New UNL Child Care Center

Classes at UNL start next Monday..

That's also when the new University Child Care Center will open its doors for the first time to children of the students, staff and faculty that go there.

When you walk in the center's doors, security is the first thing on their minds.

As a parent, you'll be checked in through a UNL ID.  Then, you'll be buzzed through a door that remains locked at all times.

Child Care Director Tish Roland says, “we will buzz the appropriate people in… moms, dads, grandparents, emergency people… all who come to pick up their children.”

But once you get through the doors, you'll find ten different classrooms that will eventually hold up to 183 kids.

Not only are there heated floors and a full production kitchen, they also have things in place to track development.

There's even shadow boxes that will display digital pictures outside of each room.

One teacher there, Myrtle Bowleg says, “we're going to keep a record of when the kids come in so at the end of the day we can show parents what they're doing all day long.”

Currently, the center will care for about 90 kids, between ages six weeks and five years old.

You don't have to be associated with UNL to take your child there.

The new Child Care Center is a huge step for UNL. The university has lacked on-campus child care for decades.  Now, they have a center right in their backyard.

Associate Teacher Candace Kastrup says, “It's very close for them and it gives them the opportunity to continue doing their work and know that their children are here and safe and in a great environment.”

When the YWCA discontinued their care for UNL students and staff in 2007.

The university moved their Child Care Center inside Whittier School near 22nd and Vine Street.

Now, the center says they not only provide great care but convenience too.

“They can come visit anytime and we have an open door so we encourage parents to come in.”

There will be open house hours at the new center Thursday, August 20 and Friday, August 21 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

You can also call 402-472-2009 to set up a private tour.

For more information about the center, visit http://chilcare.unl.edu