Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care

U.S. Navy Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) families stationed throughout the country have children who require child care services. Some children have special needs that require unique child care considerations. Finding and paying for quality child care for children with special needs can also present significant challenges for military families. The U.S. Navy EFMP has established a quality respite child care program for families with children having special needs and who are enrolled in the Navy EFMP.  Respite Child Care is specially designed for Navy families who have children diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs.

Eligible families receive:

• an authorized allotment of respite care per family per month;

• respite care provided by well-trained and background-screened providers who the local partner agencies monitor; and

• respite care services in the family’s home, a family child care home or an off-base child care center by approved providers.

Respite Child Care is free to eligible families 

 Sailors are eligible if:

• The family is enrolled in the NAVY EFMP
  
• The EFM children, ages birth through 18 years, are diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs
  
• The Sailor is active duty 

Interested families should contact Child Care Aware® of America at 1-800-424-2246 to begin the process. Child Care Aware® of America will connect the Sailor's family to The Stork's Helpers Inc. The Stork's Helpers Inc. will work individually with each family to complete the necessary application and assist with connecting the family to a local respite child care provider who will meet their needs.  

The process is individualized for each family. The agency will meet with the family to complete the initial paperwork. The agency and family will work together to identify potential respite child care providers to determine which provider(s) best meet the family's needs. Once a provider has been interviewed and selected by the family, the family will notify the agency and care can begin.