School Age Care

Registration Guidance

Welcome to School Age Care (SAC), where your child will learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. Through engaging activities, meaningful connections, and opportunities to build essential life skills, SAC supports children to develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. We’re excited to be part of their journey!

Registration is quick and easy—simply follow the steps below.

1. Go to MilitaryChildCare.com.
   • Set up an account if you don’t already have one.
   • Add your child’s information and request care at your installation.
      
2. Join the Waitlist
   • If space is not immediately available, your child will be placed on a waitlist.
   • You will receive an offer when a spot opens up.
   • If you are placed on a waitlist you have the option of contacting MCCYN which provides fee assistance to offset the costs of community-based care.
      
3. Accept the Offer
   • Once you receive an offer, follow the instructions to accept it within the given timeframe.
   • If you don't respond within the timeframe, the offer is removed, but you may request reactivation with supporting details if eligible.
      
4. Complete the Registration Process
   • After accepting the offer, you will receive forms to complete.
   • Provide necessary documents, such as proof of eligibility, Flu shot records, and emergency contacts.
      
5. Attend Parent Orientation
   • You may be required to attend an orientation to review program policies and expectations.
      
6. Start Care
   • Once all paperwork is submitted and fees are processed, your child can begin attending the program.

If you need help, contact the Resource and Referral office. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.

Eligibility

School Age Care (SAC) is designed to provide a safe, enriching environment for children while supporting the unique needs of military families. We proudly serve those who serve by offering quality care that fosters learning, resilience, and connection. 

School Age Care is available to children of:

• Active-duty Service Members
• DoD Civilian Employees
• Reservists
• DoD contractors.

Children:

• Must be between the ages of 5 and 12 years old
• Enrolled in Kindergarten through 6th grade to participate in the program.

Enrollment:

• Enrollment is guided by DoD priorities. To secure a spot, families are encouraged to register early, as availability may vary depending on demand.

Department of Defense Polocies:

• DoDI 6060.02
• MCO 1710.30A

For more information on eligibility, priority placement, and registration requirements, contact the Resource and Referral office.

MilitaryChildCare.com

MilitaryChildCare.com makes it easy to find and request School Age Care (SAC), giving you peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe and supportive environment.

With just one online account, you can explore program options, submit a request, and manage your childcare needs from anywhere. Spaces are offered based on DoD priority placement.

Start today by visiting MilitaryChildCare.com.

Curriculum Focus

School Age Care (SAC) is designed to provide a safe, engaging, and enriching environment that helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our curriculum is built around key focus areas that promote well-rounded development:

• Character & Leadership Development
  Encouraging responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills to help children build confidence and a sense of community.
   
• Education & Career Development
  Providing opportunities for hands-on learning, homework support, and activities that spark curiosity and future career interests.
   
• Health & Life Skills
  Teaching the importance of healthy habits, personal responsibility, and essential life skills to promote long-term well-being.
   
• The Arts
  Fostering creativity and self-expression through music, dance, visual arts, and drama.

• Sports, Fitness & Recreation
  Promoting physical activity and teamwork through structured sports and recreational games.
   
• Technology
  Offering STEM-based activities that introduce children to coding, robotics, and problem-solving in a fun, interactive way.

Our program follows nationally recognized standards and is affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to ensure high-quality experiences that support the overall well-being of children.

By participating in the School Age Care, your child will gain valuable skills, make lasting friendships, and enjoy a supportive environment that helps them thrive.

If you have any questions about the cirriculumn please contact the Resource and Referral office. 

Meals Provided

School Age Care (SAC) ensures your child will enjoy balanced, nutritious meals and snacks that keep them energized and ready to learn, play, and grow. We provide wholesome options that support their overall health and development, ensuring they stay energized throughout the day.

What’s Included?

• Before & After School Care
  A nutritious breakfast and an afternoon snack are provided.
   
• Early Release / Teacher Workdays / School Breaks
  Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are included.

Special Dietary Needs
Inform School Age Care staff of any food allergies or dietary requirements during registration. We will work with you to accommodate where possible.

Encouraging Healthy Eating
Our meals follow USDA nutritional guidelines, ensuring a well-balanced diet with a focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. We encourage healthy eating habits and teach children the importance of making good food choices.

Meals offered can vary by location, check with the School Age Care center for details.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

For more information about meals offered and dietary accommodation requirements, please contact the Resource and Referral office.

Transportation

School Age Care (SAC) provides safe and dependable transportation to help your child get to and from care with ease. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition between school and our center, giving you peace of mind while supporting your child’s daily routine.

What’s Included?

• On-Base Schools
  Transportation is typically provided for children attending schools located on the installation.
   
• Off-Base Schools
  Availability of transportation for off-base schools varies by location. Please check with your local center for details.
   
• Field Trips & Special Activities
  During school breaks and summer camp, supervised transportation is provided for planned excursions and enrichment activities.

Parent Responsibilities
If your child attends a school that is not part of the SAC transportation service, you will need to arrange their drop-off and pick-up.

Safety First
Our transportation services follow strict safety guidelines, and all vehicles are operated by trained professionals. Children are supervised at all times during transit to ensure their safety and well-being.

Not all installations provide transportation. For more information on transportation options at your location, contact the Resource and Referral office.

Youth Connections

Youth Connections is designed to help children adjust, make friends, and feel comfortable in their new community. Whether your family is new to the installation or transitioning from another program, we ensure your child feels welcome and supported from day one at School Age Care (SAC).

How it works:

• Peer Support
  When a new child joins the program, they are paired with a friendly and experienced SAC ambassador—a peer who helps them navigate their new environment.
   
• Guided Introductions
  The ambassador introduces them to other children, explains daily routines, and helps them feel included in activities.
   
• Building Connections
  Through shared activities, games, and team projects, new children quickly become part of the SAC community.

Why It Matters

• Reduces Anxiety
  Having a familiar face and a peer to guide them makes the transition easier and less overwhelming.
   
• Encourages Friendships
  Children develop friendships faster when they have someone to introduce them to others.
   
• Promotes Leadership
  SAC ambassadors take pride in their role, learning valuable leadership and mentoring skills.

Becoming a SAC Ambassador

• Children who have been in the program for a while and show leadership, kindness, and responsibility may be invited to become an ambassador.

• SAC ambassadors receive guidance on how to support new peers and foster a welcoming environment.
   
• Youth Connection helps children feel confident, connected, and ready to enjoy their time in School Age Care.

If your child is new or interested in becoming part of Youth Connections, talk to the SAC team to learn more!

Parent Orientation

Parent Orientation is an essential step in ensuring a smooth and positive experience for both you and your child in School Age Care (SAC). An orientation provides important information about program policies, daily routines, and what to expect, helping you feel confident and informed from day one.

What to Expect in Parent Orientation
During the orientation, you will:

• Learn About Program Policies & Expectations
  Review SAC guidelines on pick-up and drop-off procedures, behavior expectations, and communication with staff.
   
• Understand Safety & Emergency Procedures
  Learn how SAC ensures your child’s safety, including emergency plans, health protocols, and supervision standards.
   
• Review Meals & Nutrition
  Get details about meal schedules, snack options, and dietary restrictions or allergies.

• Meet SAC Staff & Ask Questions
  Connect with the SAC professionals, program directors, and support staff who will be working with your child every day.
   
• Complete Required Paperwork
  Ensure all necessary forms, including medical information and emergency contacts, are finalized before your child starts care.

Why Parent Orientation is Important

• Helps you understand how the program operates and what is expected of both parents and children.
• Gives you a chance to meet the staff and ask any questions before your child’s first day.
• Ensures a smooth transition, setting your child up for success in the SAC environment.

Attending Parent Orientation is the best way to get familiar with the program and feel confident that your child is in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

If you have any questions or need to schedule your orientation, please contact the Resource and Referral office.

Supporting Children with Special Needs

School Age Care (SAC) is committed to providing an supportive and enriching environment for all children. We recognize that every child has unique needs, and we strive to offer the best possible care and accommodations to ensure their success.

How We Support

• We work closely with families to understand each child’s specific needs. Individualized support plans are developed to ensure appropriate accommodations.

Trained & Caring Staff

• Our staff members receive specialized training on working with children with various needs, including strategies for positive behavior support, communication techniques, and safety protocols.
• We collaborate with the family, SAC nurses, and SAC behavior specialists to provide the best care possible.

Adaptive Activities & Programming

• Activities are adapted, allowing all children to participate in a way that meets their needs.
• We foster a welcoming environment where all children feel valued and included.

Facility Accessibility & Safety Measures

• SAC facilities are designed to accommodate children with physical, sensory, or developmental challenges.
• Emergency preparedness plans consider the needs of all children, ensuring a safe environment.

Ongoing Communication & Family Collaboration

• School Age Care professionals communicate directly with parents to ensure the best experience for their child.
• Adjustments and accommodations can be made as needed to support each child's development and well-being.

How to Request Accommodations

• During the registration process, inform SAC staff that your child has special needs.
• Complete required Child & Youth documentations.
• Provide relevant documentation or recommendations from medical providers, or therapists if applicable.
• Work with SAC staff to develop a support plan that best supports your child’s needs.

At School Age Care, we provide a high-quality that promotes positive outcomes in all areas of children's development, every child can thrive. If your child has special needs and you have questions about accommodations, contact the Resource and Referral office. We are here to support you!

Seasonal Camps

Seasonal camps provide a safe, engaging environment where children ages 5-12 can explore new interests, build friendships, and develop essential life skills. Through fun activities, hands-on learning, and supportive guidance, our camps foster confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. Whether through sports, creative arts, STEM projects, or outdoor adventures, children stay active, inspired, and ready to grow.

View the upcoming camps listed in our calendar or contact the Resource and Referral office.

School Liaison

• School Enrollment
  Guidance on enrolling children in local schools and understanding registration requirements.
   
• Local School Information
  Up-to-date resources about school districts, programs, and options available in the area.
   
• Home School Information
  Assisting families with guidance on their local school district homeschool requirments. 

• Special Education Support
  Help with navigating the special education process and accessing available services to include warm hand offs to EFMP.

• Transition Assistance
  Resources for families moving to a new area, including information on school calendars and schedules.

Guiding Growth & Resilience

Community Counseling provides support to ease this transition by offering emotional support, stress management strategies, and adjustment counseling. Counselors help families navigate the challenges of relocation, offering guidance on coping with change, building resilience, and connecting with local resources.

Through individual and family counseling, the program helps create a smooth transition, strengthening the overall well-being of military families.

• Life Skills Development Resources:
• Relationship Concerns
• Work Stressors
• Life Stressors
• Trauma
• EAS/PCS and Challenges Related to Transition
• Grief and Loss
• Sadness
• Worry
• Deployment Cycle Stressors and Reintegration
• Adjustment
• Crisis Intervention
• Sleep Hygiene
• Parent-Child Communication

Marine Corps Family Team Building

• Identify Individual Needs
  Determine what specific support or resources you or your family require. MCFTB offers a variety of workshops, classes, and resources tailored to different needs, including deployment support, spouse education and career assistance, relationship-enhancement, and more.
  
  MCFTB professionals can help you identify your specific needs.
   
• Connect with MCFTB
  Reach out to MCFTB professionals either in person or by phone. They can provide guidance on available programs, workshops, and resources that best suit your needs.
   
• Attend Workshops and Classes
  Participate in MCFTB workshops, classes, and events relevant to your situation. These could include pre-deployment briefs, relationship-enhancement classes, pre-marital and marital workshops, relocation assistance workshops, family readiness seminars, financial planning classes, and more.
   
• Connect with Other Families
  Take advantage of opportunities to connect with other Marine Corps families through MCFTB-sponsored events, support groups, and social media platforms. Building connections with other families can provide valuable support and camaraderie.

Libraries

• Children's Collection: A diverse selection of picture books, chapter books, movies, and audiobooks designed for young readers. 

• Summer Reading Program: Featuring free activities and incentives to encourage a love of reading during the summer months. 

• Storytime Kits: Themed kits that include books and activities, allowing families to enjoy storytime at their convenience.

• Educational Programs and Activities: Various events and workshops that enrich your children's learning experiences. 

• Access to Digital Resources: Online materials, including e-books and educational databases, to support learning and exploration. Vist the DoD MWR Virtual Library.

Exceptional Family Members

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is dedicated to supporting military families by ensuring they have access to the resources and services needed to thrive. We understand that navigating military life with a family member who has special needs can be challenging, which is why EFMP works closely with the School Liaison Program to provide seamless support for educational transitions, school advocacy, and special education resources. Together, we help families find the best-fit schools, understand their rights, and access individualized services that promote academic success and overall well-being.

How EFMP Supports Families:

• Lending Library – Borrow sensory tools, assistive devices, and educational materials to support learning and development at home.
   
• Respite Care Services – Provides temporary relief for caregivers, ensuring they have time to recharge while their loved one receives quality care.
   
• Assignment Coordination – Ensures that families are stationed at locations with appropriate medical and educational services for their exceptional family members.
   
• Advocacy & Support – Assists families in navigating the special education system, including IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) .
   
• Workshops & Resources – Offers educational sessions on topics like navigating the EFMP process, advocacy skills, and community resources.

By working together, EFMP and the School Liaison help ensure that your child receives the support they need—at home, in school, and throughout their military journey. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Budgeting Your Child Care

• Blended Retirement System (BRS)
• Car Buying
• Consumer Awareness
• Continuation Pay
• Couple Financial Counseling
• Credit Report and Credit Score Analysis Saving and Investing
• Credit / Debt Management
• Developing a Spending Plan
• Financial Education Action Points (FEAP)
• Individual Financial Counseling
• Major Purchases
• Military Pay & Benefits
• Retirement Planning
• Survivor Benefits Plan
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Understanding Military Retirement Benefits