CDC implements fee changes Published Oct. 5, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The Department of Defense implemented new changes to the Child Development Center's fees that started Oct. 1, 2010. The Defense Department expanded the fee ranges from six to nine categories, raised the income cap on each fee range and established the top range at $125,000. "The addition of three categories spreads out the income ranges so that higher income families are not paying the same as dual-working junior enlisted families," said Tracie Bradford, 22nd Force Support Squadron CDC director. Previously, families earning $70,000 a year and above paid the same fee for child care. Families with more than one child discount the fee for each additional child. The last changes to the fee took place six years ago. "[The changes] followed an in-depth study that determined that fee ranges were no longer in sync with the total family income for the majority of program users," said Robert L. Gordon III, deputy under secretary of defense, military community and family policy. "As a result of this adjustment, we broadened and added income ranges to achieve greater equity within our military community." One of the reasons the fees where changed was to stay competitive in the hiring market and retain quality staff for the CDC. "We are committed to high quality care for our military children, which includes attracting talented child care staff whose compensation is competitive with the civilian sector," said Mr. Gordon. For specific information about fees, parents can contact the CDC at 759-4223.