Providing Quality Child Care for Parents Seeking Higher Education

Children whose parents have higher education are more likely to succeed, but attending college while also taking care of young children can be a daunting task.

The University of Memphis has a large population of nontraditional students, including many students with young children who are not ready to attend school, and need childcare assistance. These parents need childcare they can count on that is flexible and understands the unique needs of students. To support these students, the University has established the University of Memphis Child Development Center, a high-quality childcare designed to meet student-parents’ needs.

The Center is a 3 Star program, accredited by the National Association for Child Care Professionals providing quality care for the children from 30-months-old to 12-years-old. In an effort to better accommodate students, the Center is located on the University of Memphis campus, has extended evening and weekend hours, and is offered at low rates. Parents can sign their children up for as little as $30 a semester or $2.75 an hour.  All parents enrolled in classes are eligible enroll their children in the Center so long as their children have been vaccinated and there are spots available.

The early education programs include curricula based on the children’s developmental level, balancing child-directed and teacher initiated activities. The staff members focus on early literacy development and number recognition as well as enhancing children’s social and emotional skills. The Center promotes the children’s self-regulation through positive behavioral management, redirecting undesired behaviors and reinforcing appropriate behaviors.  Finally, understanding the nutritional young needs of children and lasting effects of early childhood nutrition, the Center provides three healthy meals and an afternoon snack. This quality care nourishes the children’s early development such that they can succeed later in life.

The Take Away:

Many parents with young children at the University of Memphis need reliable, affordable, and flexible childcare. To support these needs, the University of Memphis Child Development Center has been established, and it provides high-quality care that fosters strong foundational learning for these children while their parents attain higher education, strengthening the overall chances of the family and children’s future success.

For more information or to enroll a child go to their website: http://www.memphis.edu/childcareweb/