Family Issues - Child Care

Child Development Center (CDC)
The MacDill Child Development Programs operates two Child Development Centers. Both centers are DoD Certified and NAEYC accredited offering quality early childhood programming for your children, specializing in learning through play. Enrollment is available on a priority basis for children 6 weeks to 5 years. Additionally both sites are participants in the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program for eligible children, 4 & 5 years of age. USDA Child Care Food Program requirements are ensured. You may contact the Child Development Center at 813-828-3332 /5195 or DSN 312-9683332/5195.

Eligibility

Child development programs are available for dependents of active duty military, Department of Defense Civilians and Non-Appropriated Fund Civilian Employees, on a first come, first serve basis.

Registration

Personnel relocating to MacDill AFB who have a need for Child Development Center (CDC) services can pre-register their children. Upon receipt of your orders, contact your local CDC for an application. Forward copy of orders and application for pre-registration to the MacDill CDC and your children go on the waiting list effective the date information is received.

Once you have arrived, parents may register their children for care at the CDC, Youth Program or Family Child Care by using a DD Form 2606.

Fees

All Fees are in accordance with the Department of Defense guidelines and are based on Total Family Income (TFI). A sliding scale is used for fees. CDC fees cover quality child care, meals and snacks which include (breakfast, lunch, afternoon and evening snack).

Priority Care

Priority is determined as follows: First priority to dual active duty military (mil-mil) families and active duty single parent.

Waiting List

The waiting time varies for each age group. Please contact the Child Development Center for current information.

Hourly or Drop In Care

Space available slots are available and are based on the absent of a regular enrolled child being on vacation or out sick.

Name Contact Information Description
Child Development Center #1 813-828-3322 Child Development Centers are your child's "home away from home", providing hourly and weekly care for children as young as 6 weeks of age through 5 years
of age. Full day-care is provided for 185 children at Bldg 381 (CDC #1)
 
Child Development Center #2 813-828-2244 Child Development Centers are your child's "home away from home", providing 
hourly and weekly care for children as young as 6 weeks of age through 5 years of age. Full day-care is provided for 188 children at Bldg 395 (CDC #2).
 
Family Child Care 813-828-7760 This unique program for children, two-weeks through 12 years of age, offers
parents a variety of options to include full-time, part-time, hourly shift work, and
TDY with care for infants and children with special needs. Services are in on base residential homes
 

Hours of Operation

The CDC is open from 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Registration

The CDC requires a registration package for each child including an AF Form 1181 to be completed with proof of all required immunizations prior to the start of any CDC program.

Programs Offered

Give Parents a Break Program

The Child Development Center (CDC) opens one Saturday a month for the Air Force Aid Society funded Give Parents a Break program. The program targets military families under stress, separated due to deployment, and single parents. Eligibility for the program requires a written referral from a Commander, First Sergeant, Chaplain, Family Advocacy, CDC, physician or the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

School Age Program (SAP)

The School Age Program is designed to provide developmental care promoting readiness and quality of life. The School Age philosophy is to provide opportunities for youth to develop their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive abilities, and to experience achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship, and recognition. The program accommodates 145 children first through sixth grade.

Child Care for PCS Program

The Child Care for PCS program offers 20 hours of free child care to families with PCS orders. Child Care is provided through the Family Child Care Providers and must be used within 60 days of departure/arrival. This program is open to all ranks. Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 813-828-0137 or stop by the Airman & Family Readiness Center 2306 Florida Keys Ave to get a voucher.