EMFP respite child care program now in effect at Kirtland Published Oct. 7, 2013 By Kyshia Newsome 377th Force Support Squadron KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force has partnered with Child Care Aware of America to launch a newly-expanded program to provide respite child care to Air Force families for children with special needs. Through this Air Force-funded program, all eligible Air Force families will receive 12 hours of respite child care per month (minimum two hours per session) at no cost to the family. Respite child care services in the local area will be provided by qualified respite care providers who are recruited, screened and trained in caring for children with special needs by Alta Mira, Kirtland's local partner agency. The Air Force EFMP respite child care is currently available to active-duty military members and their family members, and Guard and Reserve members on extended active duty for at least 31 days. To be eligible for the program, Air Force families must be enrolled in the Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program and have a child (newborn up to 18 years of age) diagnosed with "moderate" or "severe" special needs. Family member siblings up to age 13 years of age may be also cared for by the Respite Care Provider at no cost to the parents. More information is available at the EFMP respite child care workshop Nov. 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Consolidated Support Facility (Building 20245), Room 120. Information is also available at http://www.usa.childcareaware.org/air-force/air-force-EFMP. To register for the workshop, contact Kyshia Newsome at 853-1717 or Kyshia.Newsome@kirtland.af.mil, or Beth Oakes at 846-6538 or Elizabeth.Oakes.ctr@kirtland.af.mil.