RAF Mildenhall child development center credits parents with free week of childcare

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The child development center has surpassed its financial goal for the year, and as a result, all parents will receive a week of free childcare Aug. 18 to 22. 

The offer is only valid for parents who have children enrolled in the center as of Aug. 18, but can be postponed to a later week if they've prepaid. 

"Sometimes we make more than we need for our operating cost," said Nick Batey, CDC acting director. "The extra money can be used for uniforms and training, which we have, or we have to find a way to give it back to parents in a way that benefits them most." 

Last year, the CDC offered $50 childcare credits to parents who returned a feedback form. The center also offered a week of free childcare on a limited basis for those parents who returned paperwork promptly. 

Childcare at the center costs between $50 and $110 per week per child, depending on the household income of the family. Those families who make more money per year will pay extra. 

"As a (military to military) couple, My wife and I pay quite a lot of money per week," said Tech. Sgt. Tim White, 100th Maintenance Squadron security manager, and father of three. "This saves us more than $200 next week - what an awesome surprise. It's like Christmas in August." 

Mr. Batey said he hopes to offer more childcare in the future by hiring up to 35 new members of staff. The center recently opened a new wing that contains seven additional rooms. Unfortunately, the rooms have not been used to their full potential. 

"Anyone with a high school diploma and a clean record can apply to work at the CDC," he said. "Employees don't need to have any experience because we train them. New staff can look forward to promotions based on the training they complete. It's a great opportunity, especially for people who move around every three or four years. The training will follow you to child development centers around the world." 

Editor's note: For more information, visit the human resources office or call DSN 238-2344 or DSN 238-6040.