Attending medical appointments became easier for some Soldiers recently thanks to the creation of a new child development center.

The Warrior Hourly CDC, located near Madigan Army Medical Center's pharmacy drive-up window, opened June 4 to offer free child care for Warriors in transition attending medical appointments.

"We wanted to make child care more accessible so while they're working on their medical rehabilitation they don't have to worry about their children," said Pat Bossi, child youth school services liaison for the Warrior Transition Battalion's Soldiers and Family Assistance Center.

The CDC can care for 41 to 46 kids at a time; age groups range from six weeks to 12 years.

Half of the available child care slots are reserved for warriors with the WTB, while the other slots are available for other Soldiers on post.

The cost for non-WTB personnel is $4 a child. Non-medical attendants are also eligible to use the center. In addition to free care during medical appointments, warriors receive 16 hours of free respite child care each month to simply give parents a break.

After the 16 hours have elapsed, the center charges $2 per hour per child for non-medical appointment childcare.

"I encourage them to use it for non-medical hourly care, so that way it becomes a home for children," Bossi said.

The CDC offers a preschool program as well as a Creative Curriculum program for all ages that focuses on cognitive, social/emotional, language, and physical development, said Kathy Salcedo, director of the Warrior Hourly CDC.

Warriors and WTB staff can go to the SFAC to get help registering their children. Registering ensures childcare providers know of any special care requests for children, and allows for emergency appointments if needed, said Bossi.

Working with Bossi provides a built-in advocate for unique childcare requirements.

"We just want to give them peace of mind to do what they have to do," Bossi said.