TKW Consulting
Surge Support Child Care Services...
Surge Support Child Care Services
The SURGE Support Child Care Program consists of two parts:
First, Surge Support Child Care Services coordinates volunteer
providers offering their services to military families. While hundreds of
families are welcoming home soldiers who recently returned from Iraq, there are
others who still wait anxiously for loved ones to come home. There is a group is
offering free child care for families with a parent in the military. The Surge Support
Child Care Project allows providers to find families in need and offer their services.
There are 12,000 Minnesota children with a parent in the National Guard. The idea
for the program came after news of an extension was announced in January for the
National Guard. The project's goal is to allow parents to attend support group
meetings, to get some time alone or simply to run errands.
Nearly 500 child care providers are participating by providing free ongoing, full-time child care for deployed military families is
already offered through Operation Child Care. But the support program is meant to complement it with off-hour, occasional
and Saturday care. The project is an initiative of the Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network, the National
Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Minnesota National Guard and Army Reserve.
We understand that Minnesota's military families face tremendous challenges, some of which involve child care. We are here
to help!
Family members of Minnesota's deployed Army National Guard and Reserve are eligible to receive surge support child care
services at no cost. To learn more about the surge support child care services and request referrals of participating child care
providers, use this map to find your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency.
“ The fact that we could count on some help during such a difficult time for our family and country was worth more than I can
say. It not only allowed me to have some time on my own to run errands or have a good cry. It allowed my kids some time for
fun with a non-stressed adult. They used the time to finger-paint, play games, to be kids again.”
— Dina Blandshew, Parent, Participant Operation Child Care
Second, Surge Support Child Care Trainings set up through your local CCR&R training coordinator. This
training is for caregivers who are working with military families and the content is based on the Military Child Education
Coalition's Curriculum: Supporting the Children of the Guard and Reserve, More information regarding the MCEC can be
found at www.nilitarychild.org.
Each of these 2 hour trainings will provide an overview of the Army National Guard and Reserves in Minnesota, explain the
stages of deployment, and provide general information on the effects of deployment for children. The trainings will also
provide a variety of resources for the caregiver to use in their own child care settings.
These trainings are highly recommended for any early care provider working with children from a military family. The classes
are:
Supporting Children and Families During Military Deployments and Reunions
Participants in this class will learn about the unique needs of children and families who are experiencing a military
deployment. The stages of deployment and reunions will be outlined alongside the related effects on children. Tips and
techniques to assist the children who are dealing with a separation will also be shared.
Supporting Children and Families During a Military Deployment
Participants in this class will learn about the unique needs of children and families who are experiencing a military
deployment. The stages of deployment will be outlined alongside the related effects on children. Tips and techniques to
assist the children who are dealing with a separation will also be shared.
Supporting Children and Families During Military Reunions
While deployed parents are away, children continue to grow and family roles change. Welcoming home mom or dad can be
an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. This class will examine the stages of reintegration (or homecoming), the
stressors of reunions and method to support children and families as they welcome home their military service members.
Impact of Grief, Loss, and Trauma on Children and Youth
Participants in this training will come to identify the unique issues impacting National Guard and Reserve families, particularly
children and youth. This training offers an understanding of loss and trauma and the potential academic and behavioral
changes related to these experiences. Participants will also gain strategies to support these children and youth.
Fostering Resilience in Children and Youth
"Where do I start fostering resiliency in children?" "What are the most important things to do?" "How long should it take to
see results?" These are the types of questions that caregivers have about the topic of resiliency. This class will define the
concept of resilience while identifying risk factors and developmental assets. Finally this training will highlight the four basic
steps involved in fostering resilience in children and youth.
Living in the New Normal: Supporting Children/Youth Through Trauma and Loss
Living in the New Normal is predicated on the belief that children are courageous and resilient and that these skills can be
strengthened through deliberate encouragement by adults in their lives. This training will examine the nature of grief, identify
the signs of stress in children and youth, and help caregivers develop strategies for supporting military children and families
through trauma and loss.
SURGE Support Child Care Trainings are currently offered through the Child Care Resource and Referral Office in your area
as part of their Professional Development Opportunities for Early Childhood and School-Age Programs.
Promoting Quality Child Care.
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