JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
To compensate for six years without fee range increases, the Department of Defense is adjusting its child care fees and adding categories for its highest income earners.
Changes in child care fees will impact families who have children enrolled in DoD child development centers and school age care programs.
The adjusted rate changes will be implemented no later than Sept. 30.
"These new CDC fees better align parent pay structures to more categories," said Debra Czajkowski, Air Force District of Washington services director. "The increase is minimal and will help offset increasing costs in our CDC programs, and help us provide better service and programs for our youth."
The DoD broadened child care fee ranges from six to nine categories, raised the income cap on each fee range, and established the top earning range at $125,000 per year and above for a more equitable policy. Previously, families earning more than $70,000 per year and above all paid the same fee for child care. Under the new policy, families will see either a small decrease or increase in their fees, depending on their total family income. Families earning $85,000 and below will experience relatively minimal changes.
The adjusted rate fees ensure that CDCs provide high-quality services, including a developmentally appropriate curriculum, a healthy and safe environment, sufficient number of adults per children in group sizes appropriate for children's ages, and strong communication between staff and families. For specific information and fee guidelines parents are encouraged to contact their local child development center and school-age care program coordinators.
Here is the new fee schedule:
Category I - people with incomes of $29,400 or below will pay between $44 to $59 per week;
Category II - people with incomes from $29,401 to $35,700 will pay between $60 to $74 per week;
Category III - people with incomes from $35,701 to $46,200 will pay between $75 to $90 per week;
Category IV - people with incomes from $46,201 to $57,750 will pay between $91 to $105 per week.
Category V - people with incomes from $57,751 to $73,500 will pay between $106 to $121 per week.
Category VI - people with incomes from $73,501 to $85,000 will pay between $122 to $130 per week.
Category VII - people with incomes from $85,001 to $100,000 will pay between $131 to $133 per week.
Category VIII - people with incomes from $100,001 to $125,000 will pay between $134 to $136 per week.
Category IX - people with incomes of $125,001 or above will pay between $137 to $139 per week.
Related stories that contributed to this story:
Child care fees change to maintain quality services http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123215800
The DOD officials announce school year 2010/2011 child care fee policy http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123215803.