Family Matters Blog: Department to Adjust Child Care Fees

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

08.01.2010

Courtesy Story

Defense.gov         

When I was in the Air Force, I was always grateful for military child care, particularly when stationed overseas. As a single mother, it not only was affordable, but the best child care around.

Defense officials always have strived to keep child care costs low and quality high for our military parents.

To keep that quality high, officials have decided to adjust child care fees, mainly to compensate for six years without a fee range increase. The changes follow two years of study that determined the fees weren't in line with inflation and family income, explained Barbara Thompson, director of the Defense Department's Office of Family Policy, Children and Youth.

"We understand that these are tough economic times for families, but we did this very deliberately after careful study," Thompson said in an American Forces Press Service article, "Child Care Fees Change to Maintain Quality Service," written by Lisa Daniel. "When you look at what you’re getting for your child care fees, it’s a wonderful opportunity in a high-quality care environment."

The change mainly affects higher-income earners, with the addition of three categories to the top of the fee schedule, which will go into effect by Sept. 30. Each service will determine its fee guidelines, including exceptions, and decide on fees within the ranges set by the Military and Community Family Policy Office.

Here is the new fee schedule:

Additionally, officials will implement a high-cost option for the bases that meet certain criteria due to high cost of living.

For more on this topic, see the news release, "DOD Announces School Year 2010/2011 Child Care Fee Policy."

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Story by Elaine Wilson, American Forces Press Service

• Date Taken: 08.01.2010
• Date Posted: 07.03.2025 15:54
• Story ID: 515377
• Location: WASHINGTON, US