Local military families now have the opportunity to receive financial help with after school childcare. Three Columbus Parks and Recreation after school sites, Saint Mary's, Double Churches and Georgetown Elementary Schools have received a national grant from the U.S. army.

“It's not a childcare, it's a recreation place. Where they're going to be able to get knowledge, we're going to have homework time, arts and crafts, everything that is associated with a new environment that we're going to create,” said Celsa Muniz Parks and Recreation District Director.

Part of creating that environment meant a year of preparation including training for staff by the Georgia After School Association, and new equipment. And Muniz says with Base Realignment coming this is especially important.

“A lot of military people are buying houses or renting off post. On post they have a totally different approach to the after school program and it's a very good approach that they're using.”

Now the great thing about this grant is that in order to qualify, all you need to be is active military with a spouse that either works full time or goes to school full time. And for the period of one school year you're eligible for up to $2,000 toward your childcare. And that amount is per child. Muniz says 10 families have applied so far. And for each child, the City receives $1,000.

“Parents can apply at their schools. All of the applications have been passed out to the offices so they were supposed to be sent home last week. If they haven't received one, we have plenty here,” explained Grant Specialist, Hermanda DeMines

Muniz hopes to get all 25 after school sites nationally accredited within the next few years. If you'd like to apply for the grant, or find out more information, call 706-225-4650.