-care programs for eligible children and youth 2 weeks-12 years of age.

 
Interested in Becoming a Provider?
Are you interested in having your own business within the flexibility of your own home? Family Child Care is looking for individuals interested in caring for children. At minimal cost, you can operate your own affiliated quarters or home-based business, set your own hours and begin to care for children on an hourly, part day, full-day or extended basis.

Benefits for you!

• Run your own business
• Be your own boss
• Earn a great income
• Work from home
• Set your own hours and childcare fees
• Transferable Career
• Lending Library available (check out furniture, toys, etc.)
• Ongoing Training to enhance your skills
• PLUS… check out these Incentives!!!

Receive a onetime payment of $300 for just becoming a FCC provider or renewing your certification
Receive a onetime payment of $200 per child when you open up your doors for full time care to any child that is on the CDC waiting list
 

Individuals in family housing who provide consistent child care for other families' children totaling 10 hours or more a week must be licensed to provide care in on-base quarters. Family Child Care staff offer regularly scheduled training classes to assist applicants in obtaining licenses. Call the Family Child Care office at 226-2170 for more information.

Unlicensed Child Care
In accordance with AFI 34-144, any individuals caring for other families’ children for a total of more than 10 hours per week on a regular basis, must be licensed to provide care in government owned quarters or privatized housing. Failure to comply with AFI 34-144, could result in the loss of privileges to reside in government owned quarters for privatized housing. If you are in need of further information, please contact the Family Child Care Office at DSN 226-2170 or 01638-52-2170.

RAF Lakenheath Youth Programs includes programming for School Age care, Youth Sports, Teen Programs and extra curricular activities. Youth Programs implements activities targeting recreational, educational and pro-social programs designed to promote self-esteem, character development, healthy lifestyles, academic excellence, leadership and fitness.

The School Age Program services local schools and offers before and after school care for children 5-12 years. Children are dropped off in the morning and are offered breakfast and a variety of free choice activities until they depart to school. Upon arrival after school, they're offered a nutritious snack and choice of activities and clubs based on interest. The Summer Camp Program serves children 5-12 years of age and operates from 630am to 6pm. Children are served breakfast, lunch, and a snack and participate in activities such as field trips, swimming, bowling, skating and free choice of activities. Fees are based on a sliding scale based on total family income, sanctioned by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

Participation in sports and fitness plays a vital role in the development of youth. Aspects of team work, dedication, discipline, physical fitness, self-esteem, and fair play all contribute to the overall growth and maturation of boys and girls. RAF Lakenheath Youth Program takes this responsibility seriously and strives to offer quality diversified programs based on the needs and desires of our community. League and programs are organized to teach basic fundaments of team and individual sports and improving on those skills as they progress through their development through ages 3-18 yrs old. Eligible youth are family members of active duty, retired military, and civilian employees at RAF Lakenheath. Our goal is to provide youth with a learning environment that is positive, fun and contributes to the well-being of the military family which directly contributes to increase mission effectiveness.

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We are thrilled to be a part of our vibrant community, dedicated to keeping our youth active and fostering valuable relationships.

Are you an active athlete or interested in coaching? We're actively seeking volunteer and assistant coaches who are passionate about promoting and teaching the fundamentals of sports. We provide comprehensive training to ensure you're confident on the field with your team. If you're interested, please don't hesitate to reach out to us today!

The primary goal of RAFL Youth Sports Program is to offer high-quality, non-school leisure sports and fitness activities that boost self-esteem and motivate your child. Our aim is to cater to the needs of every child, making sports and fitness programs enjoyable for all, regardless of their athletic ability.

AFI34-144

12.6. Child and Youth Immunizations. In accordance with AFI 48-110 IP, all children and youth enrolled in Child and Youth Programs are required to have the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended age appropriate vaccinations and immunizations unless an exemption has been granted by the Mission Support Commander for religious or medical reasons. (T-0). The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended, but not required.

12.6.3.1. Documentation of flu vaccines is required in all programs.

12.6.4. In accordance with AFI 48-110 IP, an immunization exemption may be granted for medical or religious reasons. The Mission Support Group Commander has the authority to approve religious and medical exemptions. In the absence of the Mission Support Group Commander, the Wing Commander approves or disapproves immunization exemption requests. A list of all current individuals with approved exemptions for each immunization is maintained by the program. An exemption is renewed when individuals seek Child and Youth services at a new installation.

12.29.7. Youth are not permitted to participate in league sports unless they have had a sports physical within the previous 12 months. Exams are required to be current throughout the season. Results of physical exams are kept on file.

We have revised our registration process to align with the new Air Force standards, which will be implemented across all bases. We are now utilizing the CYPBMS online registration format. To initiate registration, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the following information: your full name, phone number and the child you're interested in enrolling.

Please make note of the registration deadline and don't miss out on a season filled with fun and lasting memories. If you have any questions, our Youth Sports Staff is here to assist you. We look forward to a fantastic season ahead.