During an event in Sumter on Thursday, August 1, Col. Kevin Hicok, the commander of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, announced that military families in South Carolina will now have access to more child care centers to utilize their benefits. The announcement was made with enthusiasm and optimism, as Hicok emphasized the importance of supporting military families and ensuring they have access to quality child care. The event was attended by many, including Jessica Holdman from the SC Daily Gazette, who captured the moment through her lens.
Military families in South Carolina can now utilize their military benefits at additional child care centers throughout the state.
Under the state Department of Social Service’s ABC Quality Program, military families can avail themselves of federally-funded vouchers that assist in covering the expenses of childcare facilities that adhere to enhanced health and safety protocols.
As the commander of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, Col. Kevin Hicok shared that he frequently receives gratitude from members of the community for his service. However, he emphasized that the service provided to the country extends far beyond the soldiers themselves.
During the child care announcement in Sumter, the speaker emphasized that the sacrifices made by service members are not solely their own, but also those of their families who get left behind. “It’s not just about the service member making sacrifices every day at home and abroad,” he stated.
Frequent relocation is a common occurrence for military families, resulting in spouses and children having to uproot their lives every few years when a service member is assigned to a new base. With each move, comes the need to seek out new neighborhoods, make new friends, and find a new child care provider.
According to Hicok, the on-base child care program at Shaw Air Force Base is always in high demand and has a waiting list. This leaves families stationed at the base with no option but to search for child care services in the surrounding community.
In the past, military personnel were restricted to using their benefits solely at off-base nationally accredited centers. However, according to DSS Director Mike Leach, this was limiting, as only 9% of centers across the country met this standard. Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Defense has now recognized South Carolina’s accreditation standards, which opens up more options for military members in terms of where they can use their benefits.
Child care centers in South Carolina that are a part of the ABC Quality Program and aim for a B+ rating or higher can now accept military child care vouchers. This goes beyond the state’s minimum requirements and ensures that these centers are providing exceptional care for children.
In order to obtain a B+ rating, educational centers are required to maintain smaller class sizes, employ certified educators, and undergo yearly assessments conducted by Social Services.
According to Leach, South Carolina boasts of 200 childcare centers that have a rating of B+ or higher. These centers will be available for military families who are using vouchers to help with the costs.
It is anticipated by Social Services that the extension of military benefits will inspire additional child care center operators to participate in the program and improve their ratings. This development is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the quality of child care services provided.
According to Leach, numerous parents are finding it challenging to afford child care expenses, which can amount to over $10,000 per year.
As of September 2023, military vouchers’ value varies depending on a family’s income and the cost of living in towns that have military bases. However, the assistance is limited to a maximum of $1,800 per month.
Leach stated that the child care sector is currently facing an economic crisis nationwide, as it struggles to remain afloat while offering affordable, high-quality care to parents. He also noted that the situation presents an opportunity to secure Department of Defense funding, which could assist military families in accessing child care services.
South Carolina is a state that is known for being military-friendly. It is home to a significant number of active-duty military personnel, with almost 33,700 currently stationed there. Additionally, there are over 24,400 National Guard and reserve members who call South Carolina home. All of these individuals are eligible for the expanded benefits that are available.
