Family Concerns

Picking up and moving from one place to another is stressful enough, especially when kids and pets are involved. So knowing who to call or where to find information can be helpful.

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER
Building 722B
(321) 494-5676
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Airman & Family Readiness Center provides a multitude of services helping make the transition to life at Patrick Air Force Base easier for all. The center provides individuals, families and leadership with services that strengthen skill sets, creating a better-prepared, better-equipped all-around Airman. The center is continually seeking volunteers, which the center depends on to provide daily services. Volunteer work counts as work on a resume and volunteers receive up to 20 hours free child care. The opportunity is also perfect for teenagers age 15 and older who are looking to fulfill community work requirements. The following services are available at Patrick:

Airman's Attic
Donated household goods are available to personnel E-5 and below from the South Housing area in Building 3655.

Employment Services
The Career Focus Program helps individuals and family members meet short- and long-term career goals through information, assistance and job skills training. Services include job listings, job referrals, resume assistance, career and personal development workshops and a computer center with Internet access and printers.

Family Readiness Program
The program offers assistance and support to all Air Force families before, during and after emergencies/disasters, mobilization, deployment/separation or evacuation. Family preparedness is promoted through education, publications and participation in readiness support programs. To that end, services include: Car Care Because We Care automotive repair, Give Parents a Break child care, Video Phone communication to remote stations, Morale Calls home checks, Music Storybook CDs and more.

Family Services Loan Locker
New arrivals and temporary deployed personnel may borrow items such as pots and pans, dishes, utensils, sleeping mats, cribs, tables and chairs free of charge. Those with PCS orders may borrow items for 30 days; all others have a two-week limit.

Financial Management
Individuals and families can receive financial information, education and counseling to achieve financial stability and reach their goals. Classes address basic banking, debt management, identification theft and more.

Relocation Assistance Program
This program helps service members and their families adjust to the frequent moves associated with military life. Classes address sponsorship training, relocation orientation, cultural adaptation and more. Information is geared toward planning, reducing stress and limiting financial losses.

Transition Assistance Program
When service members are separating or retiring from duty, this program helps personnel and their families build skills and knowledge for re-entry into the private sector, with an emphasis on general preparation rather than job placement.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Building 1000
(321) 494-7028
Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The development center provides care to children 6 weeks to 5 years old of active-duty military and DoD/NAF civilians, reservist on active duty and DoD contractors. The awardwinning program believes that children learn through active, hands-on involvement with the environment, peers and caring adults. As such, it respects each child's interests, experiences, abilities and needs. Children are valued as individuals, as well as part of the group, and the program respects and supports the ideals, cultures and values of families in their task of nurturing children. Fees and charges are based on total family income and are adjusted annually. The center also participates in the USDA Food Program, and children receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day.
To enroll their children, parents must:
• Complete AF Form 1181, Air Force Youth Flight Program Patron Registration • Complete DD Form 2652, Application for DoD Child Care Fees
• Complete AF Form 357, Family Care Plan (single and dual military families)
• Submit copy of most current LES and/or pay stub
• Sign CDC contract

FAMILY CHILD CENTER
Building 1000
(321) 494-8381
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rest assured knowing your children are in safe keeping in this professional, DoD-certified program for child care in homes. Special payment programs help parents pay what they would if their child attended the Child Development Center. Assistance is available for expanded child care during extended work shifts. The family center also trains individuals to provide responsible, safe, in-home care for children 6 weeks to 13 years in their government house or affiliated off-base home. To participate in the program, use the following forms:
• AF Form 1181, Air Force Youth Flight Program Patron Registration
• DD Form 2652, Application for DoD Child Care Fees
• AF Form 357, Family Care Plan (single and dual military families)
• DD Form 2606, DoD Child Development Program Request for Care Record

YOUTH CENTER
815 Harrier St.
(321) 494-4747
Monday through Friday, 1:30 to 6 p.m.; SAP, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open Recreation Summer: Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 4 to 10:30 p.m.; Open Recreation School Year: Monday through Thursday, 2:30 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 2:30 to 10:30 p.m.; closed Federal holidays
Youth and teens ages 5 to 18 will find plenty to challenge their developing minds and bodies at this popular hangout spot. Whether it's seasonal festivals, lock-in parties, adventure outings, science workshops, cultural celebrations or more, there's a full range of activities for youngsters to try.

Sports programs include youth basketball, tae kwon do and cheerleading, and fit factor activities include kickball, soccer, ping pong and more casual competitive games. Arts programs feature theater, painting and drawing and more. Academic pursuits include computer club and tutored assistance with homework. The program is open to military families, DoD civilians and contractors. Additional fees apply to special programs. Meals are provided under the guidance of the USDA Food Program.

To enroll your child at the center, request the following forms:
• AF Form 1181, Air Force Youth Flight Program Patron Registration
• DD Form 2652, Application for DoD Child Care Fees
• AF Form 357, Family Care Plan (single and dual military families)
• DD Form 2606, DoD Child Development Program Request for Care Record

PRIVATE CHILD CARE
Register at http://www.care.com for information and lists of child care providers. The site also features extended pet care and private tutor information.

HOUSING
Government Housing Management Office
(HMO)
45 CES/CEAC
1060 S. Patrick Drive
Patrick AFB, FL 32925
(321) 494-2594

Unaccompanied Housing
45 CES/CEACD
668 Falcon Ave.
Patrick AFB, FL 32925
(321) 494-3647

Patrick Family Housing
1060 South Patrick Drive
Patrick AFB, FL 32925
(321) 613-3810
All personnel are required to report to the Government Housing Office upon arrival for a mandatory housing briefing. There are no mobile home parks on base. Mobile home parks are not readily available off base.

ON-BASE HOUSING
Patrick Family Housing
On-base family housing at Patrick AFB is privatized. Hunt Military Communities manages three housing areas at the base — Central and North housing are on-base and Pelican Coast is approximately one mile south in Satellite Beach. Patrick Family Housing offers two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.

Community is an important part of Patrick Family Housing. New residents enjoy pedestrian- friendly neighborhoods, as well as numerous community activities and events. View floor plans, amenities and photos, or download an application at http://www.patrick family-housing.com. As soon as you receive your orders you should contact Patrick Family Housing to apply for housing. Leases (assignments) are made through Patrick Family Housing leasing offices. Depending on the housing area you are assigned to, your rental amount would be either your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), minus a utility allowance or the current market rental rate. Rent is paid by allotment. Housing residents are responsible for paying utilities directly to local utility company or third-party utility billing company.

Single Service Member Housing
Air Force policy provides bachelor personnel, E4 with three years service, the opportunity to reside in community housing with BAH entitlements — personnel arriving on station as E-4 within 60 days of training three years are also eligible.

Privatized housing may be available for bachelor personnel as an alternative to residing in the dorms — contact the Patrick Family Housing leasing office for details.

The dorms have upgraded facilities and each member has a private 10' x 18' room. Included are a full-size refrigerator, microwave and free basic cable. You will have a single bed, six drawer dresser, two night stands, table with two chairs, ceiling fan, wall lockers and a wall unit for TV/stereo/books, etc. Bathrooms are shared with one suite mate. Each person is authorized one storage locker for boxes, luggage, etc. In the common area of the dorm, there is a 50-inch TV, pool table, air hockey, foosball and vending machines. And outdoors there are grills and picnic tables.

HOUSING REFERRAL SERVICES
The Government Housing Office is available for referral services and information on the local community. As a reminder, all members are required to report to the Housing Office for an off-base briefing prior to entering into a lease or sales agreement.

There are 16 communities within one hour of Patrick AFB. Average rent for one- and twobedroom apartments is $600 to $900 and $900 to $2,000 for single homes, duplexes and town homes. Most of the rentals in the area require a seven- or 12-month agreement/lease. To look for rentals in the Patrick AFB area, log onto http:// www.ahrn.com and select Patrick or visit http:// www.brevardmls.com, a local multiple-listing service that allows public access.

UTILITIES
Be sure to obtain a letter of credit from your utility companies prior to moving to avoid paying a deposit when you connect utilities at your new place.

Average utility deposits are: $50 plus nonrefundable $50 service fee for natural gas, $70 to $120 for water; electric deposit may be reduced to $100 for active-duty personnel serviced by Patrick AFB (must provide a copy of your orders), apply for the deposit reduction through the Government Housing Office.

Electricity
If you live in Brevard County, then the primary utility company for electric power is Florida Power and Light (FP&L). FP&L determines the amount of deposit by the customer's credit report. Customers must give their address, Social Security and driver's license numbers. Call FP&L for more information at (321) 723-7795.

Gas
The City Gas Company of Florida provides gas to most of Brevard County and is about a 20-minute drive from the base. Deposit varies by the community, house size and use history. For new service, call (800) 993-7546.

Water
If you live in Cocoa, contact the City of Cocoa Utilities Department-Water for water services at (321) 639-7678. The deposit ranges from $60 to $100 depending on location. If you live in Melbourne, contact the City of Melbourne-Water Department for water services at (321) 953-6390. A deposit is required. Call for the exact amount.

Cable Providers
The primary local cable company in Brevard County is Brighthouse Networks. Fees vary according to the services requested. The phone number is (866) 309-EASY. Other cable providers are also available.

PERSONAL PROPERTY SHIPMENTS
Upon your arrival, contact the Traffic Management Office (TMO) at (321) 494-5962. You will need to provide a telephone number where you can be reached as soon as your shipment arrives. When you call, you will be provided with the current status of your personal property shipment. As soon as you know your permanent address, call TMO and schedule a delivery date for your goods. A specific time for delivery cannot be promised, so plan to be at your residence between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to avoid attempted delivery charges. If you need to arrange for another shipment to Patrick AFB, or if you made a do-it-yourself (DITY) move, bring your orders and all shipment documents to TMO for assistance. TMO is located in the Mini Mall, Building 415 and provides customer service Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PETS
Relocating is a stressful time for the entire family, including your pets. Some animals do not respond well to changes in their routines and surroundings. Here are a few tips to make your pet's move less traumatic:
• Before moving be sure to get all records from your veterinarian.
• On moving day, secure your pets in a safe place, such as a bathroom, and be sure to alert the movers.
• Make sure to bring your pet's bowls, food, any medications and favorite toys with you.
• Have a suitable pet carrier to keep your pet safe and secure during the trip.
• Make sure your pets wear information tags which include your cell phone number and new home address.
• Review your route and reserve pet-friendly accommodations.
• On arrival in your new home, set up your pet's bed and food area as soon as possible.

VETERINARY SERVICES
Building 408
(321) 494-6080
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.to 4 p.m.
When Fido isn't feeling like a top dog, bring your pet to the base veterinary clinic. Care is limited to pets of persons in the Defense Enrollment/Eligibility Reporting System and retired military persons on a space-available basis. Services include pet eye exams, health certificates, skin exams, checkups, ear exams, blood work (thyroid, diabetes, etc.), microchip implants and a variety of vaccines. Pets without current written proof of rabies vaccination must be vaccinated. Scheduling for appointments is done one to two weeks in advance, and due to the number of clients, pets that are more than 10 minutes late will have to reschedule their appointment. The onsite pharmacy offers a range of flea and tick treatments, heartworm medications, vitamins, shampoos and more.

LOCAL REGULATIONS
Twenty-eight days after establishing residency, a citizen is required to have a Brevard County Animal License tag for dogs and cats. Tags cost $7 and can be purchased at the Brevard Animal Service and Enforcement department on Sarno Road in Melbourne or at a limited number of veterinary clinics and animal shelters. All dogs, cats and ferrets are required to have a current rabies vaccination certificate. Brevard County also enforces a leash law.

SCHOOLS
There are no public schools on Patrick Air Force Base. Children living in Patrick housing attend public schools in the Brevard County school district or may attend the private or parochial schools of their family's choice.

SCHOOL LIASON OFFICE
Building 722
(321) 494-5675
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Saturday, Sunday, holidays and training days

Brevard County Schools
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-1000 ext. 500
With 86 schools, 17 special centers and nine charter schools, Brevard Public Schools district serves approximately 73,000 students in 17 different municipalities across the Space Coast, making it the 10th largest of 67 school districts in Florida and the 47th largest district in the United States. The ratio of students to teachers is 22.2 to 1 for elementary schools, 24.8 to 1 middle schools and 25.5 to 1 for high schools. Academics are stressed in all grades, and regular achievement testing measures skills in reading, language, math, science, social studies and writing.

Proof of residence
To register a child in a Brevard County school, a parent or guardian must present verification of address. Suggested documents include a Florida driver's license, current utilities statement, voter registration or lease agreement.

Immunizations
All children entering Florida public schools must have the following immunizations: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Tetanus 5 doses, Polio Vaccine 4 doses, MMR 2 doses and Hepatitis B vaccine 3 doses. No child will be enrolled without one of the following: a certificate of immunization or its equivalent from a physician, health department official or previous school record; a certificate of exemption (temporary medical); a certificate of exemption (permanent medical); or a certificate of exemption from immunization on religious grounds.

School busing
Students living 2 miles or more from their school have the right to free transportation providing their residence is within the school's serving area. Students must abide by a code of conduct while awaiting transportation and during it. Violating the rules will result in suspension from riding the buses.

Graduation requirements
All students must meet Florida's standards for advancement and graduation to receive a high school diploma. Those requirements include credits in language arts (English), math, social studies, physical education, life management skills, practical arts and other electives for a total of 24 required credits.

Homeschooling
Florida state law defines home education as "sequentially progressive instruction of a student in his or her home by his or her parent or guardian." All home school programs must comply with requirements of the state board, including, but not limited to, compulsory attendance and record keeping. Schools do not award high school credit in grades 9 through 12 for instruction in a home education program. Get specific rules from the school board and additional guidance from the local chapter of the Florida Parent Educators Association at (321) 723-1714.

Private schools
The cities surrounding Patrick Air Force Base are home to numerous private schools. Most of the private schools also have day care services or preschool classes for children younger than five. Many have before- and after-school child care programs.

ADULT EDUCATION
There are endless opportunities for spouses or high school students who are ready to further their education.

The Brevard County School Board offers the General Educational Development (GED) program. The GED test costs $40 and is given once a month at the Brevard County Services Facility. Those who pass earn a Florida high school diploma. The tests are given from 5 to 10 p.m. For additional information, call (321) 633-1000, ext. 377.

Those wanting to help prepare for the test can attend free classes offered through the Adult Education Program. For more information, call (321) 631-1911 and ask for the Adult Education Department. The Adult Education Department also offers other classes for free or for a nominal fee at various high schools in Brevard County. Some of the classes offered are sign language, art and English as a second language.

The colleges and universities listed below have campuses either on base or in the local community. Depending on the college, a student might have to commute to Orlando for upper level courses. Some of the colleges in the area are not regionally accredited, therefore credits do not transfer. Call the college to verify accreditation.

BARRY UNIVERSITY
135 E. Merritt Ave.
Merritt Island, FL 33161
(321) 353-6253
http://www.barry.edu
This private Catholic university is based in Miami Shores but has a branch in Merritt Island. The institution offers programs in adult and continuing education, arts and sciences, business, communication, education, graduate medical sciences, human performance and leisure sciences, law, natural and health sciences, nursing, psychology, social work and theology. U.S. News and World Report ranked Barry University 16th in the nation for campus ethnic diversity.

BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1519 Clearlake Road
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 632-1111
http://www.brevard.cc.fl.us
Brevard Community College is a two-year, coed, publicly supported postsecondary institution. The college has four campuses throughout the county and a facility at Kennedy Space Center. The Cocoa campus, BBC's oldest and largest, features three of the world's most technologically advanced facilities: The Astronaut Memorial Planetarium, the BCC/UCF Joint Use Library and the Florida Solar Energy Center. Together these facilities comprise the main components of the Florida Circle of Science and Technology.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE
1020 Central Ave. C-9
Patrick AFB, FL 32925
(321) 783-5506
http://www.ccis.edu/nationwide/main.asp?pafb
Columbia C ollege is a private, nonprofit, coeducational liberal arts and sciences college offering associate and bachelor's degrees on campus and online. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and has been a member of the North Central Assoc. since 1918. More than 10,000 students attend the 34 nationwide campuses around the country. The campuses serve working adults, including military personnel and their families, through evening and online classes. Amenities at the Patrick campus include modern education technology in classrooms; full Internet access to the college's electronic library; free advising by appointment, phone, fax or e-mail; and textbook purchases by phone, fax or Internet through an external vendor.

FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
150 W. University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 674-8000
http://www.fit.edu
Located about 35 minutes from Patrick, the Florida Institute of Technology is an independent technological university offering undergraduate degrees in science, engineering, aeronautics, business, humanities, mathematics, psychology, communication and education (science and mathematics); master's degrees in science, engineering, aviation, business, psychology, communication, education (computer, environmental, mathematics, science and teaching); and doctoral degrees in science, engineering, psychology, and science and mathematics education. In addition to its traditional classroom courses, Florida Tech offers degree and certificate coursework online via its virtual campus and http://www.floridatechonline.com.

KEISER UNIVERSITY
900 S. Babcock St.
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 409-4800
(877) 636-3618
http://www.keiseruniversity.edu
Located less than 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach and just 3 miles from Interstate 95, Keiser University's Melbourne campus features admissions, administration, academic affairs, student services and financial services departments. Keiser offers a full range of graduate and undergraduate degrees in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, information technology, legal studies, nursing, software engineering and much more. Associate degrees can be earned in computers and technology, culinary arts, nursing field and many others. Amenities at the Melbourne campus include spacious classrooms, computer and medical labs, library with Internet workstations, lounge area, career center and onsite parking. Facilities also include modern kitchens and banquet space to support the culinary arts programs.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
UCF Cocoa Campus
1519 Clearlake Road, Building 3
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 433-7821
http://regionalcampuses.ucf.edu/campus/cocoa
Based in Orlando, the University of Central Florida offers a well-rounded selection of courses through its Cocoa campus. Undergraduate degree options include applied science, business administration, criminal justice, legal studies, nursing, psychology, social sciences and more. Graduate degrees are available in applied sociology, criminal justice and public administration.

Campus amenities include academic advising, career services, club and organizations, financial aid, library services, student orientation, veterans services, a writing center and more.

WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
Patrick Air Force Base Branch
1020 Central Ave., Suite C-15
Patrick AFB, FL 32925
(321) 868-5194
http://admissions.webster.edu/admissions/graduate/locations/spct.asp
Based in St. Louis, Webster University offers a branch campus on base. In addition to online programs, the Patrick location offers masters degrees in business administration, public administration, arts, human resources development, human resources management, information technology management and management and leadership. Nearby campuses in Merritt Island and Melbourne offer additional degrees and certificates.

FAITH INTERESTS
Just as your former church was a source of support and encouragement in your previous home, a new church can be a great source of comfort and help as you adjust to your new environment.

Finding a Church
First, seek recommendations from friends or family living in the area. Next, explore the local telephone book or such Internet sites as http:// www.usachurch.com, which provides a comprehensive list of churches by denominations. You can also contact your previous church leaders to point you in the right direction.

Joining a Congregation
Be slow and deliberate before starting your search, keeping the following details in mind: Avoid selecting a church based on a few details like size of membership or proximity to home. Sometimes the closest church with the most members fails to live up to your expectations.