Early education and child care expansion for UW families offered

The UW Office of Child Care and Family Resources is expanding its child care services for UW students, faculty and staff. For those with changing schedules where families may have unique part time care needs, the hourly/backup services provided at Little Chicks Learning Academy have been expanded, with additional infant toddler care opening by September.

As of June 3, Little Chicks Learning Academy opened a new facility, relocated at 5003 University Ave. (at the southeast corner of Whitney Way and University), closing its previous site at 3553 University Ave. The new site more than doubles the capacity for hourly/backup child care options for children ages 8 weeks to 6 years and is located in the same campus as the infant care program. Many families use this option temporarily until they can secure enrollment within a program, or when their regular provider is unavailable due to closing, illness or vacation. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays.

In September, eight additional fulltime infant/toddler spaces will open at the current Little Chicks location at 601 N. Whitney Way. Children enrolled at this center will be served within a “family style” multi-age classroom.

Mildly Ill Child Care: The OCCFR contracts with Maxim Health Care Services to provide in-home care for children of faculty, staff and student parents who are unable to attend their regular care provider due to illness. There is no charge for this service up to 12 hours of care annually.

The new center at 5003 University Ave., hourly/backup services, is under contract with the OCCFR to ensure that UW students, staff and faculty receive first priority for enrollment. The Kids-Kare Program, funded by the UW Women’s Philanthropy Council for faculty and staff and student government for student parents, provides reduced rate options for those that apply.