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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The RAF Lakenheath Youth Sports Program has returned for the upcoming soccer season in the Spring! We are excited to continue building relationships with our community and keeping our youth active.

Do you happen to be a soccer player or a big fan ? We are actively looking for volunteer & assistant coaches to promote and teach the fundamentals of the sport. You will receive the proper training to ensure you are confident on the field with your team. If you are interested, call us today!

RAFL Youth Sports Program's primary purpose is to provide quality non-school leisure related sports and fitness activities that build self-esteem and motivate your child. We strive to ensure sports and fitness programs meet the needs of every child and are fun for youth by encouraging continued participation regardless of their athletic ability.

Please be mindful of the registration deadline. We look forward to working with you for a successful, fun-filled season. Should you have any questions please contact the Youth Sports Staff we are happy to help.