A New Solution for Military Child Care Needs

Introducing HomeFront Help in Eglin, Florida:

Meet Our HomeFront Helpers

Eglin, Florida

Our HomeFront Helpers consists of diverse individuals from the Eglin/Hurlburt area of Florida. Helpers are passionate about serving families in need and ready to serve.

Adea G.
Courtney O.
Danna M.
Katherine C.
Lily P.
Lori K.
Martha C.
Megan C.
Meike B.
Olga B.
Raquel S.
Rebekah Z.
Shadine D.
Sofia A.
Terera H.
Vivian K.

Ready to become a HomeFront Family and reach out to Helpers? Submit your request below!

Become A HomeFront Family

What is HomeFront Help?

Operation Child Care Project (OCC Project), a nationwide nonprofit led by military spouses, is excited to announce its new initiative, the HomeFront Help (HFH) Pilot Program. This program is a community effort to reduce harm to military families frequently left with no other options for caregivers. OCC Project facilitates a weekend-long cohort to offer free training to trusted "Helpers," allowing them to meet and exceed the DoD requirements of a private caregiver. This places more safe, quality caregiver options in the local community.

Once the Helpers have completed their cohort, they can work directly with families, assist families in the OCC Project case management pipeline, or hop on the first substitute provider list with a partnering child care center to assist with short-term staffing needs.

This program addresses a long-standing gap in military child care by offering emergency, ad hoc, and part-time child care options to families in need. Through collaboration with our partners, OCC Project knows this program will meet families where they are serving both the military and civilian community.

Now Accepting Applications For Florida Helpers

The data from our first iteration has spoken and families NEED more Helpers. If you live in the Eglin/Hurlburt area of Florida and you are interested in this professional development opportunity, please apply below.

Apply to be a HomeFront Helper in Florida

HomeFront Help is designed to:

Provide flexible care options for military families facing unique child care challenges. Parents seek safe, quality care, they do not always have the privilege of finding it.
Demonstrate what a true community collaborative program is by building a program from the ground up, relying on the feedback of those served.

Empower local community members, especially military spouses and family members, to gain the skills, certifications, and experience necessary to provide safe care. Through ongoing efforts, Helpers will receive continued education and support as long as they see this as a career field that fits their needs.

Program Highlights:

Scholarships and stipends for Helpers who complete the training.

Free certifications, including Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid.

Comprehensive background checks and safety screenings that Helpers get to keep for their portfolio.

40 hours of free provider training, including special needs and behavioral support.

Access to expert consulting and self-employment training.

$250 stipend for completing the cohort weekend.

Once trained, HFH Helpers will be listed in a locally managed database, where OCC Project military families can reach out directly when they need help. Helpers may also partner with local child care facilities to address staffing shortages.

Program Benefits:

Aspiring Early Education Professionals: Community members, especially military spouses, can gain valuable skills, increase their employability, and have a flexible income opportunity.

Military Families: Access to trained, trusted, and flexible child care providers will give peace of mind and support in times of need.

Local Community: By partnering with local child care providers, HFH addresses staffing shortages while offering military families more access to safe and quality care.